After discussion on how things could best proceed, it was decided that since BF continues to live in Greece, it made more sense for him to take the travel necessary to find the land. In addition he has built more than one home for himself and his family in Greece and is a man who knows how to get things done. MG's brother, also living in Greece, would have power of attorney for legal transactions on MG's behalf.
The ideal location would be on an island large enough to remain interesting for many years ahead, near great beaches, be accessible from Athens, not be overly populated with tourists and have all the unglamorous necessities for later in life such as a modern hospital.
As BF toured around various islands on his motorcycle, he sent GPS coordinates to MG, who then viewed the potential locations online. It was massively exciting for us to sit in Boston, use Google to research the various islands under consideration, talk about the possibilities each offered and zoom in on the actual spot using Google Earth. Finally, in October 2008, two ideal side by side plots of build-able land on the most favored island came up for sale. The friends bought the land with an agreement that the current use of the land as a potato field could continue an additional season.
BF gave plot plans and some criterion and inspirational ideas to 3 architect firms. Each of the firms responded with renderings of homes they suggested could be built on each of the parcels of land. These were mailed to us and, many phone calls and emails later, we all agreed a preference for one of the architects. He is very experienced, knows how to work and to work around, has built on this island previously, and has both a deep respect for the traditional and a grasp of the ultra-modern. His knowledge, experience and style are ideal for us because we all want a traditional island look on the exterior with a modern and "green" interior.
The next decisions loomed. Who would do the construction? How could the construction be managed remotely from Athens and Boston? Exactly what would be constructed? How would the landscaping be accomplished? Did the wells on the property have potable or brackish water? And what would become of the little stone cottage that sat in the far corner of one plot?
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