Located in the heart of Western Macedonia, the two Vevi Villas are living monuments to family, history, and resilience. Built in the 1920s—just after World War I—these twin homes were designed in the traditional architectural style of the region and were originally owned by two brothers, Michael and Alex Petsinis. ​ Michael and his wife Vena raised four children within the villa: Paraskevi, Tanka, Stavros, and Alex. As time passed, the house was divided so each child could raise their own family. One of those children, Stavros, and his wife Melpomeni had three kids—George, Evangelitsa, and Michael—who were born and raised in the upstairs and downstairs rooms of the villa. ​

 

In 1958, Stavros moved to Melbourne, Australia. A year later, Melpomeni and the children followed, leaving the home empty. From 1959 to 2019, the once-busy house stood vacant—its only residents were the birds that made nests inside. ​

 

When George returned to visit in 2019, the building was in ruins. Crumbling, roofless, and on the verge of demolition, it seemed beyond repair. A black tarp was placed over the structure to shield it from further damage while George considered what to do next. Restoration seemed impossible—too expensive and too late. The pandemic in 2020 delayed everything even further. ​

 

But in 2023, a breakthrough came. Architect Konstantinos Gogos proposed a new vision—a way to preserve the soul of the buildings while breathing new life into them. For George, this was more than just construction. It was deeply personal. He had promised his late father, who passed away in Australia in 2016, that he would one day restore the family home. With the support of his wife Antonia—and the encouragement of close family members Peter and Gitsa Genis—he decided to honor that promise. ​

 

Together with Mr. Gogos, they began the restoration. What they found inside was extraordinary: hand-painted murals hidden under old plaster, well-preserved timber, and even pottery tucked away in the roof. Every detail was carefully restored or repurposed, blending the charm of the past with the comforts of today. ​

 

Today, Vevi Villas stand proudly once again—overlooking the Florina valley and the snow-capped peaks of Vitsi Mountain. They are more than renovated buildings; they are a symbol of heritage, hope, and the enduring power of family.