37°23’57”N, 24°51’50”E Syros II Hideaway, Greece

This holiday home on Syros, masterfully designed by Block722 architects+ Sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou, celebrates outdoor living.

White-washed plaster walls; polished marble and rough-cut bedrock stone ground the property. Like Syros’ scattering of coastal caves, the site is oriented towards the sunset, a natural amphitheatre for the dramatic seascape. Inside, the island’s importance as a historic craft centre and seafarer’s refuge is referenced with beaten copper, fine art and fishermen’s baskets. A chic palette of white, worn wood and aquatic blues – patterned tiles in the kitchen; a turquoise rug creating a patch of ocean on the granite floor – keeps the feel bright and breezy.

In the main house there are three bedrooms, a spacious living area and kitchen. From the window of the master bedroom, you can dip your feet in the infinity pool. The two smaller double bedrooms are perfect for children or easy-going couples. On cool days, retreat to the sheltered outdoor hot tub or snuggle up beside the double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplace; in fair weather, barbecue some fresh local fish for lunch, or stretch out under a macramé-trimmed parasol.

Built into the hillside you’ll find a guesthouse with another two doubles – both with double bed and additional alcove bed (perfect for kids), ensuite bathrooms and private patios, connected by a kitchenette with a single sofa-bed and an enclosed courtyard for undisturbed relaxing and reading in the hammock.

This luxe holiday home is ideal for breaks with extended family and friends. And if you’re a bigger tribe, book in combination with Syros I Hideaway on adjacent plot.

How far to the nearest…

• Resident/Neighbour 300m
• Beach 500m
• Café/Restaurant 600m
• Shop 800m
• Town 1km
• Domestic airport 12km / 20-min drive

Location Just a handful of miles across at its widest point, this undiscovered Cycladic island is small enough to traverse in a day – your hilltop location is completely private but moments from beaches, edifying culture and adventure.

Build Constructed using state-of-the-art technology and traditional techniques, with local materials, including stone from the site.

Energy Solar power collected by photovoltaics, a geothermal boiler powering underfloor heating and cooling, and naturally insulating stone walls make the house virtually passive. Rain and waste water is collected for re-use; additional water comes from the local supply.

Digital detox No TVs, except one in the main living area. WiFi on demand.

Creature comforts Indoor/outdoor Sonos sound system. Heated, unchlorinated saltwater infinity pool and jacuzzi. Fully equipped kitchen. Outdoor shower, alfresco gym, summer kitchen with BBQ. Coffee machine. Landline. Local mobile phone for emergency use.

Winter’s stiff breeze draws kitesurfers and hikers; spring’s cobalt skies fill with birdsong, while rising temperatures trigger an explosive bloom of wildflowers and silvery herbs. Syros is a delight in summer, when the island’s population is swelled by Athenians, but from October to April, you can enjoy the people and the place in total peace.

Go slow

Explore authentic villages by bike in autumn; hike donkey tracks across the rugged interior in winter. Learn to sail or charter a boat and seek out your own private beach. Saddle up for horseback expeditions with Cyclades Riding Club.

Pluck oregano, thyme and sage from your garden to pair with fresh grilled fish, or pick out featherlight filo-wrapped bougatsa pastries and picnic-perfect spanakopita from the nearby Bakery.

Practice yoga at sunset. Keep a botanical diary and record tiny wild irises, wild saffron, sea lilies and flowering herbs. Watch the interplay of light and shade dancing across the waves and at night lose your gaze in an ocean of stars.

Engage

Explore authentic villages by bike in autumn; hike donkey tracks across the rugged interior in winter. Climb up to Pherecydes’ cave to pay homage to the inventor of the sundial, or down to wild swimming spots: your nearest – Kokkina’s wind-sheltered, tamarisk-shaded cove – is a few minutes away. Follow the scent of spring flowers to secluded Varvarousa bay. Learn to sail or charter a boat from Finikas or Kini and seek out your own private beach, or visit cave-carved coastal chapel Agios Stefanos. Swim and snorkel off the soft sands at Agathopes, or saddle up for horseback expeditions with Cyclades Riding Club. Art and archaeology await in abundance: Syros’ sophisticated cultural calendar spans film festivals and heritage events.

Savour

Sweet sea breezes and blazing light nurture flavorsome cliff-grown capers and sun-dried tomatoes, delicious dairy produce (including spicy, nutty San Michali cheese), organic beef and pork laced with local fennel. Pluck oregano, thyme and sage from your garden to pair with fresh grilled fish, or seek out featherlight filo-wrapped bougatsa pastries and picnic-perfect spanakopita from nearby Ntanos Bakery in Finikas – the island’s best – and take them to your favourite beach. Finikas also hosts Syros’ best fishmongers and butcher’s: Prinias supplies leading restaurants with its organic meat, including avant-garde Greek eatery Peri Tinos in Ermapoulis. Around the bay in Poseidonia, family-friendly Le Perroquet Tranquille, set in a traditional stone house with a pretty garden, offers a Provençal twist on local fare. Romance abounds at Mazi in Ermapoulis, a wonderful setting in a secret garden draped with curtains of trailing greenery.