Villa Mandra by K-Studio

Today we’re escaping to Mykonos with a look at the stunning Villa Mandra by Athens-based architectural practice K-Studio. Built on the idea of slow, laid-back summer living, the six bedroom holiday house was created for a young, dynamic couple to enjoy with their family and friends. Sitting on the ridge of the hill of Aleomandra, Villa Mandra looks straight out to sea and the sunset over the neighbouring island of Delos, celebrating its spectacular view from a grounded viewpoint blended into a sensitively landscaped, stone-walled garden that screens it from the road behind.

Built to encourage mindful connection with family, friends and the freedom to exist peacefully in nature, form follows emotion rather than function, as every space becomes another opportunity for rest, reflection and exploration.

The house’s character is defined by a palette of traditional materials such as lime-wash, stone and wood that have been applied and engineered with contemporary techniques that bridge heritage and locality with contemporary life. Simple white volumes and hand-built stone walls are built around a large courtyard living area which is covered by an expansive but lightweight chestnut pergola. A focal point for the house, the courtyard is seamlessly connected to the living room and kitchen, overlooking the pool and gardens beyond. Enriched by natural materiality and inspired by contemporary summer living, the considered design includes private bedrooms separated from the living areas for privacy, with quiet uninterrupted views over the lower garden and sea.