Patrick Witham

 The story behind the business

‘Ta Petrina’ rents four furnished traditional stone holiday houses in thevillageofVolissosinChios.Each has been renovated to a high standard while retaining the traditional style of the village.We also provide organised groups in painting and local cooking.

‘Ta Petrina’ began when I and my partner purchased our house and we then decided to collaborate with our house’s local builder, Michaelis, who is specialised in stone buildings and renovation works.I am an English carpenter but have lived in Volissos for 10 years, while my partner Maria is an interior designer.An important element of our business is my sister who lives in theUKand works in a travel agency, which specialises in private rented villas and traditional houses for the ‘off the beaten track’ tourist.

Difficulties of a sustainable business

We had bureaucratic issues even though the commercial centre is only 40km from the village of Volissos and E.O.T (Greek National Tourism Organisation) is based in Mytilene.However, these were overcome thanks to our enthusiasm and love for what we wanted to create.

Future plans

We receive numerous appreciated comments concerning how we have renovated the houses; how the houses relate to the village rather than being something architecturally foreign and how happy our visitors have been while staying at ‘Ta Petrina’.We also want our guest’s children to feel safe within this rural community.

Benefits to the local community

The local community offers a true wealth of traditional Volissos’ lifestyle and rustic atmosphere.We want to preserve this uniqueness with the help of others who also appreciate our village

Contact Details

Tel:  0030 6976561270

Fax: 2274021013

Email: tapetrina@tapetrina.gr

Website: http://www.tapetrina.gr