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- About The Experience
- This beautiful stone villa in Greece will steal your heart away; from arches stretching over the living areas to a flagstone-bordered pool, this villa rental in Greece looks like an extension of the mountain it rests on. Luxuriate in the feeling of rural seclusion, explore the local village below, go hiking, or scout for "the perfect beach." This Greece rental villa in the mountains will make you feel as if you've lived on the island for generations.
- Location Description
- This villa is located on a steep hillside, enjoying a very out-of-the-way location perfect for hikers or anyone looking for that truly "authentic" experience. The village of Askifou, however, is nearby-- it has a taverna and a small grocery store. As it is a very rural location (about half an hour down hill on a windy road to the highway), this is a great location for hiking. The main occupation of most locals is sheep or goat farming, although there are also many cheese dairies. Beyond that, a drive down the mountain will take you to Sfakia and Georgioupolis. Sfakia is located in the southwest of Crete, built at the point where the Iligas gorge joins the sea. On the water you'll find a pebble beach with crystal clear waters. This area is very far removed from tourism and offers a very authentic taste of island life. Georgioupolis, alternately, lies on the northern coast of Crete, a coaster village on the bay of Almiros. The village has a police station, a pharmacy, banking services, restaurants, bakeries, tavernas, and a travel bureau. This village is only a little more "touristed" than Sfakia, and most of the inhabitants are mainly concerned with stock breeding, farming, and fishing. In Georgioupolis you will also be able to find various forms of transportation to see nearby sights, including boats to surrounding beaches, and excursions to springs and waterfalls.
Georgioupolis: 20 km
Sfakia: 18 km
Ammoudari: 1.5 km
- Exterior Description
- Built into a steep hillside, this restored stone house enjoys sweeping views over the White Mountains and the Askifou Plateau. Resembling a large converted barn, the house has a spacious multi-level common area, making it ideal for a group. Two flights of stone steps lead down to a large terrace paved with flagstones and the private swimming pool (36m2) and barbecue area. The pool is open from May 15 to the end of October and has an outdoor shower and WC, along with a washing machine. Scattered on the hillsides around the house, there are a number of unoccupied village dwellings. The local property representative will meet you at a prearranged place and guide you to the villa. At that point (or, if your arrival time is late, the following day), the representative will answer any questions and introduce you to the spectacular island of Crete. A representative will also remain available on a 24-hour help line for any further assistance you might need.
- Interior Description
- (200 m2)
Ground Floor: Via the main terrace, the entrance leads into a spacious living/dining area with stone fireplace, satellite TV, and two built-in sofa beds each suitable for one child. From here, a few steps lead to a bedroom with wrought iron 130 cm large single bed, corner Jacuzzi tub, and separate ensuite (screened off) WC. Returning to the living area, a wooden staircase leads up to a second bedroom with a 130 cm large single bed, this one with ensuite bathroom (shower). At the opposite end of the living area there is a charming small kitchen with a stable door leading out to the terrace. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and an old stone oven. A wooden staircase leads to the upper floors.
First floor: There is a large bedroom with a 130 cm large single wrought iron bed. Above the bedroom there is a spacious seating area with a 130 cm sofa bed suitable for one. Beyond this, additional steps lead up to the gallery.
Gallery: This large open room has a second kitchen with a range, refrigerator/freezer, and dining area with a satellite TV. This area opens onto a large terrace. There is also an antique tub and separate WC. Above the tub in an open loft there is a large gallery bedroom with four-poster 170 cm large queen-size bed.
- Features Description
- Extra Services: The following are listed as an aid for trip planning; the services and prices are approximate and cannot be guaranteed by Rentvillas. All extra services are payable locally in cash.
- Chef Available: upon request
Please Note: - Sofa beds vary in size and comfort and may not be adequate for adults.
Features and Amenities
- Free Parking on Premises
- Independent Villa
- Outside Area - Private
- Swimming Pool - Private
- CD player
- TV - Local Channels Only
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- Dishwasher
- Oven
- Washing Machine
- Cook Service Available - Extra Cost
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Arrival Times
Please note: Official Arrival Times:
- Sun
3:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
- Mon
3:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
- Tue
3:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
- Wed
3:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
- Thu
3:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
- Fri
3:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
- Sat
3:00 PM
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8:00 PM
Conditions *
Security Deposit
- No security deposit or cleaning fee is required. However, the client will be liable for any extra charges incurred during the stay, or accidental damages to the property.
Other Notes
- Cook Services (If Available): must be arranged at least 2 months prior to arrival
- UPON ARRIVAL, RENTERS MUST PROVIDE A PHOTOCOPY OF EACH TRAVELER’S PASSPORT AND SIGN A FORM FOR THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
- Tourist Tax (Payable upon Arrival): 1-5 Euros per person per day
- Non-refundable fee to arrange Extra Services (cook, housekeeping, etc): $30 paid to Rentvillas.com
* These prices and conditions may change based on your arrival date and length of stay. For exact conditions, please click on the View Availability button, enter your dates, and then click on View Pricing and Conditions.
View General Rental Agreement
Questions? Please ask us!
Receive free advice from your own personal Travel Advisor.
Call us: 1-800-726-6702
Outside the US: +1-805-880-1228
Mon-Fri 7:00-5:30
Sat 10:30-2:30 Pacific Time
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Customer Ratings
Overall
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Outside Area
Living Room
Kitchen-
Bedrooms
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Bathrooms
Based on 2 Reviews
Customer Reviews
Overall:
It was fabulous. Better than the pictures or my expectations. The perfect relaxing, touring, partying and enjoying place on Crete.
Enjoyed Most:
The villa itself was stunning and beautifully furnished. It was set on the rim of the Askifou Plateau, a lovely agricultural area that was beautiful to behold and to watch throughout the day and stay. Great neighbors too. The location, although remote, was actually centrally located for touring the western 2/3 of Crete, from north to south. In addition the Imbros Gorge, a great 5 mile gorge walk could be accessed on foot from the villa. Plenty of information provided by the owner. Good restaurants immediately nearby and some very interesting towns close by.
Enjoyed Least:
There really wasn't anything that I didn't like about the property. It even was quite satisfactory for the maximum number of 12 people although 3 were children.
Surrounding Area:
The towns of Vryees and Vamos. Traveling to the southern beaches of Frangokastella and Plakeius. The incredible scenery riht outside the door.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Ammoudari was a bit of a hike till we learned the cross country or goat field, in this case. It had a good taverna, bakery and small shop with fresh produce and all needed household goods.
Tips or Restaurants:
Don't be afraid of the mountain climb, it gets easier the more you do it. and well worth venturing out by car or foot. Although we were 12 persons we rented several small cars, and were quite glad they were not bigger. Take notes on the way in, when led in by the owner, you will need them to find your way out and back in again, the first few times. The route is a little hard after dark but if you pay attention it is doable.
Directions:
Didn't have GPS, would be curious if it would work this remotely. Again, take notes mileage and landmarks as you are quickly driven into the place. Small cars needed.
Joan, September
Enjoyed Most:
The outdoor terrace areas were lovely - beautiful views. Inside the house, we loved the antique furniture, the claw-foot and jacuzzi tubs, and were delighted with the dishwasher! Owner was delightful and made great recommendations for places to go and things to see. An excellent resource and very hospitable.
Enjoyed Least:
Location. It was a bit more remote than we expected. 20-30 minutes to get down the mountain to the main highway, and it was a slow, winding climb up and down the mountain, which meant more time in our cars that we had expected. Also, the pool was closed. This was a huge disappointment as there were definitely days were it was hot enough to take a dip, and the pool area was so inviting, so it was an unfortunate tease that we were not informed of this prior to arrival. Beds were a bit hard and couches weren't too comfy. but we spent hours wining and dining at the dinner table and out on the terraces. Stairs inside the house were very steep and a bit difficult to manage, especially under the ouzo influence! Our older guests found them to be a bit too much to handle.
Surrounding Area:
Tavernas were great, views were great. A very rural, authentic experience. We actually saw a goat in a tree!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Askifou was within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you are an avid coffee drinker, bring your own ground coffee for brewing. It was a bit of an experience locating non-instant coffee in the grocery stores. Also, Crete has a cooler climate than we anticipated compared to the other islands in the Aegean, and cooler still up in the mountains. Bring layers of clothing.
Directions:
It was a good thing we had someone lead the way to the villa. We never would have found it on our own.
Heather , April
