The Marble House
Allowing your family to enjoy the most sustainable house of the stunning hillside-village Kardiani. The Marble House, serves to demonstrate that a renovated ancient village house can combine sustainable features with quality design and comfort.
To experience the real Tinos, one must do so from a village. And of the many villages, Kardiani, located on the lush green hillside looking down onto the sea, is perhaps the most stunning. Strolling through the car-free streets up and down the marble stairs, one can easily imagine what life must've been like a century or two ago.
The Marble House will only enhance this unique experience, because it truly is one of a kind. From the Bricoleurs design duo comes a statement, demonstrating that good design and sustainability can be married, whilst restoring an ancient village house. Sharing this with others is essential to present the alternative to ongoing development of terraced land for luxury rentals. This is why they offer the limited possibility to enjoy the comforts and beauty of the Marble House.
Each bedroom can be closed off and has a private bathroom. One has a spectacular view of the sea, the other a separate entrance from outside. So it is easy for two couples to enjoy the house. The main area downstairs, with a desk, library, and lounge area, can be transformed into a sleeping quarters for two individuals, or in the case of smaller children even three, with their own bathroom.
Upstairs, positioned in the centre of the arch, you find the Bricoleurs all-purpose dining table that fits 10 people. In two corners of the living room seating areas offer late evening comfort. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, dishwasher, and induction cooking plate. Two sinks accommodate the chef and those walking in from outside, without them getting in each other's way.
Outside the kitchen area, a water harvesting planter provides herbs to cut for dinner and teas, whilst an early morning drink can be enjoyed on the oldest terrace, looking out over the sea. The second terrace, next to the living room, has a pergola covered with solar panels, offering afternoon shelter from the sun and the wind. The Leaf dining table fits 9 people, with the green backdrop from the planter guaranteeing ultimate relaxation in the afternoon breeze.
All outside areas have traditional low walls with seating. So, even though children have grown up in these villages for many centuries, we strongly recommend young children to only enter the terraces under strict supervision. The rooftop terrace even has a gate for that reason. It also has the most stunning view of the Kardiani surroundings. The grasses and succulents limit the winds somewhat, though it is best enjoyed on a more quiet day. And on the way, one can jump in a refreshing outside shower.
Aside the comfort of The Marble House, it is also a showcase of how village houses can contribute to a sustainable future. The three planters help to regulate outside temperatures and insulate the house. Moreover, they harvest grey and rainwater, collecting approximately 400 litres altogether. Grey-water is further harvested to be used for the toilet flushes downstairs, while the heat waterpump makes sure that up from 70% energy is saved when taking a hot shower. All electronic equipment is at least A+ labelled and all light fixtures are LED. The highly efficient solar-cells worked into the pergola, guarantee that on an average day the energy use is negative, with excess energy fed to the grid.
Much of the cooling is achieved by ventilation, but if air conditioning is required, you can control it remotely to accommodate your needs. The same goes for the outside and (most of the) inside lights. So you can choose to switch things on just before arriving, as to come back to a cool and well lit house. Wifi spots throughout the house can provide connections with the outside world. But with two private entrances just off the main street, you can also enjoy your peace and privacy.
Make your travel greener by booking with Ecobnb.
No prepayment needed
Subsequently, the accommodation could request a deposit.
Ecosustainability
- Supporting the local economy
- Motion sensors lights
- 100% renewable energy
- Organic or Local Food
- Car-free accessibility
- Ecological cleaning products
- More than 80% waste recycling
- Energy saving lights
- Green building
- Solar thermal panels for hot water
- Water flow reducers
- Recovery & reuse of rainwater
- Towel change on request
- Natural conditioning or class A air conditioning
- Appliances in energy class A
- High efficiency boiler > 90%
- Water-saving toilets
- Fair trade products
- Biodiversity of green areas
Service
- Kitchenette
- Electric Vehicles Charging
- Internet
- Breakfast included
- Organic garden
- Bicycles
- Ecotourism itineraries
- Wellness center
- Accessibility
- Small pets allowed
- Hairdryer
- Reading room
- Play area for children
- Air conditioning
- Own entrance
- Covid-19 Safety measures
Wonderful
2 Reviews
Heather
7 months ago
We had the most wonderful stay at Richard's house. The village is stunningly beautiful and the house is a dream. In my experience accommodations often do not live up the photos provided but this house was even more perfect in reality. From the well organized kitchen full of the most amazing kitchenware and spices etc to the fantastic towels and soap products, we were really happy to stay at The Marble House. Communications were extremely clear and Richard provided really helpful information about the island, restaurants etc. The weather was not ideal when we were there so it made the house even more of a refuge. We would highly recommend this perfectly designed house to anyone looking for a quiet and lovely place to stay. Kardiani is a great midpoint on the island and access is quite easy to various parts of the island. Thank you Richard!
It has been noticed: Green building, Energy saving lights, Solar thermal panels for hot water, Car-free accessibility, Recovery & reuse of rainwater, Water flow reducers.
Charles edmond
7 months ago
We spent 15 marvelous days in the Marble House. Richard and Mario create a really beautiful and comfortable place, located in the very authentic village of Kardiani. The house have all you need to sleep very well, cook and spend time on one of the great terraces. Richard was always here for us when we needed anything. Its a wonderful host. Thanks a lot Richard and Mario, we hope to be back one day.
It has been noticed: Organic or Local Food, Green building, Energy saving lights, Solar thermal panels for hot water, Ecological cleaning products, Car-free accessibility, Recovery & reuse of rainwater, Water flow reducers.
Dear Charles and Katja,
Thank you for the wonderful review. It was great to have your family over, and hope to see you again in the future. All the best in Paris!
best wishes,
Richard
The Marble House
Share
Share on
Share on