A Greek escape gets the Bryan O’Sullivan treatment
Known for his famously glamorous-yet-welcoming interiors – in private homes as well as hot hangouts at hotels such as The Berkeley – Bryan O’Sullivan Studio was presented with an intriguing challenge when it came to updating this villa on the southern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. How to create comfortable, pared-back spaces that would flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, without reverting to the traditional blue-and-white villa style most commonly associated with the Greek islands?
The property consists of a main house spread over three floors plus three guest cottages set in lush gardens – landscaped by Tomasso Del Buono – that lead directly to the sea.
Initially intending to treat it to a light touch transformation, Bryan and his team ended up embarking upon an architectural refurb which took just over a year to complete and involved stripping the buildings back to their structural frames and putting them back together, as well as relocating the stairs, extending the kitchen and rearranging all the guest bedrooms and en suites. Widening the windows enhanced the dreamy views of the island of Spetses.
To create the desired cosy, relaxed atmosphere, Bryan opted for a warm yet neutral palette for the rooms, harnessing Bauwerk’s subtle shades and finding inspiration in the colours of the hydrangeas in the gardens to inspire the deep pastel tones of the furniture and soft furnishings.
Timber flooring by Arbony in some rooms adds a touch of rustic warmth underfoot, while others are clad in limestone in different finishes for a subtly layered effect. In the bathrooms, local marbles were used on the vanity units, with ironmongery from Van Cronenburg and brassware by Water Monopoly.
The finished result has a fresh, relaxed charm, with comfortable spaces inviting guests to sit down and relax. But most important of all, the outdoors – both immediate and at a distance – is made an integral part of the interiors, through colour and carefully positioned windows and doors framing the vista. A place dedicated to getting the most out of every precious holiday moment, bryanosullivan.com.
