Mysest56 
November 13, 2018
Characterized by spare, whitewashed walls, rounded exterior corners that shield from meltemi (strong north winds), along with flat roofs for rainwater collection, a Cycladic home — the style you frequently see in postcard-perfect Greek island communities — conjures up fantasies of a escape for the majority of people. But for California native Elleni Makris along with her family, it is everyday life. “Our villa, Anassa, is a labour of love. I worked with bricklayers, stonemasons and plasterers to get everything just right and to create a feeling that is distinctly Mykonos,” she says.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Elleni and Zissis Makris and their two sons
Size: 4,843 square-foot
Location: Mykonos, Greece
That is interesting: Anassa, the name of the villa, means “deep, restful breath” or “sigh” in Greek.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
At the city of Mykonos, houses historically were built close to one another so that phrase about possible invaders would spread fast. Anassa is a little bit of an exception, as it sits on sprawling land. Elleni says, “We live in Anassa and let out the other villas on our compound to people.”
Mykonos Panormos Villas
The Makris family has an open-door coverage — guests come and go at any time of day. “The weather and our location in Mykonos promotes a tight-knit community,” says Elleni.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Only a walk from the villa lies Panormos Bay, where locals and expats float freely. “There are no crowds, and you get a wonderful mix of the various homeowners in Mykonos,” Elleni says. “We now have individuals from every corner of the globe, but in Panormos Bay, houses are owned largely by Italians, Germans and Greeks.”
An archaeological site nearby is believed to house the tomb of the Iliad‘s hero, Ajax.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Elleni purchased the antique carved doors from the living area (and other bits) from a junk dealer in Tripoli. “My carpenter built the frame and integrated the doors to hide the amusement centre,” she says.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
The rock floor tiles, from a quarry in northern Greece, were customized for the villa. The floor “has a classic finish and has been laid in a standard Byzantine pattern,” says Elleni.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Friends from California visit frequently, so the villa is frequently filled with people. “Our dining table has been custom built to our specifications with a local furniture builder,” says Elleni. Following Greek custom, lunch usually is served at 4 p.m. Guests and hosts alike lead to the food preparation, and meals are long and relaxing.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
“Cooking for lots of people at one time is sometimes a struggle, especially because I have sons that also have buddies. The men in the home are often responsible for grilling caught fish or local beef, goat or lamb,” says Elleni.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Elleni purchased the Moroccan tiles in this toilet from a tile store in Athens. They had been set into wet plaster onto the walls and floor and about the mirror. The marble faucet includes hand-carved detailing.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
This coffee table includes a carving of the Star of David in the middle of the frame.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Cross breezes and thick walls keep the home a comfortable temperature, so it is rare for the family to utilize the villa’s air conditioning. “I stuck with the conventional means of having the plaster [stretch] into the space about 6 inches, clearly demarcating spaces,” says Elleni.
A ceramic starfish, performed by friend and Greek artist Rosa Pappas, punctuates this distance.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Pappas also hand-painted the sea creatures that appear on such toilet walls and across the villa’s interior.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Elleni used conventional colored cement floors (above in white) for the villa’s seven bedrooms.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Elleni bought the two handmade brass sinks (above) on a visit to Morocco and had them installed in the villa’s downstairs baths.
Mykonos Panormos Villas
Mykonos Panormos Villas
The family hosts three full-moon parties during the year in their veranda and pool place (this photo and previous one). “The moon rises over the bay, and it is truly magical. The August full moon is the most enjoyable because the home is usually packed. It is a great way to close out the summer,” says Elleni.
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