Description
Seafront Building for Sale in Tampakaria. In one of the most historic and character-rich parts of the city, a unique property of approximately 1,000 sq.m. is offered for sale, with an approved architectural concept for its transformation into a boutique hospitality project featuring 19 suites and a swimming pool.
The design preserves the original footprint and follows the existing urban fabric, reinforcing the identity of the area. The building unfolds across multiple levels, with the first two levels dedicated to the main communal spaces, including reception, lounge areas, restaurant and wellness facilities, organized through small courtyards, open-air passages and a central circulation core. A basement level provides parking capacity for up to 12 vehicles.
The upper levels accommodate the 19 suites, designed to ensure privacy, natural light and a sense of openness, while maintaining a balanced relationship with the surrounding built environment. The overall layout creates a natural flow between interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the guest experience.
The outdoor areas are shaped by the natural slope of the plot, leading gradually to the swimming pool positioned at the highest point, offering open views and a sense of retreat within the city.
Exposed stone, tiled roofs and natural materials preserve the authenticity of the historic tannery complex, while selected original elements are retained, adding depth and character to the development.
This is a rare investment opportunity to create a distinctive hospitality destination that combines history, architecture and location.
Seafront Building for Sale in Tampakaria. Location Information:
Tampakaria is a district that developed on the east rocky area of Chania, far away from the city walls, which was known during the 19th century for its tanneries. However, there is evidence for the existence of tanneries in the area from the 18th century. The leather manufactures established in this area since the Egyptian period (1830-40), according to an official Arabic document.
The area was ideal for the establishment of tanneries: it was near enough the city to attract customers, but also far enough, in a location with abundant underground brackish waters, next to the sea (which was very useful for the first stage of the leather manufacturing).
The tanneries of Tampakaria flourished between the 1st and the 2nd World War. During the German occupation the tanneries were closed. Later, the new post-war mechanical equipment replaced the old methods and brought innovations in the leather industry that increased profits. An important amount of profits came from leather exportations. The decadence of Tampakaria started in the 70s and today only one tenth of the tanneries are still in business. The remains of the old tanneries are monuments of industrial archaeology.
Many of the old tanneries are today abandoned and ruined, some are preserved and have a different use, and some are still in business. The only thing that remained intact is their architecture. Adjusted to the natural landscape, the tanneries have a ground floor by the front street entrance and two or three floors by the seaside. They are stone-built and have a tiled roof. The tanneries, built in a row, characterize this district of unique architecture.
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