“Kalpaka House”
This historic appartment in the centre of Athens has a very interesting story to tell. Its owners come from the Kalpaka family in Aivali in Asia Minor. The family, together with hundreds of thousands of Asia Minor Greeks, after years of percecution were finally expelled in 1922 to Greece, losing their homes and fortunes. Alexandra Kalpaka who was the second child of Panagis Kalpakas (a prominent businessman of his time) was a highly educated young girl who received her primary education in Aivali. When she, her sister Athina and their mother arrived in Greece as refugees, they had nothing in their possesion. In spite of the hardships the two young girls managed to continue their studies in Thessaloniki and become teachers. Finally, after a few years, they came to Athens and got a job at a local school in Pangrati. Their continuous commitment, ethos and hard work led the owner of the school to pass the management of the school to them. The Kalpaka sisters then founded and built a new and bigger private school which they named "The Kalpaka School". The school operated from 1932 to 1980. Alexandra Kalpaka got married to Adamantios Spanos in 1940 and some years later they built their house at Evrydikis Street. The land was bought in January 1959 and its first foundations were laid in 1961. The house is typical of Athenian architecture of the 1960's and was designed by the famous architect Oikonomidis-Doumbas. The house still retains much of its old character, but with some additions of modern comforts as well. It consists of a large entrance hall, a spacious living room and dining room, one bedroom, a study area, 1 bathroom and 1 WC with walk-in shower and a large kitchen. This wonderfully kept appartment is ideal for business travellers, friends and families who wish to relax or work and explore the city and its history.
“Manatades Cottage”
This spacious cottage was built around 1890. The owner, Stamatis Manatos, being a skillful engineer himself, designed and built the main house which was later extended. The cottage has a large wine cellar where, in the old days, the family used to store olive oil and wine. In the cellar they also kept all the necessary agricultural tools of the time as well as large oak barrels for the wine and a wine press. The cottage is typical of Corfiot architecture and consists of 3 spacious bedrooms, a bathroom, a dining area, a study room, a living room with cast-iron wood fire, a fully equiped kitchen and a smaller kitchen by the garden with a fireplace. From the veranda, one can enjoy the amazing views of Corfu's luscious landscape and St'Georges' glistening coastline. It is a stone-built house with spacious, sun-filled and airy rooms with beautiful views and its floors are made from Corfiot cypress trees wood. Manatades cottage is set in its own 2-stremma garden full of fruit, olive, cypress trees and vineyards.The owner's son, Elias Manatos, was an economist but also an active communist and an intellectual figure and in 1947 was sent to Makronisos in excile. He lived for some years in Athens and then returned to Corfu. Because of his love for literature and poetry, the house had an extensive library with many classic works but unfortunately only a few are still in good state today. Historic Greek Houses have tried to carefully restore the house and preserve its special character. Manatades cottage is a haven for couples, families and friends who are looking for some unforgettable memories away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and who are looking to be close to nature and experience the traditional Corfiot village life.
A thoroughly researched History Album, written for each of our houses, explores the story of each building and the people who owned it. Each house is carefully restored and its original character is kept and preserved for those travellers who wish to sit back, relax and enjoy the most memorable holidays...
— Historic Greek Houses