Bardot by Manhattan Projects, situated on the remote Cycladic island of Antiparos, breathes new life into the former abode of a local shipbuilding family, now transformed into a captivating bar and restaurant. Embracing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, Bardot achieves a harmonious fusion of eras, styles, and cultures. Through meticulous restoration work, the establishment resurrects the building’s original charm, returning elements like the front door to their initial positions and revealing the façade’s textured stones using archaeological techniques.
Inside, grotto-like spaces adorned in white limestone wash exude an air of Greek Isles authenticity. The bar, featuring a clay surface mirroring the walls’ contours, boasts a striking walnut countertop seemingly suspended in mid-air. Intimate rooms, complete with built-in seating and strategic mirrors, offer cozy atmospheres and domestic scales. Rather than concealing neighboring blank facades, Bardot enhances them with heightened courtyard walls, reminiscent of minimalist artistry.
The courtyard, sheltered from the Aegean sun, frames the sky while unifying indoor and outdoor spaces with Miltos-infused floors and handcrafted clay tile patios. The furniture collection blends modern, mid-century, and antique pieces, alongside Mediterranean artifacts like a wooden churn turned stool and ancient oil jars. Artist Christianna Economou’s murals and ceramic plates add a playful nod to Greek and Cycladic culture, reimagining the Aegean ambiance.
In summary, Bardot’s transformation revitalizes the island’s architectural heritage while offering a unique sensory experience that seamlessly marries tradition with modernity, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world where past and present converge in perfect harmony.