HISTORY OF THE HOTEL
The 19th century saw a significant migration from Pelion (and all over Greece) to Egypt, where economic conditions and a supportive political climate were very favourable for the Greek community there, who essentially were holding much of the commerce and a large part of Egypt’s industry. Those who immigrated from Mt Pelion to Egypt (called ‘egiptiotes’; Αιγυπτιωτες) returned to their home villages quite wealthy and built magnificent mansions.
The current ‘Nostos Country House,’ built by the Mboulambasiss family who had immigrated to Egypt in the latter part of 1800s, is one such example. It is located in the conservation village of Tsagarada, in the St Stephanos square. The original main mansion (arhontiko; αρχοντικο) dates back to 1899 (as shown in an engraved stone near the top of the roof; a common practice of roofers at the time) and was completed circa 1908 (as shown in the marble stone over the entrance).
Marble stones were brought in from Egypt, palm trees were planted, and servants were from Africa/Egypt. These types of mansions differ from the traditional architecture of Pelion, as they are of Doric order, a strict geometric style, introduced neoclassical features, influenced by the architecture found in Europe and colonial Africa. The use of marble stones, the style of wooden doors and windows or the iron metal balconies are features that are not found in traditional mansions in the region.
The side house (paraspito; παρασπιτο) dates at least 50 years earlier than the main building, as the way it was built (less expensive stones, no marbles, stones stuck together with mud instead of pozzolan, etc), was common style during the Turkish occupation era. The side house was used as a kitchen/cooking area with the servants’ quarter (upstairs) and storage or space for the animals (in the lower part).
During the civil war in Greece between nationalists and communists immediately after WWII (1946-1949), the house was taken up by the national army, as due to its location and panoramic views the army had great visibility from all sides and was used as their headquarters for this mountainous region. When the army left, the communist rebels burnt the main house and internally everything from the original house was destroyed. The mansion was never restored after that and never lived in, becoming a derelict house over the years, slowly rusting away.
Restoration
Restoration of the buildings by its current owner lasted for 3 years, from May 2020 to May 2023. The plan was to restore the building to its original glory, respecting its history and architectural features, using material that are congruent with the ways such mansions were built at the time, and creating a living example of how such a mansion would have been. All the pre-existing structures of the buildings were integrated into functional spaces.
The open roof, traditional Pelion roof style, is one of the largest in existence and an example of great and unique craftmanship from local roofers. The ‘armos’ (the material filling gaps and holes in between stones in external and internal walls) was done purely by hand, inch by inch, across all buildings. An old fireplace in the original servants’ room was preserved. The internal wood fire oven was restored and made functional and usable. The internal wooden staircases (‘hanging’ staircase style) are another example of unique craftsmanship, being a complex and technically difficult to be done, the majority of it has been handmade. The wooden gate in the estate is about four hundred years old, coming from a derelict medieval mansion, fully restored with attention to detail; another example of unique restorative work.
The renovation was not only sensitive to history, tradition and materials used but also tried to bring in a tranquil and subtle modern luxury. The design aimed at combining the charm of the old with the comfort of the new.
The deep stone walls (measuring in diameter around 80cm) were supported by cement injections (particularly the damaged side house walls). Pozzolan was the primary material used as a supplementary cementitious material, to reduce the environmental impact of modern cement. Foundations under the mansion were added. Even the side house that was in a bad shape and the wall was often ‘knitted’ with branches of ivy, it was structurally uplifted and only stones from ruins of other small buildings found on the grounds of the mansion were used to maintain the aesthetics of the old side house, where rebuild was necessary. Metal work preserved the original iron balcony and the railings in the marble stoned staircase leading to the main building.
Alongside preserving history, the design also considered the environment and environmental sustainability. For example, fireplaces are all energy-saving, producing more heat from the use of the same amount of wood compared to open fireplaces. Heat pumps are the main source of energy and hot water for all buildings. Wood frames (external doors and windows) were selected to also be energy-efficient, using African Niangon timber. New internal walls have all been insulated. Over the next three years the plan is continuing to incorporate further renewable sources of energy as it grows as a business.
The visitors can also see a medieval marble water basin in the external tap in the front garden, and an original example of a water well, also in the garden. While all furniture is handmade and designer ones, some examples of antique late 19th/early 20th century furniture exist, each one having its own history.
Services & Amenities
- Free Breakfast (8.00-11.00)
- Breakfast service at rooms on request
- Early breakfast service upon request
- Supply of breakfast in special packages on request
- Free parking on site and off street
- Sit and relax: Bar lounge (1st floor of main building),
sitting area under the pergola,
various corners in the estate - Air conditioning
- Non-smoking rooms
- 12 hours front desk
- 12 hours room service (8.30 a.m. – 8.30 p.m.)
- Concierge Service
- Baggage service (from the reception to the rooms)
- Free wi-fi within rooms and communal areas
- Baby cot on request
- Several types of pillows can be chosen through our pillow menu
- COCOMAT mattress and linen
- Safe in the room
- Afternoon turndown service on request
- In-room kettle, tea/coffee making facilities
- Nespresso machine in the room
- Mini bar and small fridge
- Zealots luxury natural toiletries
- Washing and ironing services
- Iron and ironing board on request
- Luggage storage in a storage room
- Smart TV
- We meet the needs of guests with special dietary requirements
Hotel Policies
- In high season, a minimum of a 2-night stay is required. Children younger than 12 stay for free.
- Pets are welcomed in the suites/rooms that have direct access to the grounds of the hotel, including the Nessus suite, the Thereas suite and Elatus room.
- Guests may check into their rooms after 15:00 on the date of arrival. Rooms must be vacated by 11:00 on the date of departure.
- A 50% additional charge applies for holding the room until 18:00. After that time, the room is charged at full price.
- Bills may be paid in cash or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or bank transfer. Children younger than 12 stay for free.
Cancellation Policies
- Room booking is confirmed by an advance payment of 50% of the total booking value (by credit card or bank transfer).
- All payments are made exclusively in euros.
- In case of booking by email or phone, you must, within 1 working day, deposit the amount of the advance payment to the bank account of Nostos Country House that we will indicate to you. In your deposit you should state your full name and the length of your stay.
- Any bank transfer or currency conversion costs are solely your responsibility.
- We follow the current Greek National Tourism Organisation cancellation rules
- You have the right to cancel your reservation for any reason. No charge is applied for cancellations made more than 22 days before the expected arrival date. Any advance payment is returned.
- 50% of the total booking cost is withheld for cancellations made within 21 days of the expected arrival date.
- The total cost of the booking is charged in case of non-shows, early departure or late arrival.