At Home in Greece

Description

From the one-room cubic Cycladic houses that inspired Le Corbusier to imposing Venetian towers integrated into the surrounding rocks, an astonishing collection of homes is revealed here. Each has the sure imprint of the people who inhabit it, whether expressing the epitome of cool minimalism or a sumptuous lifestyle, but throughout the distinctively appealing architectural style of Greece can be seen again and again. The stories of the people who have lovingly restored or commissioned these homes are recounted in the engaging texts and reflected in the images. Some have created contemporary interiors with reinforced concrete, brick and iron; others have used entirely traditional materials and methods.

Invaded over the centuries by Romans, Venetians, Turks – and now tourists – Greece has still managed to retain its own style. Julia Klimi’s stunning photographs capture the essence of Greece, reflecting the incredible light in this part of the Mediterranean and showing the regional variations from the Greek Islands – the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, the Saronic and the Ionian Islands – as well as the mainland, including Athens and the Peloponnese. Outside spaces, many with views of the sea, are also featured, from verandas merging into swimming pools and shaded marble paths leading to secret gardens, to courtyards surrounded by olive trees.

Julia Klimi gained unrivalled access to thirty-five private homes and captured their essence perfectly. One can imagine oneself on a lounge chair looking out at the Aegean, playing cards in front of a log fire in an Epirus house, enjoying a view of the Acropolis.