a medium sized island, paros is a pleasingly round shape, formed by a single mountain sloping gently down on all sides towards the sea. just a 3-4 hour ferry trip from athens, or a short 40 minute flight from the city to paros national airport, the island is well connected and centrally located within the aegean, making it the perfect choice for international visitors all year long.
peaceful throughout the winter, paros bursts into life during summer, with countless boutiques, cafes, artisan workshops and traditional shops opening their doors to visitors from the greek mainland and beyond. despite its role as a popular tourist destination, paros has managed to preserve its local spirit in a way some other islands have not. traditional houses are whitewashed with blue doors and window-frames, whilst larger buildings may have beautiful private gardens filled to the brim with fragrant orange trees and vibrant bougainvillea.
the first choice for the smart set is naousa, a typical cycladic settlement filled with cobbled streets and simple, white buildings. the tiny harbour is home to countless traditional tavernas and ouzeries, whilst the sight of fresh octopus hung up to dry on is a regular, ever-day occurrence. gastronomy lovers are spoiled for choice at this culinary hotspot of the aegean, with prestigious names including barbarossa, mario restaurant and le sud serving the freshest seafood all summer long. naousa also boasts a vivid nightlife scene, from elegant city clubs and award-winning bars to traditional kafeneions and laid-back cafes.
set within the landscape of southern paros, cascadia occupies a 4,180 sqm plot a short distance from the coastline, with open views towards the aegean and an architectural approach shaped by the contours of the land. designed by aristides dallas architects, the residence follows a largely subterranean concept that allows it to sit quietly within its surroundings, reducing its visual presence while maintaining a strong connection to light, sea and sky.
the architecture is defined by a series of low horizontal forms integrated into the terrain rather than placed upon it. stone, concrete and native planting are used to establish continuity between the built environment and the landscape, while sheltered courtyards and carefully framed openings create a gradual transition between interior and exterior spaces. throughout the day, shifting light and shadow become central elements of the experience, emphasising the relationship between the house and its setting.
extending across approximately 425 sqm (4,574 sq.ft.), the residence unfolds through a sequence of interconnected spaces designed around openness, proportion and natural light. wide glazed openings create uninterrupted visual connections with the landscape, while internal courtyards bring daylight deep into the plan and establish moments of privacy within the broader composition. the restrained material palette of natural stone, polished concrete and pale finishes reflects the colours and textures of the surrounding cycladic terrain.
the principal living spaces are arranged around the central outdoor areas, creating a fluid relationship between the interior and the landscape beyond. rather than relying on decorative elements, the architecture focuses on volume, orientation and the careful control of light. large openings allow the surrounding environment to become part of the experience of the house, while a series of sheltered transitional spaces provide protection from the summer sun and prevailing winds.
the four en-suite bedrooms are positioned to ensure privacy and independence, each connected to its own outdoor area and oriented towards either the sea or the surrounding landscape. their arrangement allows the residence to function comfortably both as a private retreat and as a home designed to accommodate guests without compromising the sense of calm that defines the property.
outdoor spaces are fully integrated into the architectural composition, creating a continuous sequence of terraces, courtyards and landscaped areas that extend the living environment beyond the enclosed rooms. the design encourages movement between shaded and open spaces throughout the day, while native vegetation softens the geometry of the architecture and strengthens its connection to the site.
the subterranean approach also responds directly to the cycladic climate. by embedding significant portions of the residence within the terrain, the design benefits from the natural insulating properties of the earth, contributing to more stable interior temperatures during the warmer months. courtyards, skylights and carefully positioned openings support natural ventilation and allow daylight to animate the interiors from morning until evening.
although notably private, cascadia remains closely connected to the island’s coastal life, with beaches, tavernas and villages accessible within a short drive. the property is defined by its relationship with the landscape, where architecture, terrain and light work together as a single composition. as the afternoon light moves across the site, the colours of the land and sea gradually merge, reinforcing the quiet presence of the house within its surroundings.
