Perched high on a hill with sweeping views of the Aegean, Moonhouse Paros isn’t just a home—it’s a sanctuary of creation, tranquility, and storytelling. Behind its serene façade is Christiane Smit, a Dutch creative whose path to this Greek isle was one of serendipity and daring reinvention.
Christiane’s journey began more than 16 years ago when she first set foot on the island of Paros. Captivated by the island’s rugged beauty and authentic charm, she returned year after year, each visit deepening her connection to the place. In 2019, at a pivotal moment in her life, she made a leap of faith: selling her flat in Amsterdam and purchasing a plot of land that seemed to call out to her. The project came with its challenges, but it was on this land that she envisioned Moonhouse Paros—a retreat where art, nature, and human connection could thrive; a canvas for living with authenticity and artistry.
All images | Sivan Askayo
The villa’s name is rooted in a transformative experience. Shortly after acquiring the property, Christiane stood on the site one evening and witnessed a breathtaking sight—an enormous moon rising behind the house, casting its luminous glow across the bare rooms. “The moon seemed to come right in,” she recalls, “filling the space with a light so pure it felt as if it had always belonged.” That moment sealed the identity of the place: Moonhouse Paros, a home that welcomes light and radiates inspiration.
Christiane, a graduate of Central Arts & Design at ULA and a devoted ceramicist, approached the design of the villa as an artist would. With a deep respect for the land’s natural topography, she embraced a minimal, organic aesthetic. The villa’s smooth marble floors, unpolished stone paths, and handmade ceramic accents are all carefully selected to preserve the natural harmony of the surroundings. Every choice, from the placement of windows framing the sea to the scent of wild herbs along the pathways, was made to evoke a sense of calm and balance.
I can’t do mainstream. I want to bring something else.
Christiane Smit
Yet, Moonhouse Paros is not merely a physical space; it’s an evolving project that reflects Christiane’s creative ethos. Inside, a no-glaze ceramics studio serves as both workshop and gallery. Here, she crafts delicate, tactile pieces that reject commercial perfection in favour of raw authenticity. Her work, influenced by Japanese techniques and aesthetics, challenges conventional boundaries—much like her own journey. “I can’t do mainstream. I want to bring something else,” she says, describing her dedication to pursuing her own vision rather than conforming to trends.
In a recent milestone, Moonhouse Paros hosted its first wedding—an event that marked a new chapter in the villa’s story. The ceremony, held in the courtyard amidst blooming herbs and under the brilliant Aegean sky, was a testament to the villa’s versatility and charm. Christiane’s dream is for Moonhouse Paros to become a gathering place for those who seek meaningful connections, a space where people come together to celebrate, reflect, and create.
Her vision is evident in every detail of Moonhouse Paros, where timeless elegance meets contemporary simplicity. But for Christiane, the true reward is seeing how the space resonates with those who step inside—how they slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace a sense of calm that can only be found in places crafted with intention and love.
Moonhouse Paros is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect. A place that feels alive, shifting with the light of the day, inviting you to experience its magic in your own way.
For those seeking an intimate escape from the ordinary, Moonhouse Paros is a haven of inspiration—where creativity and serenity coexist, and the art of living takes centre stage.
