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About The Experience

This stunning and spacious Greek villa in Episkopi is on the northern coast of Crete, in an area that retains a charm separate from the more tourist-oriented sections of the island. Here you will enjoy the authentic quality of your own villa, swim in the private pool, or explore the town on foot. When you feel like getting out and enjoying some more modern entertainment, or the beach, Heraklion is only a short drive away.

Location Description

Tucked away in the hillsides of the northern coast of Crete, this Greek villa is in the town of Episkopi, which remains largely untouched by tourism, making this an excellent place for an authentic vacation. The main source of income is still derived from agriculture, and life here moves at a different pace from the outside world. Because of its historical significance as the onetime bishopric, you’ll find many Byzantine churches dating back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. In town there is a bakery, a pastry shop, a butcher shop, and some small supermarkets. If you prefer eating out, there are taverns and “kafeneia,” or traditional Greek cafes. There is also a post office, bank, pharmacy, medical center, gas and police stations, and a bus station with service to Heraklion three times a day. If you’re looking for more active entertainment, 20 minutes’ drive takes you to the golf course in Hersonissos, and you’re also less than 10 minutes’ drive from Watercity, one of Europe’s largest water parks. You’ll also want go into Rethymnon to sample Cretan cuisine and to visit the sixteenth century Venetian Fortezza, imposing in itself but also the location of the annual Rethymnon Renaissance Festival. If you’re interested in the history of the island you may also want to step into the Historical and Folk Art Museum for a taste of traditional Cretan ceramics, textiles, artifacts, jewelry, and clothing from across the centuries.
Chania airport: 160 km
Rethymnon: 100 km
Heraklion town: 18 km
Heraklion airport: 10 km
Nearest beach: 10 km (Amnissos/Karteros)
Shopping: 50 meters

Exterior Description

(1000 m2) This Greek island vacation villa is a beautifully renovated nineteenth century traditional Cretan stone house. The villa lies on a paved side street, hidden behind a wall, offering seclusion and lots of privacy. The owner lives here during the winter months, so lots of care has been put into this Greek residence. In the back of the villa you’ll find a terrace with a barbeque, and a large private swimming pool (6m x 13m, 1.3-2.2m deep) surrounded by large trees and bushes, creating areas of both sun and shade. There is also a poolside shower for rinsing off. Behind the pool area is a fenced garden area with many different fruit trees (orange, lemon, and pear) as well as olive trees and a vegetable garden. You are free to help themselves to any fruits and vegetables. From the garden you’ll also enjoy a beautiful view over the rolling hills of the countryside. Parking is available in front of the property. 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) You’ll enter the villa through a front gate, which leads to an inner courtyard: in front of you is the main building, while the west wing is to the right. The inner courtyard is stone paved (original) and has a sitting area and table built in stone. There is also a Cretan style stone oven (used for baking bread etc.), and an old well that is securely locked.
Ground floor: When you enter the main building you come into a large living area, made up of the dining room, the lower sitting room, and an upper level loft. The dining room is to the right, with a dining table and chairs, buffet with mirror, and a traditional Cretan sofa. A door here leads to the kitchen (west wing, below). A couple of steps lead down into the sitting room, where there is a wide sofa, desk and a bookcase, all with a traditional Cretan flair combined with antiques. Wooden stairs lead up to the sleeping loft, which has a wooden railing about 1 meter high. Here there are two large twin-beds (100 cm), night stands with lamps, a closet, and windows facing the inner courtyard and village. From the dining room there are a few steps leading up to a hall. On the left is the door to the bathroom: bathtub with handheld shower, built in sink with large mirror and WC. Straight ahead is the master bedroom, with 160 cm queen-sized bed, night stands with lamps, sofa and armchair, dresser with mirror, and glass doors leading out to the pool. Past the bedroom, there is a second living room with a fireplace, an arm chair, a TV set, and a large sofa with wooden table with marble top in front of it.
Ground floor (kitchen): Back out into the courtyard, the first door on the right leads into the kitchen. As you enter, directly on your right are the kitchen table and chairs, facing the kitchen window with a view of the inner courtyard. To your left is the fridge/freezer. The wall facing you as you enter the kitchen is the working space for the kitchen. The electric cooking range/oven, dishwasher, double sink, built in wooden cutting board, and counter with cupboards are found on this side of the room. To the right is a fireplace. A door leads to the dining room/main building from the left side.
Ground floor (west wing): The next door on the right leads into small hall with a wooden cupboard and chair. A door to the right leads into the bathroom: shower, sink, mirror, WC, and washing machine.
First floor (west wing): Outside stairs (from the courtyard again) lead to the upper level bedrooms in the west wing. There are two bedrooms in this section of the villa. Stepping into the first, you’ll find two large wooden twin-beds (100 cm) separated by a nightstand with a lamp, along with a small table next to the second bed, a chair, a closet, and artwork on the walls. Three wooden steps lead from this bedroom into the second bedroom: here there is a wooden queen-sized bed (160 cm), nightstands with lamps on both sides of double bed, an armchair, a closet, and artwork on the walls. Both bedrooms have wooden floors, with wooden-shuttered windows facing the inner courtyard.

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.

• Hiking Tours: 170 Euro per day
• Cooking Classes Available: 100 Euro per session, not including price of food
• Chef Available: 60 Euro lunch/dinner per day, not including price of food
• Massage: 50 Euro per session
• Yoga Lessons: 15 Euro per person for each hour; minimum 2 persons.

Please Note:

• Housekeeping twice per week included

Features and Amenities

Walk To Town Free Parking on Premises Independent Villa Outside Area - Private Outside Dining Swimming Pool - Private CD player TV - Local Channels Only

Dishwasher Oven Washing Machine Fans Available - Upon Request Heating - Whole House Housekeeping - Included Welcome Basket

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 - 8:00 PM

Conditions *