In the late 1960s, amidst the azure waters of the Argosaronic Gulf, Leonard Cohen found solace in a quaint traditional house on the Greek island of Hydra. Little did he know that this island paradise would become the backdrop for one of the most enduring love stories of the 20th century. Today, that very house, brimming with history and memories, is owned by his son, Adam Cohen, who continues to honour his father's legacy on this enchanting island.
The Love Story of Leonard and Marianne
Hydra, in the late 1960s, was a haven for artists, writers, and bohemians seeking inspiration and tranquillity. Leonard Cohen, the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, was among those drawn to this idyllic Greek island. He acquired a traditional whitewashed house for a mere $1,500, a decision that would forever change his life.
It was in Hydra that Leonard Cohen found love, not only for the island itself but also for Marianne Ihlen, a Norwegian woman who captured his heart. Their love story became the stuff of legend, immortalised in Cohen's music and poetry. Marianne served as his muse, inspiring timeless songs like "So Long, Marianne" and "Bird on the Wire."
For seven blissful years, Cohen and Ihlen lived together in that Hydra house, where creativity flowed as freely as the island's crystal-clear waters. Cohen penned some of his most profound and iconic works during this time, including his debut novel, "Beautiful Losers," and the album "Songs of Leonard Cohen."
Their love affair eventually waned, but the memory of Hydra and their time together endured in Cohen's heart. Learning of Marianne Ihlen’s ill health in 2016, Cohen penned her a heartfelt farewell letter, expressing his eternal love and gratitude for the time they spent on the island that had brought them together.
“And you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road.”
Leonard Cohen
It said, “Well Marianne it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine.
“And you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road.”
Two days later, Ilhen lost consciousness and passed away.
Hydra in the 1960s: A Bohemian Oasis
During the 1960s, Hydra was a bohemian haven, attracting artists, writers, and musicians from around the world. It was a place where creativity thrived, where the laid-back lifestyle and stunning natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for artistic pursuits. The absence of cars on the island added to its charm, with donkeys serving as the primary mode of transportation along the cobblestone streets.
The island's intoxicating blend of traditional Greek architecture and rugged landscapes made it a magnet for individuals seeking refuge from the tumultuous outside world. Hydra was a place where artists like Cohen could escape the noise and distractions of urban life, immerse themselves in the island's serene beauty, and find inspiration in the simplicity of daily life.
Adam Cohen: Continuing the Legacy
Leonard Cohen's legacy lives on not only in his music and poetry but also through his son, Adam Cohen. Following in his father's footsteps, Adam is a talented musician and songwriter in his own right. He shares his father's love for Hydra and the profound connection it held for Leonard.
In 2014, Adam returned to Greece to record his album "We Go Home." In a making-of video for the album, he paid tribute to his father and showcased the traditional house in Hydra, sharing glimpses of its timeless beauty. The street outside the house has been named after Leonard Cohen, a fitting tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on the island.
Leonard Cohen's House in Hydra Today
Today, the house in Hydra is a place where Leonard Cohen's spirit continues to linger. Now owned by Adam, it remains a cherished family retreat. Like his father, Adam returns to Hydra, particularly during the summer months, to find inspiration and reconnect with the island's soul.
In the summer of 2023, Adam once again graced the island of Hydra. On a rainy Wednesday in September, he shared glimpses of his family's traditional house with his online friends, inviting them to experience the magic of the place where his father's greatest creations were born.
Through Adam, Leonard Cohen's house in Hydra remains a timeless ode to love, art, and the enduring magic of the Greek islands.
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