19th-Century fort with tower turned into charming guesthouse in Greece

When architects Kostas Zouvelos and Kassiani Theodorakakou were asked to update an early 19th-century fort with a tower, beautiful things happened.

Located on the coastline of Cape Tainaron, Greece, the Tainaron Blue Retreat is wonderful guesthouse with plenty of history. The architects have restored the monument with dedicated care, preserving its thick stonewalls and adding some extra features that increased its original charm.

The Tainaron Blue Retreat rises from a crag overlooking the Greek coastline of Cape Tainaron. Originally a 19th-century fortified tower, it was restored and converted into a luxury 3-suites accommodation. Although the architects had to deal with conservation regulations and a detailed restoration, the final look is very charming thanks to the stonewalls and tower.

All stonewalls where reinforced using a traditional mortar known as ‘kourasani‘, made from local Theraic soil, ceramic powder, lime, river sand and a bit of cement. As well as the iconic tower, other features include a patio, a terrace and cool infinity pool that blend into the landscape. Renovated with care and local materials, this former fortified tower is the place to stay at Greece’s Cape Tainaron.