Sustainability
Restoration
Athens

Silk House: A Sustainable Restoration Story in Metaxourgeio, Athens

Silk House is our invitation into a home that has been carefully restored because it is worth conserving. It’s more than another restoration project. It’s a lived-in example of sustainable restoration in Athens, where heritage architecture and considered design can coexist. This renovated neoclassical house in Metaxourgeio, one of Athens’ most creative neighbourhoods, blends original construction with modern comfort. For design-savvy travellers and anyone who appreciates living in a home with a past, this luxury residence feels timeless.

From the beginning, Silk House was never about making the house look new. It was all about preserving what made it special. We took what was there and gave it new life, while respecting the foundations and their stories.


A Neoclassical Home in Metaxourgeio

Bedroom at Silk House in Metaxourgeio, Athens, featuring high ceilings, restored mouldings, and elegant neoclassical details.

Silk House sits on a quiet street in a neighbourhood known for its long history, neoclassical façades, and creative energy. Built in the 1930s, the house carries all the hallmarks of that era: high ceilings, generous windows, and period mouldings.


Sustainable Restoration in Athens: Our Approach

Living room at Silk House featuring restored neoclassical mouldings, vintage furniture, soft lighting, and elegant interior details.

During the restoration, we focused on conserving these original architectural details instead of covering them up. The tall doors and frames were repaired instead of replaced wherever possible, preserving the home’s character. The original floor plan, with its separate rooms leading from a central corridor, was respected.


Many of the pieces in Silk House have lived other lives. Vintage furniture has been refurbished and reupholstered, introducing patina rather than perfection.

Character, not trend, guided each decision. Rather than pursuing a specific aesthetic, we posed a more straightforward question. Does this selection resonate authentically with a 1930s neoclassical home in Metaxourgeio?


Craftsmanship, Vintage Pieces and Considered Materials

Silk House living room in Athens with vintage decor, restored furnishings, wooden staircase, and warm characterful interiors.
  • Sustainable restoration, for us, starts with what you already have. Wherever we could, we chose to repair, refinish, and repurpose rather than buy new. In a travel landscape where more guests are seeking sustainable accommodation that prioritises energy efficiency and waste reduction, expectations are evolving. Our careful approach to materials and existing craftsmanship is central to Silk House and to the way we welcome guests into the home.

  • Many furnishings are antique or reclaimed pieces that have been restored and reupholstered.
  • Textiles and soft furnishings have been chosen for their tactile warmth and durability. From elegant curtains to textured throws, each piece encourages you to slow down and relax.

The result is a warm, welcoming interior that feels lived in. Nothing is overly polished; this is a home designed to age gracefully.


Comfort, Light and a Private Plunge Pool

Open-plan kitchen and dining area at Silk House in Athens, showing restored neoclassical features and contemporary guest comforts.

While we were determined to honour the character of Silk House, we also wanted it to feel intuitively comfortable for our guests. That meant a mindful, low-impact restoration, integrating contemporary comforts and remaining concerns about energy use and long-term maintenance.


The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area is designed for slow mornings and relaxed evenings or cooking simple meals. Calm, neutral tones keep the rooms feeling bright and airy. Layered lighting allows you to change the mood from functional to soft and relaxing.


Bedrooms are intentionally quiet and uncluttered, with comfortable beds, soft natural linens, and generous storage. The bathrooms combine modern fixtures with classic lines, offering excellent water pressure and thoughtful lighting.


One of Silk House’s most unexpected features is its private heated plunge pool, tucked into the courtyard. This is a rare luxury in the middle of Athens. Here, the long-term, low-impact approach becomes tangible in everyday rituals. Guests can enjoy a morning dip before the city wakes up or an evening swim under the sky after exploring the neighbourhood.

Private heated plunge pool at Silk House in Athens, offering a rare luxury within a restored neoclassical home.

Why This Kind of Restoration Matters in Athens

Across Athens, many historic buildings face a simple choice: demolition, glossy renovation, or careful restoration. With Silk House, we wanted to show that there is another way, one that respects the original character and offers travellers a deeper sense of place.

Eco-conscious restoration keeps the narrative of a home intact. It conserves materials, limits unnecessary construction, and allows each generation to add a layer without erasing what came before. For guests, it means staying in a home that feels genuinely rooted in Athens, rather than a space that could be anywhere in the world.


Stay at Silk House by The Halo Collection

Bathroom at Silk House in Athens, designed with modern fixtures, warm lighting, and thoughtful details for family stays.

Silk House is part of The Halo Collection, a small portfolio of thoughtfully managed homes that balance character with considered hospitality. Each stay supports the continued care of this neoclassical building, from ongoing maintenance to sensitive upgrades. These considerate interventions help ensure the house remains welcoming for years to come.


If you value places that feel real and quietly cared for, Silk House is designed for you. Explore dates, rates, and availability at Silk House, or you are always welcome to contact us at The Halo Collection by Hurmuses directly.

Two female neighbours chatting outside an Athens balcony with potted plants
Slow Living
athens
The Halo Collection
Sharona Hurmuses
June 10, 2026

Slow Living in Athens with The Halo Collection

Have you ever returned from a holiday feeling more exhausted than when you left? Many trips are packed with back-to-back sightseeing, tight schedules...

Read More
the hive    |    the hill    |    the silk house

Signature Residences

Explore three boutique residences across Kypseli, Lycabettus and Metaxourgeio, each shaped by its neighbourhood and designed to offer a distinct way to experience Athens.

Living room at The Hive apartment in Kypseli Athens
The Hive
Vintage Charm
Urban Energy

The Hive Apartment in Kypseli

Athens

A warm, design-led apartment in Kypseli, one of Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods, close to local cafés, culture and everyday city life.

Dining area at The Hill apartment near Lycabettus Athens
The Hill
Quiet & Cozy
Cocoon-like Escape

The Hill Apartment near Lycabettus

Athens

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.

Interior details at The Silk House in Metaxourgeio Athens
The Silk House
Historic Soul
City Energy

The Silk House in Metaxourgeio

Athens

A restored 1930s neoclassical house in Metaxourgeio, blending original architectural character with modern comfort in Athens.

Guest stays in Athens

Guest Reviews

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.

Rachel
" 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! "
Anastasia
" Very nice , good communication and will recommend 100% "
Steve
" So much more than a “cold” rental , Sergei & Jeff actually provide a home with everything you need for a perfect stay. "
Irina
" 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. "
Herodotos
" Excellent location, very comfortable with all the convenient amenities and facilities available "
Kyriakos
" It was a great option, real value for money! "
Larry Oliver
" 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. "
Roy Verboeket
" 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. "
Mark Looram
" 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. "
Marek Wasilewski
" 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. "
Matthew Hopton
" 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. "
@thehalocollection

Follow us on instagram

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.