In the Cycladic hills of Paros, overlooking the luminous Aegean, a new sanctuary is quietly redefining the island’s allure. Moonhouse, designed and owned by ceramic artist Christiane Smit, offers travelers a glimpse into the soul of Paros through its understated elegance, deeply personal story, and a design philosophy rooted in harmony with nature.
Christiane’s path to Moonhouse was as unconventional as it is inspiring. A former model in the 1990s, she cultivated her aesthetic sensibility in a world that valued clean lines and striking simplicity. But her creative journey truly began in Curaçao and Holland, where the vibrant landscapes and tactile beauty of her upbringing inspired her lifelong fascination with the raw, organic forms found in nature.
“My work and my spaces are about finding balance,” she reflects. “It’s not about excess; it’s about simplicity that feels intentional and soulful.”
Today, her ceramic collection, aptly titled EARTH, is a study in that balance. Each piece, handcrafted using ancient coiling techniques, celebrates raw textures and bold, modern forms. These creations echo the design of Moonhouse itself, where architecture and nature flow seamlessly together. Built into the hillside, the villa feels like an extension of its environment, with windows framing the shifting light of the Aegean as if it were an ever-changing work of art.
Moonhouse’s interiors reflect the same thoughtful simplicity. Three bedrooms in the main house and two private guest houses are designed with muted palettes, tactile materials, and curated objects, many of them locally sourced or handmade. A saltwater pool glistens beneath the Greek sun, while expansive terraces offer the perfect perch to watch the moon rise over the sea—a nod to the villa’s evocative name.
But what truly sets Moonhouse apart is the way it invites guests to experience Paros anew. Beyond its serene beauty, the villa is a gateway to the island’s essence: the cosmopolitan buzz of Naoussa, the quiet charm of Parikia, and the allure of nearby Antiparos. Here, travelers are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with the land, and embrace the luxury of simplicity.
“Beauty should never feel complicated,” Christiane says. “Moonhouse is about creating space—both physically and emotionally—for simplistic living.”
