Stay in the
house that grew.

A few ways not to die at Eco House

Mostly common sense. A little island-specific knowledge.

Watch your step

There are steps. Quite a few of them. Some are old, some are uneven and some appear exactly where you weren’t expecting a step.

Handrails are more of a concept than a feature here.

At night, slow down, switch on a light and look where you’re going. Your phone torch is your friend. Running down the steps after three glasses of wine is not recommended.

The sun runs the house

We’re off-grid and powered by the sun, which is wonderful right up until everybody decides to dry their hair at the same time.

Please be sensible with high-power appliances – five hairdryers, the kettle and everything else at once is not a challenge we need to set the batteries.

If you need to use something power-hungry, daytime is best. The sun can take the hit.

Your hair appointment with the sun is recommended.

Every drop fell from the sky

The house runs on collected rainwater – filtered, treated and perfectly drinkable.

So yes, the water coming from the tap once fell out of the Patmos sky. Please treat it as the small miracle it is.

Shorter showers, taps off while brushing your teeth and no recreational water wastage.

Love Patmos. Save water.

A small toilet miracle

If you’ve travelled around Greece, prepare yourself.

You can flush the toilet paper in the Tower Loo.

Wayne’s system can handle it.

No little bin for the paper. No awkward moment of uncertainty. Paper goes in. Flush. Carry on with your holiday.

Wipes, sanitary products and other surprises cannot. Please use the bin for those.

Luxury comes in many forms.

The wind has opinions

Patmos can get windy. Very windy.

Secure doors, shutters and anything lightweight before the Meltemi decides where it would prefer them to live. Never leave doors or windows in a position where they can slam.

Shoes are underrated

Stone, steps, terraces and wild ground are charming in photographs and less charming when encountered barefoot at speed.

Especially at night: shoes are a good idea.

Fire + dry island = bad combination

In summer, the landscape can be extremely dry. Please be exceptionally careful with cigarettes, candles and anything involving a flame.

One tiny spark can become everybody’s problem.

You are in nature

Lizards, insects, the occasional snake and other countryside residents are part of life here. Shake out shoes if they’ve spent the night outside and don’t investigate mysterious creatures with your fingers.

For everything else, see Cleo, Head of Security.

Gravity still applies

Terraces, rocks, stairs and changes in level are part of the house. Not every edge comes with a barrier, handle or helpful little sign.

Please take particular care after dark – and keep an eye on children.

If something seems odd, ask

Handmade houses have their little ways.

If something leaks, stops working or appears to have developed an opinion, tell us. We would rather hear about it early.

A little help getting around

We recommend renting a car, bike or e-bike for your stay.

Ask us if you would like help arranging one.

And finally…

Eco House was built by hand, over time, on a Greek island. It has quirks. That is rather the point.

Treat the house gently, use a little common sense and, when in doubt:

Ask Wayne. He probably built it.