It was PLF’s wishes, being childless, that on his passing the house be handed over to
the Athenian-based Benaki museum, whose 2000 re-opening had led to the creation
of satellite museums, including one in Kalamata. He hoped it would become a centre
of writing and academia - following in his own footsteps. However, in the years after
his death, it began to look as if his wishes were not going to be fulfilled and the
buildings started to fall slowly into mild disrepair. The contents of the house were
more or less kept intact apart from artefacts he had already handed over to the
National Library of Scotland- this material included over 10,000 letters and postcards as well as numerous corrected drafts of Paddy’s manuscripts, and surviving
journals of his post-war journeys around Greece and other beloved places, as well
as over 6,000 of Joan’s photographs.
In such austere times in Greece, a kick-start was very much needed to get the project going.
This impetus partly came from the UK and the formation of the PLF Society last year.
In collaboration with the Benaki organisation, a third party was found, the Niarchos
Foundation to help fund the renovation work. Wheels were set in motion. The required
architect’s plans were drawn. Budgets and time-lines were set. At a cost of over half a
million euros, the proposed work is set to be completed by April 2016. It is now an ambitious project to befit the man himself and the intended use of the building follows
his express wishes. As well as being a retreat for appropriate writers and researchers
to work in, the “mini university” will host relevant seminars and workshops as well
as housing VIP guests. Plans have also been made for events also aimed at a wider
audience (musical performances, lectures, guided tours).
INSIDE the MANI60