Heading north from Athens Centre along Kifissias Avenue, we encounter a series of affluent districts each one with its own distinctive identity.
Psychiko and Filothei suburbs developed during the 1920s for the Athenian aristocracy of the time have been influenced by the architectural style of English garden cities. No wonder why many of the streets here are named after flowers. Besides hosting a significant number of foreign embassies they are also known for their elite private schools: Arsakeio Tositseio School, Moraitis School and Athens College.
Further north Kifisia, Kastri, Kefalari, Ekali, Dionysos and Politia are all idyllic districts developed amongst vast city parks that one feels being in the mountains. As they are slightly elevated from the sea level and in close proximity to the countryside the air is much cleaner and cooler. Their centres are buzzing around vibrant cafes, elegant restaurants and sophisticated boutique shopping malls.
Goulandris Natural History Museum founded in 1964 and villa Kazouli are two of Kifissia’s landmarks housed in imposing neoclassical building. Kifissia’s Park, a unique space that was created in 1885 and features sky-tall trees, wonderful design, a café and playground.
For passionate tennis players, two of Greece’s elite private clubs are based in the northern suburbs. Ekali club and Tatoi club that offers a variety of wellness services and top-class restaurants to their members.
altair is a substantial classical residence positioned within one of north athens’ most discreet residential enclaves, where broad tree-lined streets and large private estates create an atmosphere removed from the pace of the city. designed with symmetry, scale and formal elegance in mind, the villa combines neoclassical architecture with expansive contemporary living across approximately 1,200 sqm of interior space.
the approach to the property unfolds through a gated entrance and landscaped grounds, leading toward an imposing façade defined by curved balconies, colonnades and soft ivory tones. the scale of the architecture is immediately balanced by the surrounding greenery and the quiet character of the neighbourhood beneath the slopes of penteli.
inside, a double-height entrance hall forms the centre of the residence, illuminated by a large domed skylight that draws natural light deep into the interior throughout the day. marble surfaces, custom oak flooring and detailed plasterwork establish a refined material palette, while the proportions of the principal reception rooms create a sense of openness rather than excess. formal and informal sitting areas connect fluidly to one another, framed by tall windows and garden-facing terraces.
the main living areas are arranged for both everyday family life and larger-scale entertaining, with generous salons, formal dining spaces and quieter lounge areas distributed across the different levels of the house. soft cream tones, warm timber finishes and carefully integrated lighting maintain a calm atmosphere throughout the interiors, while curved architectural details and classical mouldings reinforce the villa’s cohesive design language.
the kitchen occupies its own spacious wing, combining traditional cabinetry with contemporary functionality and informal dining areas overlooking the gardens. else where , private office and library spaces introduce quieter moments within the larger residence.
on the upper levels, the bedroom suites maintain the same sense of scale and proportion as the reception areas below. large windows frame views toward the gardens and surrounding hillsides, while marble bathrooms, dressing areas and custom joinery contribute to the restrained elegance of the private quarters. the principal suite occupies a particularly generous position within the house, incorporating expansive wardrobe space and a large bathroom finished in pale marble and natural stone.
the lower ground level introduces a series of lifestyle and auxiliary spaces including a gym, sauna, jacuzzi area, extensive storage and secure garage facilities. these levels are integrated discreetly into the overall design, maintaining natural flow throughout the residence.
outside, the villa opens onto broad terraces and landscaped lawns centred around a lagoon-shaped swimming pool. mature hedging and dense planting create exceptional privacy, softening the formal architecture with a more natural atmosphere. in the evening, concealed exterior lighting reflects across the water and illuminates the façade with a quiet glow visible from the gardens.
located in penteli, approximately 30 minutes from athens international airport and the port of rafina, altair combines the scale and privacy of a country estate with immediate access to the city. the property is also available jointly with the neighbouring identical residence, vega, creating the possibility of a significant dual-estate holding in one of athens’ most established residential districts.
as dusk settles across the gardens, the illuminated colonnades and still surface of the pool give the residence a composed and almost cinematic calm.
