Villa VermillionGreece, Cyclades, Santorini

Modern architecture has produced some real gems, homes that are comfortable, functional and eye catching. Yet there is something distinctively romantic about an old building that even the sleekest modern home cannot imitate. This villa brings together the best of the two worlds.

Once a winery, the structure has been thoughtfully transformed into a modern 4 unit residence that still carries the allure of a bygone era.

Pieces of the machinery that once belonged to the winery are used as sculptures that decorate outdoor and indoor areas. Inside the house, the mood is contemporary, with geometric furnishings, open spaces and large windows that invite the sunlight in. The palette is mostly white, leaving the extraordinary views to take centre stage.

The exterior echoes the island’s residential vernacular cubic structures in different sizes painted stark to create a sharp contrast with the bright blue sky. Verandas and terraces fitted with lounge and dining arrangements and a swimming pool wrap around the house, some completely open to the views and some enclosed to offer protection from the winds.