People come and go, but these buildings stand for decades, often surrendered to the wear and tear of time. However, for some neoclassical and historical properties, at least those that escaped the "paving" of Athens, a window of opportunity opens for a second life.
Neoclassical and historical properties that have undergone radical renovation constitute a distinct category in the market and certainly cater to a special audience who, apart from financial means, possess the knowledge to be charmed by their past.
Most are located in popular central areas of Athens, such as Plaka, Thissio, Kolonaki, while others, counting even two or three centuries of life, are found in island destinations such as Corfu, Syros, Rhodes, but also mainland ones, such as Pelion. These properties are offered by large real estate agencies with international reach and at high prices. What is certain, however, is that they stand out even compared to much more expensive modern properties, carrying within them a whole history, as well as the imprint of the people who built and lived in them in the past.
Elysian View certainly belongs in the category of the most privileged properties for sale today in the capital, as it is located... adjacent to the Acropolis Museum. Rightly described as "one of the most unique neoclassical buildings in Athens," it celebrates its 101st anniversary this year. Originally built as a family home in 1923, and having undergone a "meticulous transformation" in 2021, the building houses three separate apartments and staff quarters. With an area of 465 sq.m., it has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
Elysian View, a few meters from the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou, extends over four levels and culminates in a 108 sq.m. rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the city. The property can be used as three independent units with designated staff space or converted into a luxurious single-family residence, depending on the wishes of the new owner, who, in order to acquire it, will have to pay a price corresponding to its uniqueness, amounting to 12.8 million euros (27,527 euros per sq.m.), which places it on the list of the most expensive properties in Athens. It is being marketed by Greece Sotheby's International Realty, as well as Engel & Völkers.
In the same area and at the foot of the Acropolis is Rosette, which is offered by Greece Sotheby's International Realty. It is a carefully restored, listed residence, just a few steps away from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou. With a price of 3.3 million euros (12,088 euros/sq.m.), it has an area of 273 sq.m. with a 90 sq.m. courtyard and a 78 sq.m. roof garden with unobstructed views of the Acropolis, while it includes 5 rooms and 3 bathrooms.
"Every detail of this residence has been carefully considered and masterfully restored, such as the ornate plasterworks adorning the ceilings, the wooden floors, and the traditional tiles, while the bathrooms are clad in the famous Dionysos marbles, adding a touch of eternal luxury," as emphasized. Aeolis, in the Plaka area and near the Acropolis Museum, is also being marketed by the same agency, with a price of 5.1 million euros.
It is a 1930s art-deco mansion, with an area of 840 sq.m., on a 343 sq.m. plot. It has 14 rooms, 9 bathrooms, and currently operates as a guesthouse. The exterior of the property is characterized as "protected," while the interior spaces consist of a ground floor, three floors, and a basement. According to the listing, it could be converted into a luxury boutique hotel, something that makes it an "ideal investment opportunity," or alternatively become a unique family home.
Among the many offerings of Greece Sotheby's International Realty, Mayson stands out, located in the heart of Kolonaki. It is a "historic building of 1930, surrounded by emblematic monuments and offering unparalleled possibilities for conversion into a private residence." Developed on three levels, including a ground floor space with a separate entrance and an attic, it boasts a grand entrance hall, high ceilings with exquisite original details, and elegant herringbone wood flooring.
The total area of 470 sq.m. includes 420 sq.m. of living space and 50 sq.m. of auxiliary space. "Spanning almost a century, Mayson stands as a testament to time, retaining a wealth of historical elements that whisper stories of its remarkable heritage," it is characteristically noted. Its price is 2.9 million euros.
From the same agency, Eaton is offered in Mavili Square, opposite the American embassy and the Megaron Concert Hall. A 1930s apartment, on the top floor, reminiscent of the era of Europe's Grande Société. It has an area of 273 sq.m., and its price is 1.13 million euros.
Also, among the distinct offerings of Greece Sotheby's International Realty is the "famous" Madison in the Kypseli area. Famous because, as noted, "it is intertwined with the city's cultural mosaic and the world of international cinema and the media, having served all these years as a backdrop for numerous film and video productions." It has an area of 350 sq.m., has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, while "the generous dimensions of each room reflect the architectural grandeur of the 1930s." Its price is 980,000 euros.
Historical properties that are true gems are not only found in Attica, but also throughout Greece. Starting with the famous Antico Rosso in Corfu, offered by Greece Sotheby's International Realty at a price of 8 million euros. It is an estate of impressive beauty, once belonging to one of the most prominent families of Corfu, which has been restored to its original glory by its current owners.
The property was acquired in 2020 by Henry Holterman, head of the Dutch investment group Reggeborgh and major shareholder of Ellaktor. The 17th-century residence, built on the ruins of a 13th-century monastery, has undergone all the difficult renovation work, has two floors with an area of 1,750 sq.m., and has a 20-meter indoor pool. The residence is surrounded by a 100-acre estate with an ancient olive grove and a multitude of other trees.
Also in Corfu, on the outskirts of the village of Kompitsi, is Venetian Campanile, dating from 1742 and renovated 30 years ago. It is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved traditional Corfiot mansions. The property can be used as a single residence or as a boutique hotel. Arranged in three wings, with an area of 800 sq.m., it has 10 bedrooms, 7 of which are en-suite. It is developed on a plot of 5,964 sq.m. and is sold for 2.5 million euros.
On the aristocratic island of Syros, there are several historic properties, such as Château, which is developed on a 4,240 sq.m. estate. With 5 bedrooms, high beamed ceilings, and many special features, the Chateau "showcases the timeless beauty of its architecture and design." Located in the Poseidonia area, it has an interior area of 646 sq.m. and offers stunning sea views. Its price is 3 million euros.
Perched atop Ano Syros, just below the Monastery of St. George, Syrah, is a historic property with its entrance dating back to the late 12th, early 13th century. Built as a fortress to protect from pirate attacks, it offers panoramic views of Ermoupolis and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. Its stone walls hark back to bygone eras, yet are combined with the modern comforts of today. In its 220 sq.m., it has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, and its price is 1.7 million euros.
Offered furnished by Sotheby's is the stately Aurelia, in Ermioni, Argolida. An exceptional 19th-century country residence, developed on a 21-acre estate. The 341 sq.m. property has 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and spacious living rooms. Its price is 2.5 million euros.
Another special property offered by the same agency is Metropolis in Rhodes. It is located within the city, dates from 1899, and has been radically renovated according to the neoclassical style and the strict standards required for a listed building. Its price is 650,000 euros.