Meet the people behind the place - Lipsi 360

High above the shimmering bays of the island of Lipsi, far from the beaten track and surrounded by breathtaking panoramas, lies Lipsi 360 – a stylish, personal hideaway where simplicity meets character.

From this unique vantage point unfolds a world of tranquillity, where the rhythm of nature sets the pace and the view stretches all the way to the silhouettes of neighbouring islands and the distant Turkish coast. The atmosphere is both effortless and intentional – a place where design and authenticity exist in harmony, and every sunset feels like a private spectacle.

Owners Hugh and Celina, with roots in the worlds of art and photography, have shaped this retreat with love and an eye for detail – a place that feels like a well-kept secret.

Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

We are Hugh 69 and Celina 55. We have 4 grown up children Paloma 27 , Sienna 25 , Oliver 22, Cosmo 19 and 2 grandchildren , Alakai and Makoa .celina and I live in the north of Ibiza.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

For 30 years I worked as a fashion and beauty photographer based in Paris with agents working for many high end magazines worldwide and doing advertising campaigns for various cosmetic companies Max Factor ,L'Oreal , Wella etc. 12 years ago fed up with the politics I decided to stop entirely and never take a photograph again . Packing up my studio I had one more box to put away . Looking inside I found a picture of a girl underwater that I had taken in the Seychelles 20 years before . I decided there and then that I was going to start a series of nudes underwater , which has been ongoing since then , shooting with Olympic swimmers male and female . I exhibit large format images worldwide . Celina is passionate about art and has a studio next to our house in Ibiza . We both compliment each other . We are also passionate about renovating old buildings which we have done throughout our marriage !

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

We were staying in Patmos and I had to come alone early to Lipsi with the car as there were no car ferries the next day . I arrived very late at night and decided to sleep on the beach as I had done when travelling in Greece in my teens . Next morning I was sitting in the car and there was a tap on the window . " Are you staying at the house ?" I said yes , you must be Stavros . He told me the previous guests had had to rush back to Athens early and if I wanted to come up to the house right away, I was very welcome to . We drove up the hill and when I stepped out of the car I was absolutely bowled over by the view . The kind of view I had been searching for on every trip to the islands over the years . I immediately wrote to the owners and asked them if ever they thought of selling in the future we would be interested . Not expecting their reply which was that an interested couple were coming from New York to see it in 3 weeks as it was actually for sale . I told them we would like to buy it but had no money right now but we could find it if they gave us time to sell some property . We had an excellent rapport and they gave us 2 years to pay . Exactly a year later it was ours !

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

We bought the house already furnished but all the windows and beams were dark varnished wood and the kitchen appliances must have been at least 35 years old , the furniture was old and not to our taste so we gave most of it away. However there was a lovely long table with 7 drawers on either side which had come from the Auvergne and had been used in an orphanage in a previous life , each drawer was used to store the cutlery of the children. We tried to resist putting in air conditioning but finally gave in when it became obvious that the overhead fans we installed didn't really make much difference . Compared to some of the major renovations we have done on our properties in France and in Ibiza, Lipsi 360 was not much more than cosmetic and decorative changes, although with the high winds on the hill in the winter and the proximity to the sea every year it needs love and attention !

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

For me the fact that the house is the highest on the island and it's position allows you to experience the most incredible sunsets descending over Patmos , but not only that ,the views all around are simply breathtaking , intermingled with the sound of goat bells as the tribes are walked along the road to their grazing spots every morning and back every evening . One of those truly authentic Greek moments.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

This is not a cutting edge property , it is a simple but functional ,typical but well thought out ,charming Greek holiday home.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

Sitting on the terrace looking out to sea with the constant changing light and seeing islands in the distance that appear and disappear is truly like living in heaven.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

Climbing up onto the flat roof ( if it's not too windy ) gives you the most spectacular view of Turkey in the distance , Leros , Patmos , Arki and many other islands around not to mention a birds eye view of the ships coming in and out of the harbour below.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

Lipsi is a very eco friendly island , placing special attention to the sorting of waste. The house gathers almost all it's precious water from the flat rooves.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

In order to buy Lipsi 360 we sold some apartments in Bordeaux which although rented we could never actually get to enjoy them ourselves . This way we kill two birds with one stone ! We are really happy when people appreciate our house as much as we do.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

The last bit of road up to the house is quite steep so when you arrive at the top , you really have the feeling that you are King or Queen of your domain with no immediate neighbours. It is totally private and wherever you are in the house looking out you will be bowled over by the stunning views from whichever terrace you choose ,as we are every time.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

The views , the sounds and sunsets are truly spectacular.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

Hugh and Celina's home in Lipsi is a real treasure and the most stunning house we have stayed in. The location is wonderful - with spectacular 360 degree views of the whole island, and within easy driving distance (or a lovely walk) to a beautiful beach below or the main port. The house is truly beautiful with thoughtfully designed outdoor areas to relax and such lovely interiors. We felt honoured to stay in their home and were so grateful for all the recommendations on beaches, restaurants and to lovely Stavros for picking us up and helping with scooter hire. A warm welcome and a very special stay. We can't recommend enough! ..Probably the nicest house we ever rented for holiday. Unique location with views into all directions overlooking harbour and other parts of Lipsi, very stylish furnished, we felt like at home from the very first minute. Celina and Hugh are wonderful hosts who made us feel welcome.

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

We hope our guests come back home truly relaxed with the feeling that they have made the house their own while they were there.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

We cannot recommend more highly Dilaila restaurant beside Katsadia beach ( 5mins drive away) . The food is out of this world and the place and staff very special . Also great food at Manolis tastes in the centre of town. For beaches , take your pick , the ones off the beaten track are well worth the walk ,Monodendri for example . And Platis Gialos has crystal clear turquoise water and a little Taverna beside it .The mayor's office voted not to have rented sun loungers which helps understand the island vibe.

 

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