Our Story | Chelidon Residence Spetses & Its Heritage

Welcome to Chelidon Residence

They say that once upon a time, at the edge of the Old Harbour, in the old neighbourhood of Baltiza, the sound of the sea mingled with the ‘tap-tap’ of the shipyards. Wood, hammers, boats and people all lived together in the same rhythm.

That is where the Helidon Residence is situated.

An old Spetses residence that has belonged to the Frintzila family for almost a century, a family of shipowners whose lives were inextricably linked to the Aegean. From its windows, they would watch the caiques entering the harbour, listen to the sailors talking about their voyages, and always wait for a ship to return.

The residence took its name from the family’s historic ‘Chelidon’ ships. A name that was passed down from hull to hull, following generations of sailors, travelling the Greek seas and carrying with it stories of people, journeys and homecomings.

Perhaps that is why the residence still retains something of that spirit.

In the summer, the Old Harbour never sleeps. Laughter, music, lights and voices fill the night until dawn. Where once the hammering of shipwrights could be heard, today the summer pulse of Spetses beats.

And the Chelidon is always there — gazing out to sea, recalling stories and opening its windows to young people.

For us, it is not just a residence.

It’s the memories of our childhood summers.
The hospitality we’ve inherited from our family.
The scent of the sea in the evenings.
The story of a family that learnt to live with the wind and the boats.
And perhaps, for a little while, it might become your story too.

An old Spetsiot residence that has belonged to the Frintzila family for almost a century – a family of shipowners whose lives were inextricably linked to the Aegean. From its windows, they would watch the caiques entering the harbour, listen to the sailors talking about their voyages, and always wait for a boat to return.

The residence took its name from the family’s historic ‘Chelidon’ boats. A name that was passed down from hull to hull, following generations of sailors, travelling the Greek seas and carrying with it stories of people, journeys and homecomings.

Perhaps that is why the residence still retains something of that spirit.

In the summer, the Old Harbour never sleeps. Laughter, music, lights and voices fill the night until dawn. Where once the hammering of shipwrights could be heard, today the summer pulse of Spetses beats.

And Chelidon is always there — gazing out to sea, recalling stories and opening its windows to young people.

For us, it is not just a residence.
It is the memories of our childhood summers.
The hospitality we have inherited from our family.
The scent of the sea in the evenings.
The story of a family that learnt to live with the wind and the boats.
And perhaps, for a little while, it might become your story too.

THE HISTORY OF THE RESIDENCE

In the heart of Spetses Old Harbour, just a few steps from the sea, stands this traditional Spetsian stone residence, a building steeped in nearly two centuries of history.
The exact date of its construction remains unknown. However, whilst researching the historical title deeds, a notarial deed of sale dating from 1850 was discovered, confirming that the residence had already been built by that time. It is likely to have been built during the first few decades following the Greek Revolution, when Spetses was forging its modern identity as a naval and commercial centre of the Aegean.
In 1928, the residence was acquired by the brothers Nikolaos and Evangelos Frintzilas and has remained in the family ever since.
For almost a century, it has been a place of gathering, hospitality and family memories, keeping alive its connection with the Old Harbour and the island’s maritime history.
Its recent renovation was carried out with respect for its authentic identity, preserving the architectural features that characterise it, whilst at the same time incorporating modern amenities that ensure a comfortable and high-quality stay.

THE FRINZILA FAMILY

The history of the Frintzilas family on Spetses dates back to the late 19th century.
Georgios Frintzilas, originally from Rikhia in Laconia and raised on Hydra, was already an experienced shipowner when he travelled to Spetses to commission a new hull at the renowned shipyards of the Old Harbour.
There he met the shipbuilder Kasiotis, who recognised his character and diligence and proposed that he marry his only daughter, Magdalene. The newly built caique, which was under construction at the time, was offered as a dowry.
And so began the history of the Frintzila family on Spetses.
Georgios and Magdalene had eight children and built a family closely connected to the sea. As the children grew up, they accompanied their father on his voyages and learnt the art of seafaring. Over the years, they too became captains and shipowners, continuing the family tradition.

WHY IS IT CALLED ‘CHELIDON’?

The name of the residence comes from the historic ‘Chelidon’ boats owned by the Frintzila family.
The first ‘Chelidon’ was a sailing ship acquired from Italy, which retained its original name. Since then, every new vessel owned by the family has inherited the same name, keeping alive a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
The last ‘Chelidon’, built in Syros, holds a special place in the family’s memory. During the Occupation, it was requisitioned and, in 1943, was scuttled in the harbour of Serifos. After the war, it was salvaged from the sea and sailed once more across the Aegean, continuing its journey for several more years.
When the time came to name the residence, the choice was obvious.
The ‘Chelidon’ continued its journey, this time on land.

THE SWALLOW TODAY

Helidon remains a living part of our family history.
Respecting its character, it retains the authenticity of an old Spetses residence, combining maritime tradition with the warmth of a real family home.
Its rooms are home to objects and heirlooms linked to the history of the family and the island, including a folk painting depicting the first ‘Chelidon’ boat.
Every corner of the residence brings to life memories of almost a century of the family’s presence on Spetses.

THE SWALLOW AT THE CINEMA

The unique atmosphere and authentic architecture of Chelidon attracted the attention of the production team behind the film *The Lost Daughter*.
Scenes from the film were shot inside the house, which formed part of the cinematic world created for this international production.
The appearance of Chelidon in the film marks a special chapter in its modern history and provides yet further proof of the timeless charm of the Old Harbour of Spetses.

OUR VISION

Our aim is to keep this special home alive and to continue a tradition of hospitality passed down from generation to generation.
For us, Chelidon is not merely a place to stay. It is a precious family heirloom, a repository of memories, history and local tradition.
Our wish is for every guest to experience the unique atmosphere of the Old Harbour, the tranquillity of the sea and the authenticity of an era that is still very much alive in Spetses.
We want a stay at Chelidon to be more than just a lovely stay, but an experience that connects the guest with the place, the history and the memories that this house has held for almost two centuries.

Contact

Address
0 Bouboulinas Laskarinas, Spetses 18050
(above Thea Cafe)
Booking Tel:
+30 6986561402
+30 6949772071
info@chelidonresidence.gr

Chelidon Seafront Residence

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Interior Design: Christina Romanou - Photography: Panagiotis Kleidaras
AMA: 00003748126
GEMI Number: 192431309000
CHELIDON SPETSES RESIDENCE SINGLE MEMBER P.C.
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