A “Sunbeam” of alternative tourism illuminates the port of Tristomo at Karpathos Island
Mr Manolis Fountis has return to Tristomo after thirty years of absence, and feels that this unique place is his homeland. Manolis’ occupation is to make structures by stones and woods (houses, stables, wood ovens e.t.c.). He had lived in Tristomo until the age of three years old. He doesn’t have any memories about that period of his life. His parents’ occupations had been related to farming, agriculture, fishing. The habitants of Tristomo in the 70’s (1972 – 1975) were not more than fifteen people. “I have not have any memories since then, when I was living at Tristomo. I have been informed by my parents that we were seven members of the family living all together in the same house at Tristomo; our grandmother Magoufala and three more children, my three elder brothers.” Manolis Fountis said.
The old building has transformed into a modern form, at the same time traditional and comfortable, and is made by natural materials.
In 2008 Manolis sent his file about the renovation and transformation of the traditional building to a touristic residence with agricultural activities involved, to the Organization of Integrated Programmes of the Agricultural Development, at the competent Ministry (Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food), and it was approved in 2010. In 2011 the operations of renovation began, and at the end of 2014 the renovation of the “Sunbeam”, the green touristic residence with the biological systems for garbage, consumption of fresh water, or solar energy was completed. Those developments have been necessary for the whole function of this specific touristic residence because at Tristomo there are no infrastructures for consumption of water or electric energy.
When the quality of life has an important meaning…
The Sunbeam is consisted of three main departments, the “karpathiko”, the kitchen, and the bathroom, also some other smaller spaces which contribute the functions of the house such as those for wood oven, the “pateteri” (a place where grapes become wine), the “metato” (small creamery). After all, this residence has a purpose to offer to each visitor, and this could be the opportunity of living, an awesome time travel to those who love alternative tourism. The visitor, parallel, has the ability of using new technologies by green developments. This consists a green model of touristic residence, a standard with use of ecological consciousness for the development and the environmental protection for the whole area.
“The house is totally independent and efficient, and it could accommodate from one to eight visitors. Calming, relaxing, and a return to the roots, are some of the things someone would feel at Tristomo and the Sunbeam.”
Totally independent and efficient residence which is builded up with a traditional and totally original way on every point.
Despite the facts, love gives strength in life. Manolis is not a loner in his efforts at Tristomo. He has a fellow who is Vicky the “sunbeam” of his life. She illuminates his everyday life and guides him to the right paths for the future.
Vicky’s love has penetrated as a sunbeam in Manolis’ life and has illuminate his soul. “This love is my strength that helps me to be alive and do things. Without her I don’t know if I could live. Vicky and I, we have made a start up of this difficult effort which looks like a Sunbeam trying to penetrate the grey skies and illuminate the truth around us. Tristomo has been always a place full of energy and light that people can’t understand at present…”
Manolis and Vicky have never stopped to smile or hope, and the final account has rewarded them
It’s a house ready to be used full of every necessary equipments for every customer…
Manolis doesn’t live permanently at Tristomo. But he hopes that one day he will make it real. He believes in all that he could offer to this small paradise. He doesn’t talk a lot about himself. He believes in actions about things and not in speeches easily coming out of the mouth. The reason is that in Tristomo he sees his Ithaca and has purpose of his life to upgrade the land…
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Breathtaking view and awesome sea available to visitors and residents…
