# Cave-inspired Island Retreats Ioannis Exarchou Designed a Stone Getaway From a Former Stable By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-06-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/island-retreat References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/06/07/retreat-holiday-house-tinos-island-greece-ioannis-exarchou/) & [ex-arch.gr](http://www.ex-arch.gr/index.en.asp) Athens-based architect Ionannis Exarchou created an [island retreat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finca-style-coastal) on Tinos Island, Greece. The holiday home was [formerly a stable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amassa-retreat), and the architect chose to keep the structural changes minimal by plastering only the interior walls and installing new, colored concrete floors. The gaps in the exterior stonework were filled with mortar; otherwise, the stone remained virtually untouched, artfully blending into the surrounding landscape. Exarchou explains, "My main objective was to retain and preserve the [cavernous](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-house)[,] unique feeling of the space. The design's objective was to create a summer retreat for two with a minimum cost." Inside, a set of stairs lead to the conjoined bedroom and living area. The small window at the base of the bed offers views of the breathtaking mountains and valley below. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Island Retreats:** Designing unique and rustic holiday homes in idyllic island locations. - **Preservation Architecture:** Preserving the unique characteristics of existing structures while adding modern amenities and functionality. - **Minimalist Interiors:** Designing interiors that are simple and uncluttered to highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunities for architects to transform existing structures into idyllic retreats. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Developing unique and rustic accommodation options for travelers seeking an escape from the mundane. - **Real Estate:** Building and selling unique and rustic holiday homes in idyllic island locations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wine Cellar-Converted Summer Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-house-in-mesaria.md) - [Local Stone-Made Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drakoni-house.md) - [Greek Countryside Rural Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-an-olive-grove.md) - [Textural Greek Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southwand-house.md) - [Compact Stone Conversions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/figuier-house.md) - [Stylish Modern Contemporary Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pnos-tinos.md) - [Minimal Coastal Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretpec.md) - [Textured Local Stone Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-atrium-house.md) - [Stone Ruin-Upcycled Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atienza-maure-arquitectos.md)