Ithaki House – A Home Rooted in the Land
Ithaki House has always been more than just a place to stay — it’s a home with roots deeply planted in the land, history, and heart of Cyprus. And at the center of this story is my father.
A Father, a Doctor, a Farmer at Heart
Eight years ago, my dad and I first discovered Ithaki House together. He was from a nearby village, Steni in Paphos, and had a lifelong love for this land. Growing up without his father (my grandfather died when dad was 6 months old), raised by his mother in humble circumstances, he worked hard, studied medicine, and became one of Cyprus’s most respected doctors — admired for his deep knowledge, his empathy, and his unwavering sense of duty.
But no matter where life took him, his heart was always with the land. When he was younger, he would drive weekly to Steni to care for his orchards and trees, at that time a minimum of 5 hour drive each way. Later, near Nicosia, in Kataliontas, he found a peaceful piece of land where he planted olive trees and later on built a small holiday home with my mother.
The Orchard That Grew Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Every single day, he spent time in that orchard — it was more than a hobby; it was his life’s joy. The rich, golden olive oil he produced became part of our story at Ithaki House — we proudly shared it with our guests as a heartfelt gift. Many still tell us it was the best they’ve ever tasted!
When my dad developed Alzheimer’s at the age of 85, he was no longer able to care for the land. Till the day it was still possible, I would drive him there so he could continue tending to the trees and the land he loved. I truly believe that connection to the land is what kept him healthy and energetic into his late years. For the first couple of years, close friends helped with the basics, but over time, it became clear that maintaining the orchard was no longer possible. With a heavy heart, we made the decision to sell — hoping that it would go to someone who would cherish it as much as my parents had.
A New Chapter, A Shared Love
And we were very lucky as that’s exactly what happened.
The new owners — the “Americano,” as the villagers now affectionately call him (!) and his wonderful British born wife — have become much more than just the new owners. They are like family to us. From the very beginning, they showed the same love and respect for the land that my father had. We’ve built a warm and genuine friendship, bound by shared values and a deep affection for this special piece of earth. I must admit the place never looked so good!
From Olive Harvest to Bottled Legacy
They named the property Olive Harvest Châteaux and have taken great care of the olive trees, revived the orchard, and embraced turning the gifts of the land into beautiful products. Over the past couple of years, we’ve been fortunate to be gifted olive oil and tsakkistes (cracked green olives) of outstanding quality — made with the same love and respect for the land that my father once poured into every harvest.
A Limited Edition Gift for Our Guests
This year, thanks to this beautiful connection and the generosity of our friends at Olive Harvest Châteaux, we are beyond happy to bring back a beloved tradition: a limited edition, extra-extra virgin olive oil, made from my father’s very own trees, lovingly bottled and soon to be gifted to our guests at Ithaki House as a special going-away gift to take home.
We secured part of the 175 numbered bottles that exist — each one carrying the love, history, and land that shaped our home.
More Than a Gift — A Taste of Legacy
We are deeply grateful to the new owners for giving us this opportunity — it means the world to be able to continue sharing this part of my father’s legacy with those who stay at our beautiful home.
At Ithaki House, every stay now comes with more than just a place to rest — it carries a story of heritage, friendship, and connection to the land that has nurtured us all.
Welcome to our home, welcome to the family. And welcome to a true taste of Cyprus.
Christina & KTOWN
Ithaki House & Olive Harvest Chateaux
PS: For those wishing to purchase a very limited number is sold EXCLUSIVELY at Mingle Cafe, Ermou 153, Larnaca.
