Tatoi: Works on the former royal estate are progressing rapidly

The unanimous positive opinion of the Central Council of Modern Monuments for the study of the restoration of the Staff building and the preliminary studies (architectural, static, electromechanical) of the new Cowshed, as well as its conversion into an exhibition space, paves the way for the acceleration of the works in the former Royal Estate at Tatoi. The restoration project of the new Cowshed (Voustasio), with a budget of 4,300,000 euros and a horizon of completion by the end of 2025, has secured funding from the Recovery Fund, while the conversion of the Staff building into a hostel will be implemented by a private investor.

Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni,  noted that the works in Tatoi will turn the Estate into a cultural pole and a development resource. As she said the buildings are being modernized to make them fully functional for their new uses.

The Staff building, built in the early 20th century, is being restored and converted into a guest house, accessible to the disabled. As part of the modernization of the building, modern electromechanical installations are installed, without affecting the character of the monument’s façade. At the same time, the surrounding area is being redesigned to serve the new use of the hotel, but also the property as a promenade and recreation area.

The building of the new Cowshed was completed in 1952 and replaced the older building located further north, as it was not sufficient to meet the needs of the developing agricultural production of the estate at that time. It is an important post-war building and Konstantinos Ginis is mentioned as its possible creator/architect. It had a capacity of about 90 animals and was serviced by 4 stable-hands.

The new Cowshed is planned to function as a museum space for the promotion of the agricultural production of the estate, but also for the exhibition of cars. On the ground floor, an exhibition space is created with objects that are preserved in the building – items of the agricultural and livestock production of the estate – with separate sections for the exhibition of dairy, oil and wine production. The exhibition of car-monuments will be hosted in the west wing of the building. Exhibited items include several Rolls-Royce, MG TD Midget, electric Fiat 500 Boano Spider Elegance automobiles as well as golf carts. The building provides support functions, such as reception, shop, toilets and multipurpose room.