Welcome to Yermata Kalamoti
Reviving a Medieval Mastic Neighbourhood into Contemporary Living Spaces
Our Vision
Yermata began as a dream: to revive a small, almost-forgotten part of Kalamoti while honouring its heritage. These cottages, once homes to families who worked in the mastic orchards, were deeply connected to the land and their craft. Restoring them involved careful attention to the original structure — the stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and courtyards — keeping the authentic character intact.
Today, Yermata invites travellers not simply to stay, but to experience the spirit of the cottages and the life they were built around, connecting with the simplicity, craftsmanship, and enduring character of traditional island living.
The Meaning of Yermata
The name “Yermata” celebrates one of Chios’ most distinctive architectural features: the kamara, the traditional stone vaulted ceilings. These arches were more than structural elements; they were symbols of stability, craftsmanship, and the rhythms of everyday life. From homes to storage rooms and workshops, the kamara shaped the spaces where communities lived, worked, and celebrated.
At Yermata, these vaulted ceilings remain central, guiding every design choice and preserving the soul of the cottages.
A Vision of Restoration
Restoring these houses was a journey of respect and discovery. As an architect and a lover of Chios’ architectural heritage, I approached each stone, each wall, with the goal of keeping the authenticity intact. Thick stone walls, compact layouts, and vaulted ceilings were preserved, while subtle modern comforts were introduced to make a stay both functional and memorable.
Our aim was never to create a hotel. Instead, we wanted to revive a small, living part of Kalamoti, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and simplicity of traditional island life.
A Vision of Restoration
Restoring these houses was a journey of respect and discovery. As an architect and a lover of Chios’ architectural heritage, I approached each stone, each wall, with the goal of keeping the authenticity intact. Thick stone walls, compact layouts, and vaulted ceilings were preserved, while subtle modern comforts were introduced to make a stay both functional and memorable.
Our aim was never to create a hotel. Instead, we wanted to revive a small, living part of Kalamoti, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and simplicity of traditional island life.
