Renovation – Villa Agapi

Renovation – Villa Agapi

RENOVATION – VILLA AGAPI

the story of villa agapi’s Full interior and exterior transformation – 2021

Prior to its re-sale, three bedroom Villa Agapi lacked inspiration. The interiors were dark and lacked character, eluding an atmosphere of indifference. Outside, the old-fashioned, orange terrace tiles were worn and the space was not utilised to maximise areas for outside living.  In 2021 the new, current owners purchased Villa Agapi with a vision to transform the property into a modern, efficient home for full time living. And they employed Aphroditerentals.com to bring their visions to reality.

Our Brief:

Create a contemporary style property that had a Cypriot feel whilst completely modernising everything from top to bottom, and creating new areas for entertaining and relaxing.

Before
After

EXPANDED SPACE

Creation of additional space: we applied for the additional cover to increase the size of the living space, whilst utilising the large front garden and converting that into a private shaded outside living space – a beautiful courtyard. Bi-fold doors were installed  to run the whole length of the living and dining areas, which brightened the interiors as well as opening them up to bring the outside in. With the bi-fold doors open the exterior and interior areas blend to create one vast living space, making the most of the outside living lifestyle which is one of the main highlights of living in a sunny climate.

Living area bi-fold doors facing the outside terrace of Villa Agapi on Aphrodite Hills.

a touch of cyprus

Encorporating traditional Cypriot features by: using stone inside and outside of the villa, creating a beautiful courtyard with decorative metal window grates and gate, and planting traditional Cyprus flora. A large olive tree features in the courtyard, as well as a terracotta Pithari with beautiful bougainvillea.

Courtyard entrance of Villa Agapi - stone walls and window frames, olive tree, pergoda with shade and large wooden front door.

Modernisation

Adding the contemporary: all bathrooms were renovated, each with a particular colour theme and with some cool features added. All the floors were retiled using beautiful, large 1metre tiles. New lighting was installed throughout, including modern spot lights, rear glow mirrors, and up-lighting in the new living area ceilings. Glass balustrades replaced older-style banisters to lighten and modernise the space. The villa was completely refurnished with textiles and furniture that was carefully selected with the owners, sourced here in Cyprus from various trusted suppliers. 

comfort

Comfort and luxury go hand in hand: new underfloor heating was installed throughout the villa, as well as a new VRV air-conditioning unit in the living area and new split air-conditioning units in other rooms. We maximised every nuke and cranny that we could out of the space, where there was barely any in the original layout: a new utility area was created in the basement level, and a previously disregarded basement space was upgraded to be facilitated as an office. New owner storage spaces were created in spaces had been unutilised. 

lighting and security

Creating atmosphere and safety: lighting was an integral aspect of the renovation and contributes hugely to the look, feel and ambience that the villa now enjoys. Interior lighting includes modern spot lights, rear glow mirrors, and up-lighting in the new living area ceilings. Outside, we up-lit the whole garden with signature lighting in archways and making a feature of the olive trees. This was done whilst ensuring that the property was sound on a security perspective, with CCTV and sensor lighting installed throughout, and, of course, an alarm system.

Corner of Bathroom in Villa Agapi on Aphrodite Hills; stone wall, rear lit mirror and contemporary light fixtures.

outside overhaul

Optimising outside space to enhance a sunny Cypriot lifestyle: the outside space around the pool was increased significantly, the terrace was completely retiled, drainage improved and shading installed. The new owners are social and enjoy entertaining guests, so a large entertainment space with built-in catering-grade facilities was created, and has been thoroughly enjoyed since moving in. In addition, a complete pool renovation was undergone: we converted it from a skimmer pool to an overflow pool, retiled it and installed new stairs and lighting. Not to mention, it was dog-proofed for the owners pets who were also due to move in!

Outside terrace at Villa Agapi, entertainment area with bar lined with bar stools, and pergoda shading.
Front of villa building from corner of poolside terrace, showing overflow pool in foreground, and blue skies in background.

efficiency

Energy conscious: to top it off we then made the villa very energy efficient by installing a Photovoltaic system on the roof and on the new car parking pergola. We also installed new double glazed windows which vastly improved the thermal qualities of the house.

Property Renovations Page

If you would like to talk about how you can renovate your Aphrodite Hills property to the same high quality of Villa Agapi then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mark for a free consultation:

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The information provided by Aphroditerentals.com on this page is correct at the time of publication, and is provided in good faith. Aphroditerentals.com are not liable to any changes to this information and we recommend checking all current operating times and information with each individual facility on the Resort using the contact numbers provided.

Why We Recommend: Photovoltaics

Why We Recommend: Photovoltaics

Why We Recommend: Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic panels on Villa 2 generated over €2,000 of electricity between August – December 2022.

Photovoltaics: good for the environment

Photovoltaics: good for the environment, good for your bills

With energy prices rising exponentially it is more beneficial than ever to consider sustainable energy sources alongside traditional methods of energy production. It is dismissive for us not to consider our carbon footprint in the world nowadays too – we are all well educated in the positive impact that renewable energy has on the environment, and in a country like Cyprus that benefits from around 300 days a year of sunshine, photovoltaics are not only an option, but an obvious and responsible choice.

How do photovoltaics work?

“Here comes the science bit”: When the sun light energy strikes a solar cell, the energy is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells in the panel and electrons are knocked loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. The electrical conductors are attached to the positive and negative sides which forms an electrical circuit and these electrons are captured in the form of an electric current, and the energy creates electrical charges that move in response to this internal electrical field in the cell – causing electricity to flow.

What is the difference between photovoltaic panels and solar panels?

Quite simply, photovoltaic panels produce electricity, while solar thermal systems produce heat. Photovoltaics is the conversion of light into electricity whilst solar panels convert solar radiation into heat. Solar panels are the ideal way to produce hot water, as this can be stored for later use which is really energy efficient – most solar thermal systems have hot water storage tanks that store heated water until needed. We highly recommend making use of both systems.

Is the investment in photovoltaic panels worthwhile?

Solar installations have risen by around 45% in the UK last three years, as home owners start to realise the return on their investments into renewable energy. The initial cost of installation may be high, but solar panels can cut up to 90% off energy bills, so the return is quickly evened out and the long term savings are a no-brainer. Read some more UK-based statistics for a general opinion piece  on expertreviews.co.uk. If the UK see the benefits of investing in solar energy, then you can imagine how much more efficient the panels are in sunny Cyprus.

Moreover, there is a Solar Government Incentive in place in Cyprus that has been in place for 10 years, and according to a recent Stockwatch article (January 2023) the Government inted to continue and enhance the programme that was originally set to finish at the end of 2022. This grant scheme is for the thermal insulation of roofs and installation of photovoltaic systems – a subsidy of funds to assist home owners with installation costs, as part of the ‘Cyprus-Tomorrow’ Recovery and Sustainability Plan. There is also net metering in place in Cyprus which translates to money ‘back’ for excess energy produced that goes back into the Utility Grid – read more.  

Solar photovoltaic panels can also increase the value of your property, and very importantly, the investment in the planet is more than worthwhile.

It doesn't cost the world to save the planet" - Professor Ottmar Edenhoffer

If you would like to learn more about installation costs and logistics for you Aphrodite Hills property then please don’t hesitate to Get In Touch.

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The information provided by Aphroditerentals.com on this page is correct at the time of publication, and is provided in good faith. Aphroditerentals.com are not liable to any changes to this information and we recommend checking all current operating times and information with each individual facility on the Resort using the contact numbers provided.

Preventative Maintenance – Annual Air Con Servicing

Preventative Maintenance – Annual Air Con Servicing

Preventative Maintenance – Annual Air Con Servicing

The Importance of Annual Air Conditioning Servicing

Over the years we have gained a vast amount of experience in Property Management, and one of the most important methods that greatly helps home owners keep costs down in the long term, as well and ensuring that comfort, safety and standards are kept high, is Preventative Maintenance.

One of the annual practices that we carry out is Air Conditioning Unit Servicing.

 

What is the benefit of regular servicing of Air Conditioning Units?

 

Better Energy Efficiency

Regular servicing of your air conditioning system will help it run more efficiently. Clogged air filters, dirty condenser coils and other problems cause the system to work harder to do its job – which uses up much more energy in the process. An inefficient air conditioning system will undoubtedly increase your energy bill and has a negative impact on the environment. On the other hand, regular servicing will translate into savings on your energy bill and on your conscience.

Longer Operational Life

As with all major equipment, a regular service will extend your systems operational life. There is a limit to how long any model will last, but looking after your equipment with the right amount of care and attention will ensure that you can make the most of your air conditioning system. Remember that one faulty or malfunctioning part can lead to stress on other components. The sooner you fix it, the better the system will operate overall.

Lower Overall Repair Costs

We’ve all been there. Your air conditioning units appear to be operating fine, when – out of nowhere – the entire system stops working, and typically in the middle of the busy, hot summer season. Suddenly, you find yourself in need of emergency repairs which is inconvenient to both you and the guests staying in your property. All too often, these repairs could be managed or even avoided through regular service and maintenance.

When we service your air conditioning system, our technician will check for damaged or worn-down parts and recommend their immediate replacement. Likewise, cleaning components such as the condenser and filters will ultimately extend the life of various parts and put off the need to replace them."

Better Air Quality

If you have any doubts as to whether your system is cleaning the air in your environment, you can simply open up the front panel and take a look at the filter. Unless it is brand new or has been cleaned very recently, you will see plenty of dust built up in the filter. The more dust that builds up, the less effective your filter is at purifying the air that passes through it.

Regular service ensures that your filter is working as well as it should be. This reduces internal deficiencies caused by a build-up of dust and debris, but it also means that everyone inside is breathing cleaner air."

 

How Often Should I be Servicing the Air Conditioning Units?

The frequency with which you should have your air conditioning system serviced depends on several factors, including the model, how old it is and how it is used. We recommend having your unit serviced at least once per year, depending on the environment and frequency of use.

 

What is involved in the servicing of Air Conditioning Units?

    • Removal of filters, washing down and cleaning them, including removal of any dirt.
    • Removal of indoor casing unit and cleaning thoroughly, removing any dirt.
    • Cleaning the Indoor coil unit with Anti-Bacterial cleaning solution.
    • Cleaning and removing the drip tray and doing a water test to make sure the pathway is clear.
    • Finding and locating the outside drain where possible.
    • Cleaning the indoor fan scroll, removing any dirt.
    • Checking the outdoor gas charge and condition.

Special Note Regarding Older Units Pre-dating 2015:

Unfortunately, air conditioning units do not last forever, and older units (pre-dating 2015) that are gassed with the older type of gas must be replaced, as this particular gas is no longer used or sold in accordance with the EU legislation to control F-gases.

As Property Management experts we’ve got you covered – we make sure that all of our properties have at least an annual service scheduled, when our trusted, specialist Air Conditioning Technicians assess and carry out necessary checks and works to make sure that your units run efficiently and effectively. We keep records of servicing and when it is carried out, what works have been done or need doing and ensure that your units are maintained by the best experts around. We can also assist you with sourcing and installing new units, when required or if you choose to upgrade. Your property is in safe hands with Aphroditerentals.com.

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The information provided by Aphroditerentals.com on this page is correct at the time of publication, and is provided in good faith. Aphroditerentals.com are not liable to any changes to this information and we recommend checking all current operating times and information with each individual facility on the Resort using the contact numbers provided.