Nestled on the tranquil, off-the-grid Cycladic island of Antiparos, Bardot breathes new life into the former abode of a local shipbuilding family. Conceived by the dynamic duo of restaurateurs, Thanasis Panourgias and Harry Spyrou, in collaboration with Leon Economidi, an LA- and London-based hotelier, Bardot invites guests into an immersive culinary experience encapsulating the essence of contemporary Greece. Architect Andreas Kostopoulos, one of the two founding partners of Manhattan Projects, based in New York, collaborated closely with the team to translate their vision into reality, overseeing everything from architecture and antique furnishings to the tablescape, art direction, and brand identity.
The restored building sheds its previous renovations, with the front door returning to its original position and the façade revealing its textured stones. Inside, grotto-like spaces are adorned with a common Greek Isles white limestone wash. The bar features a curved clay surface that mimics the contours of the surrounding walls, while intimate rooms with built-in seating and cleverly positioned mirrors create a cozy atmosphere. Rather than embellishing neighboring facades, Bardot raises courtyard walls to create shelter and define space. These textured walls, resembling minimalist artist Robert Rayman’s work, frame the sky and shield it from the sun. The interior and exterior floors unify with Miltos, an ancient Greek super-substance used by the shipbuilders of the past. Inside, traditional red ochre, limestone, and sand flooring create a smooth surface, while outside, handcrafted clay tiles in red ochre form tiers, banquettes, and a new planter for a hardy olive tree, symbolizing longevity. The furniture collection blends modern and antique pieces, including an old wooden churn as a stool and ancient oil jars as decorative accents. Artist Christianna Economou’s painted murals and ceramic plates add a playful touch to Greek and Cycladic culture, reimagining the Aegean ambiance with old and new elements.
