Hotel

Apeiros Chora

Kato Pedina, Epirus, Greece

Apeiros Chora combines a family atmosphere with the harmonious fusion of old and new. The historical authenticity of the old house has been preserved, including the original structure and unique features such as hidden rooms and an underground passage. The mansion, which has existed since the 16th century and has been renovated several times, is now in the eighth generation of the family. The owners, deeply rooted in the region, offer personal attention and are very knowledgeable.

The guesthouse is a typical stone house of Zagori villas, respecting local architectural traditions. Guests can experience the rich history and culture of Zagori villages while having access to modern technology and eco-friendly materials. The hosts' goal is to combine cultural heritage with modern sustainability and personalized service.

Each room in the manor house is uniquely decorated, with a mix of traditional and rural, Provencal-European style with a touch of classic urban influences. Cozy lounges and common areas invite you to relax. The guest house's location is also ideal for exploring the extraordinary nature and sights of Zagori.


Rooms + Rates

per night
Doppelzimmerfrom200 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureThe classic Zagori house was originally built to protect against harsh weather conditions and raids. The fortress-like structure with fortified entrances, loopholes, barred windows, hidden rooms and underground escape routes was preserved. Despite its three-storey construction, the house blends unobtrusively into the natural slope. The house was built from local stone and wood, the roof is covered with slate tiles. The interiors offer a visible contrast to the austere exterior, with large oak timbers and hand-crafted stone paving that add a traditional feel. The renovation preserved the cultural, historical and architectural values ​​of the mansion and added modern amenities, such as energy-efficient solutions and smart home features, to ensure a relaxing holiday.

FoodThe guesthouse offers an included breakfast with a mix of local and international cuisine. Local organic produce is used and all food waste is recycled to feed village dogs and cats and create nutrient-rich soil.

The guesthouse has always made it a priority to hire local staff. Although it has been difficult to find qualified local staff recently, the hosts have successfully hired only local staff for the past ten years. They have achieved this by offering various incentives, such as internal and external training programs.

EnvironmentThe property is equipped with biological wastewater treatment plants and uses renewable energy sources such as pellets and solar energy for heating. Energy-efficient glass with low emissions ensures optimal insulation, and the heat and energy autonomy per room allows individual control. Energy-saving lamps (LED) and ceiling fans instead of air conditioning contribute to energy efficiency. Rainwater is collected in a cistern and used for irrigation purposes, while environmentally friendly cleaning products minimize the ecological footprint. The hosts support the local community in meeting its environmental obligations. Guests are informed about the sustainability measures in the past and after the last renovation.

Well-BeingThe guest house has a spa with jacuzzi and hammam, open during the winter period from mid-October to mid-May. A masseur can be booked on many winter weekends by arrangement. The region offers numerous activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, cycling and truffle hunting. At guests' request, tailor-made arrangements can be made in cooperation with a local outdoor activity company.


Characteristics

  • 8th generation family-run guesthouse in a 16th century Zagori manor house typical of the region
  • Located in the heart of Zagori, one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Greece
  • Family atmosphere and personal service
  • Tradition meets modern comfort and sustainability
  • Breakfast with organic products from the region
  • Numerous activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, cycling and truffle hunting in the surrounding area
  • Also suitable for events and parties

Guesthouse2 rooms + 4 suitesBreakfast + partly own cooking facilitiesChildren welcomeWi-Fino disabled accessno PoolPets allowed

Features

  • Guest house with two rooms and four suites
  • Breakfast included in the room rate
  • One of the suites has a small kitchenette
  • Dinner can be served on request
  • Kitchen, library, lounge and bar
  • Beautiful garden and courtyard
  • Spa area with jacuzzi and hammam (from mid October to mid May)
  • Massages can be booked on request

Testimonials

The most intriguing aspect of Apeiros Chora, though, is how it looks more like a home than a guesthouse thanks to its numerous common areas, especially the kitchen, which has always been the heart of the building. The space also includes a lounge area, separate living rooms for the winter and summer, an entertainment area with board games, a PlayStation console, a chess board, and a bridge table (the area is soundproofed to allow guests to have fun without disturbing other guests), a massage room, a spa with a jacuzzi and hammam, a cellar that a previous generation’s family member had sealed off with mud to keep valuables hidden, and a bar where you can enjoy top-shelf labels like “Chrysi Vidra,” a locally produced aged tsipouro by Domaine Glinavos. During the summer, guests can also enjoy the courtyard and garden.

Eleftheria Alavanou, greece-is.com, June 2024

An imposing building in Kato Pedina, this Zagori mansion, converted into a guesthouse, is made unique by its design and authentic accommodation experience... As in the past, the kitchen is still at the heart of the building. Irresistibly flavoured biscuits, delicious cakes, pies and tarts are all made on a daily basis at this guesthouse kitchen, delightful and sparse with many references to its past. This guesthouse offers 8 rooms, differing in style, over three floors.

Dimitris Stathopoulos, travel.gr, June 2024
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Rooms + Rates

per night
Doppelzimmerfrom200 €

Location + Directions

By car

From Ioannina it takes just under an hour to get to Apeiros Chora (38 km). From Thessaloniki it takes about 3.5 hours (291 km), from Corfu it takes a good 3 hours (including the ferry) and from Athens it takes about 5 hours (450 km). The exact address can be found on the website.