One of the few buildings where the old did not yield to the new is found in Vyzitsa, at Pelion and is Archondiko Karagiannopoulou, a house built in 1791 that is kept almost intact through time, thanks to the careful work and attention of its various owners.
That’s because when an old house is converted into a guesthouse, the need for comfort and luxury usually gives way to the need to keep the authentic features of the building. So, any renovation is accompanied by a series of interventions that alter its character, thus creating a veneer of age.
In 1988, the architects of the Greek Tourism Organization converted the mansion into a guesthouse, creating only six rooms and leaving all the other areas intact. “Ondas” (rooms) and sitting rooms, woodcut painted ceilings, stained glass windows, everything keeps its humble, almost monastic simplicity. The areas are decorated with traditional pieces of furniture of Pilio and antiques.
The breakfast area, where many local dishes are served is found on the ground floor. However, the most beautiful spot for breakfast is the mansion’s courtyard, which is verdurous and full of flowers.
Archondiko Karagiannopoulou is a characteristic building of Pilio and a remarkable example of the local architecture and decoration. It is a discreet, quality guesthouse that brings back to mind memories and images of times gone by, without excess or discount.