Christine and Göran Schildt bought the house that became Villa Kolkis during a short stay at Leros in August 1965. Located in the village of Spilia, along the Upper Spilia Road running beween Lakki and Agia Marina, it commands a panoramic view towards the Turkish coast some 25 km away (the sun emerges from behind the Anatolian mountains in the morning).
In the opposite direction, perched on the Pitiki hill, is the medieval castle of Kastro. The street Odos Goran Schildt, named after the author, leads down from Villa Kolkis to the shore and the village of Pandeli, with several cosy restaurants and a fishermen’s harbour.
The old stone house in Cycladic style was built some 150 years ago. Göran and Christine restored it preserving its original style as well as its traditional patelia roof (consisting of puddled earth, clay and reeds). In 2001, a second house with modern facilities was added to the property. The Villa Kolkis was the Greek home of Christine and Göran Schildt.
Since the passing of the author in 2009, Villa Kolkis remains the home of Christine Schildt. Her garden has been the venue for numerous workshops and is to this day an important meeting place for the many friends of Villa Kolkis.
