Xeste 3 was a three-storey building with more than 35 rooms and an estimated area of 535 square meters (5759 square feet). The prehistoric coastline was quite close to this edifice. The people of Akrotiri took great care in its construction. The north and the east façade were constructed with finely dressed square blocks, while the south wall was made with roughly-dressed stones coated with pink/orange plaster that resembled the natural color of the stones used for the other façades. Large open spaces surrounded the house, except for the west where it abuts another building that is still buried in the volcanic ash. Another unique feature of Xeste 3 is the small forecourt with a small bench just outside the entrance. The houses of Akrotiri do not typically have a courtyard.