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House History
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Cyprus History and
Archeology
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House History
It is not
known exactly when Kontoyiannis House
was actually built or what it originally looked like.
The only think that is known is that it was first built
in the later years of the Turkish occupation and in the
Northeastern part of the site owned by the father of
Kontoyiannis, Chistofi and his wife Lambou.
(You can
also find a Photo History
of the House on this site) |
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The house
known as Kontoyiannis House was originally
the house
of Yiannis Kontoyiannis
and was inherited
by his younger daughter Polixeni who is the current owner. |
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At the time when Mr. Kontoyiannis' seven children were growing up, the house was at its
glory. The old part of the house which can be seen on the other side of the wall in the
courtyard (and was later sold) was used as the stable and for storage. The stables housed
poultry, and other animals; including oxen and horses.
There were many servants and workers for the land and at mealtimes the garden was often
full of trestle tables with up to 50 or so people. Any VIP or church dignitary visiting
the area was always accommodated at the house and was usually given the large top bedroom
(in which most of the Kontoyiannis clan was born).
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The architecture of the house has the characteristics of houses built in the later
years of Turkish rule; that is thick strong stone built walls, large rooms, inner arches,
partitions of rooms, courtyard and numerous windows. The extension to the house began
between 1870 and 1890 and included the upper floor with two external staircases (none
internally) and wooden balconies. |
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In the period between 1956 - 1986 the house was uninhabited. In 1983 it was renovated
but with great care to keep its character and make sure it was representative of a
traditional Cyprus village house; this was done with guidance from the Cyprus Tourist
Organization. It was decided to convert the building into four spacious self-contained
apartments.
Every room was designed and constructed to European specifications, with space and
comfort in mind; at the same time insuring the traditional feel is not lost. Kontoyiannis
House satisfies all safety and operational specifications required by the Electricity,
Health, Fire and town planning Authorities of Cyprus.
The house officially opened its doors in the summer of 1995 and operates under the
newly established 'Agrotourism' scheme of the
Cyprus tourist organisation. It is
also member of the Cyprus Agrotourism
Company which was formed to promote Agrotourism in Cyprus.
Visitors to the house and those who have spent their holiday there have been very happy;
most have returned and do so whenever they can. They feel a sense of belonging! |
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Location:
Kalavasos is centrally located for easy access to the rest of the
Island. It is 5 minutes drive from ‘Governors Beach’, 20 minutes from Limassol,
35 minutes from Nicosia and 30 minutes from Larnaca and Larnaca Airport. It is
now only a one hour drive to Paphos.
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