In today’s topsy-turvy world, the mighty Acropolis, which still looms large over Athens some 2,500 years after it was built, is an enduring and much-needed symbol of democratic ideals and of resilience. Despite everything history and humanity has thrown at it — the years of neglect, foreign invasions and natural disasters — it somehow still stands.
The ancient citadel comprises a myriad of buildings. The Parthenon is the most famous, dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena, patroness of Athens, but there’s also the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. And in its shadow, a neo-classical villa that’s currently for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty, for just under €10million. Actually, two houses — one fully renovated, and one in need of some love and care.
It is an extraordinary opportunity to live in such close proximity — almost touching distance — to one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
The first house occupies 435 sq m of space comprising a kitchen, living and dining areas, a grand staircase and four bedrooms — each one with a different view. There’s plenty of marble and natural light, plus a garden courtyard and a two-car driveway — a ‘rare find in this central location,’ according to the listing. The adjacent property measures 257 sq m, big enough to create at least three additional bedrooms should the mood take you. The roof terrace offers unbeatable 360-degree views of the Greek capital and all of its architectural gems.
The building’s facade is a soft apricot colour, studded with evenly-spaced green-shuttered windows and Corinthian pilasters. Ivy has been allowed to grow up the sides which, rather than ruining the effect, has helped to soften the sometimes overwhelming symmetry.
Competition among hopeful buyers is likely to be high: last year, house prices in Athens rose nearly 8% year-on-year in the last quarter and there are no signs of demand easing off. There are also new hotels and restaurants aplenty, including The Dolli and Monument, and an increasing focus in the travel world on where to go in Greece beyond its islands.
It might just be time to throw your hat into the ring — or live to regret it.
Athenian Legacy is for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty for €9,500,000. Click here for more information and pictures.
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expectThe four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
-
Sign of the times: In the age of the selfie, what’s happening to the humble autograph?When Ringo Starr announced that he was no longer going to sign anything, he kickstarted a celebrity movement that coincided with the advent of the camera phone and selfie. Rob Crossan asks whether, in today’s world, the selfie holds more clout than an autograph?
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expect
The four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealedNew research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of EnglandCome for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River TayCarnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in KentNorth Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streetsThis six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
