I have spent so much time looking at our homes through a practical lens. Does the light work in this room? Is that chair comfortable? Will someone know where to put their suitcase? So, seeing The Hive, The Hill and The Silk House together in the pages of Maison & Décoration, a Greek magazine dedicated to interiors, architecture, homes and design, made me stop and look at them differently.
The magazine called its feature “The Geometry of Hospitality.” I rather like that title. It suggests there is a pattern connecting the three homes, even though each belongs to a different part of Athens and has a character entirely its own.
The article describes The Hive as a Bauhaus oasis in the heart of Kypseli. It is a 104-square-metre apartment in a building whose clean lines give it a quiet elegance. The generous rooms and natural light were there for us to work with. We wanted the interiors to feel warm enough that someone could unpack, put the kettle on and begin living there. It was our first project in Athens.
I was pleased that the magazine noticed the verandas. They bring you into contact with Kypseli before you even step outside. You can retreat into the apartment, but you never quite lose the feeling of the neighbourhood around you.
The Hill has its own rhythm. Close to Lycabettus, it is a smaller, cosier space where you can return after a full day in Athens and feel yourself slow down.
That is one of the things I love about this city. You can spend the day among busy streets and conversations, then find a corner that seems to ask nothing of you except to sit down for a while.
The Silk House in Metaxourgeio was a different undertaking. Restoring a 1930s neoclassical house means making hundreds of decisions, many of them about what to keep. Its proportions, details and sense of history were the reasons we loved it in the first place.
The magazine writes about the way the original architecture sits alongside the comforts of a contemporary home. I hope that is what guests feel too. They can enjoy the house as it is today while sensing that it had a lifelong before we came along.
Kypseli, Lycabettus and Metaxourgeio each show you a different Athens. Jeff and I never wanted to make three versions of the same place. We wanted each home to respond to its building and its neighbourhood, and to give guests the comfort to explore from there.
Seeing them together in Maison & Décoration reminded me of the three rings behind The Halo Collection: the guest, the home and the neighbourhood. That is the pattern I see when I turn these pages.
Thank you to Maison & Décoration for featuring our story. I also want to thank Themis and Kostas Zouzoulas for their architectural and engineering work. So much of what makes these homes work begins with decisions guests may never see, and I’m grateful for their care and expertise.
I may still notice the position of a chair before anything else, but I will keep these pages as a reminder to step back occasionally, be thankful and appreciate what we have built together.
When people return from Athens, they talk about its ancient landmarks, but what stays with them is something else entirely. Rather than famous sights...
Explore three boutique residences across Kypseli, Lycabettus and Metaxourgeio, each shaped by its neighbourhood and designed to offer a distinct way to experience Athens.
A warm, design-led apartment in Kypseli, one of Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods, close to local cafés, culture and everyday city life.
A calm apartment near Lycabettus Hill, designed for guests who want a quieter Athens stay close to the city centre, scenic viewpoints and local dining.
A restored 1930s neoclassical house in Metaxourgeio, blending original architectural character with modern comfort in Athens.
A collection of real guest reviews from recent stays across our boutique homes in Athens, sharing what guests loved about the comfort, design, locations and thoughtful details.
" We had such a lovely stay at the Hill. It’s incredibly neat and well organised, all you need is present at the apartment. We walked up the hill in the morning for a beautiful view over the city and if you’re looking for a nice place to spend an evening nearby, Jazz in Jazz is recommended! "
" Very nice , good communication and will recommend 100% "
" So much more than a “cold” rental , Sergei & Jeff actually provide a home with everything you need for a perfect stay. "
" My stay in this apartment was absolutely wonderful! It’s perfect for solo travelers as well as couples—spacious, comfortable, and furnished with high-quality pieces. The designer who arranged the apartment clearly has exceptional taste and a real love for detail; every element feels thoughtfully chosen. "
" Excellent location, very comfortable with all the convenient amenities and facilities available "
" It was a great option, real value for money! "
" I stayed at the Hive for 1 week and found it to be amazingly comfortable. It is very quiet, private, secure and beautifully furnished. It has all the amenities anyone would need for either a short or long stay. It is in a very interesting area of Athens with welcoming restaurants within walking distance. "
" We stayed at the Hive last year and I can only give it 5 stars. Jeff and Sharona have really done an amazing job renovating this place and Kypseli really surprised us. Vibrant community, lots of great restaurants, parks and coffeehouses in the area. "
" We stayed at this recently renovated gem in Athens and loved it! The art deco entrance and common area was magical and the marble stairs made us feel like royalty when we entered. The flat was spacious and bright tastefully designed by a professional interest designer. "
" We had a truly five-star experience staying in Kypseli. The area is vibrant, authentic, and full of character, with fantastic cafés, bakeries, and local shops just steps away. Everything felt convenient and walkable, and getting to all the major tourist attractions was easy thanks to great public transport links nearby. "
" Incredible cozy apartment. Very clean and quiet, great amenities. A quick walk into the heart of the city. Great food and coffee all around. Beautifully furnished with a great balcony. Perfect place to stay with a family or a group of friends. Open concept is ideal for hosting. 10/10. "
Follow The Halo Collection on Instagram for a closer look at our Athens residences, local neighbourhoods, design details and everyday moments from Jeff and Sharona.
