One of Kyrenia’s most iconic landmarks, Villa Latomia was built in 1933. In its later years, the property was entrusted to the Department of Antiquities and Museums and operated as the Fine Arts Museum until its closure in 2010, when the urgent need for restoration became apparent. Since then, the building had remained unused and its future uncertain — until now.

Now recognised as one of the distinguished winners of the PropertyNC Awards 2025, this long-awaited architectural revival is proudly presented to the public. Thanks to the initiative of Özyalçın Construction, which began in 2022, Villa Latomia has found new life — preserving its historic soul while gaining a renewed public role.

Designed by renowned British architect William Douglas Caröe, Villa Latomia stands as a rare example of his residential work. The villa features a T-shaped layout with three wings. The main entrance, adorned with delicate stone carvings, is located on the southeast side. The western wing includes a spacious hall and guest rooms, opening onto a veranda with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains — a place that captures the refreshing western breeze during summer.

The eastern wing connects to four bedrooms, while the northern section houses the kitchen and utility areas. The villa’s umbrella-shaped roof, typical of Caröe’s work, rests on finely carved local stone columns, lending the structure both stability and grandeur.

Best known for restoring churches and historic landmarks across Britain and Cyprus, William Douglas Caröe brought his hallmark precision and artistry to this 1933 villa in Kyrenia. Every element — from finely carved timber details to bespoke ironwork — was personally designed by Caröe and brought to life by skilled Cypriot artisans. The result is a refined synthesis of British architectural grace and local craftsmanship, seamlessly united in a singular work of residential design.

A key element of the building is the material steeped in history. The yellow sandstone used in the construction was sourced from the local Latomia quarries — giving the villa its name. The façade features finely crafted arches, staircases, chimneys, and framed openings — all handmade using traditional tools. Above the entrance, the inscription “LATOMIA” and the Roman numeral MCMXXXIII (1933) mark the date of its creation.

The interior evokes the charm of an early 20th-century English country house. The villa contains six fireplaces, four of which are adorned with Latin and Greek inscriptions — reflecting the philosophy, spirituality, and worldview of architect William Douglas Caröe. One standout example is the large hearth in the living room, flanked by built-in stone benches — a nod to the tradition where the hearth was the heart of the home.

The restoration, carried out between 2022 and its reopening in 2025, faithfully preserved the original Arts and Crafts architectural style, including meticulous stonework, wooden ceiling details, and Caröe’s handcrafted iron fittings.

The most challenging aspect was the roof — decades of weather exposure had severely damaged its iconic umbrella-shaped structure. The restoration team dedicated 14 months to carefully repairing and reconstructing the timber rafters and slate roofing, faithfully replicating Caröe’s original design. The process was both technically complex and highly time-consuming.

Preserving the original stonework, particularly the yellow sandstone sourced from the Latomia quarry, required exceptional care. Each intricately carved arch, lintel, and column was meticulously cleaned, repaired, or, where necessary, replaced using stone from the original quarry to maintain authenticity. While safeguarding the building’s historical integrity, the restoration team also had to comply with modern construction standards — including seismic safety, electrical wiring, plumbing, and accessibility — all integrated without compromising the original craftsmanship or the building’s visual character.

The restoration of Villa Latomia transcends mere architecture; it stands as a profound expression of respect for history and cultural identity. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Yağmur Özyalçın and her team, the building has been thoughtfully reintroduced into Kyrenia’s cultural landscape. Today, it functions as a vibrant cultural and arts centre, complemented by a stylish café operated by a private enterprise.