Bougain Villa: Mykonos Summer House in Agios Ioannis

Miss Portmanteau brings you an exclusive opportunity to book the perfect Mykonos villa for your summer vacation. Bougain Villa re-opened for bookings in June 2017 following a major renovation to upgrade the property to today’s luxury standards.

Property Highlights:

• 3 bedrooms, 3 en-suite bathrooms, sleeps six
• Private luxury villa for families or couples
• Exclusive use swimming pool with views over the Aegean Sea
• Large southwest-facing terrace
• Fully serviced with all amenities included (see list below)
• Managed by the hotelier of Herodion and Philippos in Athens
• Excellent central location, 2 minutes walk from Agios Ioannis beach, 10 minutes drive to Mykonos town

Views from Bougain Villa

The Property:

Designed by a renowned Athenian architect, this luxury apartment is furnished with high-end bespoke furniture and fully equipped with all the amenities of a five-star hotel. The interior design reflects Mykonos’ iconic minimalist style, contrasting traditional white walls with warm wooden furniture and other natural materials.

The spacious 120 sqm (1,290 sq ft) two bedroom apartment is on the ground floor of the main building of the estate with an independent entrance and a separate guest house annex. The 28 sqm (301 sq ft) annex has an en-suite double bedroom, bringing the total capacity to six people.

The villa belongs to a Mykonian family, which has enjoyed the property as their summer home for generations (see property history below). It takes its name from the beautiful pink bougainvillea that decorates the front wall of the house.

Location:

The house is located in Agios Ioannis (Saint John), a residential, up-market neighbourhood offering privacy and peace. The villa is one of the few available for rent on the island so close to the beach. There are several prominent five star hotels, a couple of excellent restaurants, as well as two fantastic beaches – Agios Ioannis and Kapari – right at your doorstep.

Agios Ioannis is also home to Hippie Fish, the popular beach bar and restaurant where the Paramount classic movie Shirley Valentine was filmed. Ornos beach is a two-minute drive away, where you can find supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.

Mykonos Town is a 10-minute drive away. The bars and shops stay open until the early hours giving you ample opportunity to shop and explore both day and night. The town centre is a car free zone with two main parking lots: one by the old port and the other by the windmills. Taxis are notoriously hard to get a hold of, making getting around by car or quad bike essential. There is also a bus stop a few metres from the house.

Sunsets from Agios Ioannis Beach

Bookings:

Mykonos is a seasonal island, where the tourism season typically lasts from May to October. Prices vary according to the month, number of people and length of stay. Book via Air BnB or e-mail bougainvillamykonos@gmail.com for further information and discounts.

Property History:

The villa was once home to Katina, the first female dentist on the island, who bought the plot in 1973. The house was built a few years later, which became the third house ever built in Agios Ioannis.

It was also the first house in the area with electricity and a swimming pool, bringing power and pool parties to the neighbourhood. Many of the local hoteliers grew up swimming at Katina’s and fondly remember the pool parties of her grandchildren. The house continues to be a cherished summer home for the family, already enjoyed by four generations.

Thodoris with Petros the Pelican

In the 1980s and 90s, Katina rented out parts of her villa to prominent people and celebrities. It was even featured in the first ever Lonely Planet for Mykonos, described as a cosy place with a superb garden.

Katina’s heritage is also of note. She is a direct descendant of Manto Mavrogenous, an important historical figure and one of the key leaders of the rebellion against the Turkish occupation in 1821. Katina was also the daughter of a saboteur and spy for the Greek resistance during the Second World War German occupation.

Fun Trivia: Petros the Pelican, the mascot of the island, is named after her father, Petros Drakopoulos.

Katina’s Villa in 1992

Click here for a travel guide to Mykonos!

Lara Olivia

Freelance writer and blogger obsessed with food, travel and good stories.

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