Kambones 1615 Historic House
Kambones 1615, a privately restored Venetian tower house on the island of Naxos, preserves five centuries of architectural, agricultural and cultural heritage. Using traditional techniques, the project blends sustainability, craft and community to create a model for heritage-led rural regeneration in Europe.
Kambones 1615 is a listed Venetian tower house located on the island of Naxos, Greece. In continuous use for over 500 years, the complex includes a residence, an olive press, farm structures and a rare double-aisled chapel representing both Orthodox and Catholic traditions. It was designated a protected monument in 1975. Set within a 200-hectare estate, the site is deeply embedded in its natural surroundings, where ancient olive trees coexist with nesting birds of prey.
The privately funded restoration began in 2012, when the tower house faced imminent collapse due to structural faults caused by water infiltration. Over ten years, the owners worked with local craftsmen – or took on tasks themselves where skills had been lost – to restore walls, floors, plaster, woodwork and roof, using traditional materials and methods. All interventions were guided by traditional knowledge and overseen by architects in consultation with the local heritage authority. Modern adaptations, such as solar-powered water heating and discreet plumbing, were added without altering the building’s historic character. Repairs also extended to furniture, copperware and textiles, reviving domestic heritage alongside architecture.
Agricultural elements were stabilised and adapted for public use. The olive press now hosts small-scale concerts, music lessons, tastings and gatherings. Cultural activities include embroidery workshops, literary evenings, and seasonal events led by local residents. The chapel remains in use for baptisms, weddings and private prayer, open to all 24/7. Historic a cappella compositions are being prepared for performances in the chapel, linking built and intangible heritage.
Environmental sustainability is central to Kambones. The house operates without heating or air conditioning, relying on passive cooling through thick stone walls and traditional insulation made with local materials such as lime plaster and seaweed. Wastewater is treated in a three-chamber septic system and reused for irrigation; all other waste is either composted or recycled. Solar panels heat water, LED lighting is used throughout, and drought-resistant herbs and plants are cultivated in the garden.
Kambones is a living house, not a museum. It offers modest guest stays and community events to support maintenance while resisting the pressures of mass tourism and real estate development. Its holistic approach has sparked local interest in vernacular restoration, generating pride, sustainable economic development, and renewed knowledge transfer between generations. It offers a transferable example of sustainable conservation rooted in place, practice, and lived tradition.
“The restoration of this vernacular tower house on a Cycladic island preserved the building’s vernacular authenticity using traditional materials and techniques,” the Awards’ Jury commented. “Through low-impact interventions and traditional methods, the project achieved modern comfort while contributing to climate resilience. Kambones is a model for sustainable rural conservation in Europe,” the Jury added.
Contact: Sophia Emmanuel | Kambones 1615 Historic Home | sophiaemmanuel@yahoo.gr | www.kambones.com