An atmospheric boutique villa in the heart of Crete's countryside.

An atmospheric boutique villa in the heart of Crete's countryside.

KALLIOPE

a boutique villa

Situated in the atmospheric and historic village of Gavalokhori this family house was built in the 19th century and has passed through the family from generation to generation, eventually falling into a state of disrepair. In recent years Kalliope has lovingly refurbished this beautiful building, saving where possible many of its original features but also adding some important modern conveniences that make this house not only an atmospheric, but comfortable place to stay at any time of the year.

The house has three generous sized bedrooms that are split across the 2 storeys, each with its own unique features that will make your life very difficult when it comes to choosing where to sleep.

At ground floor level you will find a newly fitted stone floor kitchen dining room. This is perfect for hosting your own Greek feast under a unique lighting installation which comprises of an old wooden oil-press-screw hung from the exposed timber ceiling. This room stays wonderfully cool throughout the day and is a great place to enjoy a meal at any time of the day

Off the kitchen you will find two fantastic bedrooms. The first, known as the Patitiri Room, is an intriguing space. The bed sits on top of the old Patitiri, which was where the grapes used to be put once harvested. From here they would be crushed (with feet) and the juice of the grapes would flow into the extraction chamber. You can still see where the juice once exited courtesy of a dramatically up-lit glass floor that has been installed. From the bed you look out onto rural countryside or the vine filled courtyard. 

The other bedroom on the ground floor boasts its own unique features. Located in the old kitchen of the house, the chimney to the wood oven has been converted into walk in shower. Pay attention in the ensuite bathroom from clues to both the traditional methods of construction of this old house and the flair of its renovator.

The other bathroom on the ground floor is a large family sized one that has both a large bathtub and shower. A large vanity area makes it the perfect spot to get ready for a night out in the village or beyond.

Upstairs a there is a large living area where you can relax and enjoy a book or a movie, or even a game of chess.

Just off the living room is the final bedroom, although it is the simplest of the bedrooms, it has some spectacular double aspects views across the Cretan countryside. In fact, you will struggle to want to leave the bed each morning.

Moving through the living area you will find the outside terrace where you can watch the sunset across Crete’s stunning landscape and enjoy a glass of Romeiko (local wine) or Raki (local spirit – must be served cold!!). If you don’t fancy eating out, why not give the massive traditional BBQ a try, complete with fridge and stone basin it is the perfect spot for grilling meat from one of local butchers or seafood from a nearby fish market.

The downstairs outsidearea is split into two distinct spaces. The Courtyard, where Dimitris (Kalliope’s Dad) still keepsthe vines for his wine, this space shaded throughout the day, and is particularly good at breakfast time. The other is the Garden Terrace, where you will find the stunning, family friendly, swimming pool and outside decking area. It is here that you can relax and enjoy your summer days by the pool or take a nap in the hammock under the shade of the large lemon tree.

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8 guests

3 bedrooms

3 beds

2 baths

Amenities

Amenities

The village of Gavalokhori

The villa is located less than a minutes’ walk into the central square of the village of Gavalokhori. Within the village you will find two extremely well-appointed mini markets which are open early (07:00-08:00) until late (22:00-23:00), a bakery, a beautiful art’s and craft’s shop which sells locally made products ranging from clothes to paintings. Finally, in the village you will find two tavernas that are famous in the region, Monica’s and Arismari, each require their own separate review.

Monica’s

Located directly in the main village square the taverna has two distinct seating areas, at the front looking over the square, or to the rear sheltered under large mulberry trees. The food at Monica’s is unique and is famous in the region for providing both fantastic traditional Cretan cuisine and some more alternative dishes inspired the tavernas creative owner, Monica. Whatever you choose you will not be disappointed. Make sure you keep an eye open for the tavernas lively music evenings, these take place normally once a week, but make sure you book in advance as these nights are always full.

Arismari

Located in a small and secluded square, this restaurant is one of the most picturesque in the region. The restaurant spreads from the seating in the main square under the large Mulberry tree, through a converted stone house into a secluded back courtyard. Outside the restaurant you will find the proprietor manning the charcoal BBQ, which is what the restaurant does best! We recommend the grilled pork steak and the chicken rotisserie (not always available). However, you will not only find great grilled meats at Arismari, they also serve up a host of traditional Greek and Cretan dishes (yes there is a big difference) as well as fabulous salads, stone oven pizzas and delicious traditional desserts. Always at the end of the meal you will be treated with a cold jar of Tsikoudia, the islands traditional spirit. Careful this is to be drank with caution.

The surrounding area
While in Gavalokhori you will feel like you are in the heart of the Crete’s mountainous countryside, yet you are only a 5 minute drive from the seaside town of Almyrida. Once a traditional fishing village with a small harbour, it has now become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Along the beach you will find plenty of paces to sit, both on sun beds or on the sand. The beach, which is beyond the shelter of the Akrotiri peninsular, often benefits from a fresher on-sure northern breeze which offers scope to those of a more adventurous nature to have a go at some water sports, paddle boarding, wind surfing and etc.

Almyrida now boasts a huge range of more than 20 different restaurants, ranging from traditional fish tavernas, to upmarket cuisine that would rival that of central Athens or London.

The location