Perched above Kanalia Bay, this private Mykonian residence is a secluded summer retreat where Cycladic forms, stone textures and shaded terraces frame uninterrupted views of Chora, Little Venice and the Aegean. Organised around a pool and a sequence of open-air living spaces, it offers a refined interpretation of island life, generous, private and deeply connected to the horizon.
Set above the cliffs of Kanalia Bay, this private summer residence frames one of Mykonos’ most recognizable panoramas: the whitewashed profile of Chora, the windmills, Little Venice, and the shifting blue of the Aegean. Conceived as a secluded island retreat, the house balances the openness of summer living with the intimacy of a private estate.
The architecture draws on the familiar language of the Cyclades, white cubic volumes, stone walls, timber pergolas, shaded terraces, and reinterprets it through a contemporary lens. Traditional textures are paired with clean lines and generous outdoor spaces, creating a residence that feels both rooted in its setting and designed for effortless seasonal living.
Life here unfolds primarily outdoors. The main terrace acts as the center of the house, organized around a pool that appears to extend toward the horizon. Around it, sun decks, lounge areas, dining spaces and shaded pergolas create a sequence of open-air rooms, each oriented toward the sea and the sunset. The outdoor dining area, bar and summer kitchen support the rituals of Mediterranean hospitality, from long lunches under the pergola to evening gatherings by the pool. The property is arranged to accommodate both privacy and togetherness.
Inside, the atmosphere is calm and understated. A palette of white, stone, natural textures and dark accents reflects the island’s light while avoiding excess. Custom furnishings, sculptural lighting and carefully selected materials introduce a sense of refinement without interrupting the simplicity of the architecture.
Despite its secluded character, the residence remains closely connected to the island’s social and cultural life. Mykonos Town is a short drive away, while the elevated position preserves a sense of distance, silence and uninterrupted view. It is this duality, retreat and proximity, privacy and openness, architecture and landscape, that defines the experience of the house. The residence is a carefully composed summer setting: a place where Cycladic architecture, outdoor living and the theatrical beauty of the Aegean horizon come together with quiet confidence.
2019
2021
Architect: panos.nikolaidis.desigh
Project Architect: Panos Nikolaidis
Location: Mykonos, Greece
Building area: 550 m²
Building type: Residential – Summer house
Status: Completed
Date: 2020
Photography: Courtesy of the owner
Panos Nikolaidis