Villa Galania, Armeni, Crete   

*** Featured in Sunday Times "Europe's 100 Sexiest Summer Villas" ***

Set on a small hill above the village of Armeni but only 800 metres from the village square, Villa Galania is ideally placed to enjoy the rural idyll whilst still being within reasonable walking distance of local shops and tavernas and just ten minutes by car from the sandy beaches of Kalives.

Parking the car for the first time and then walking up past a small copse of Holme Oak trees where a hammock has been slung and around the corner of the villa, it is easy to imagine you have stepped into a page of Harpers Bazaar or Vogue  The pale pastel rose facade of the villa and beautiful pool at one with the serenely peaceful backdrop of rural Crete and the White Mountains which may still have snow during Easter Holidays in Crete.

Although the villa was only recently completed the young owners have created a very atmospheric period style property with the skillful use of simple local materials. Covered balconies and terraces provide shade and succour from the heat of the sun, whilst the villas stone faced doorways and rough hewn timbered ceilings add an authentic touch of the past.

Despite the historic crete flavour, the property is furnished and equipped to a very high standard and the owners really have ticked all the boxes down to the smallest detail.

Outside around the 9m x 4m pool and adjoining children's pool, there's a huge amount of living space including a smart alfresco cover dining area, a lounge area, a table soccer, plus a rusticated covered barbecue complete with Cretan oven and a small fridge for drinks, as well as a big string of crisp red onions hanging from a nail; there may even be some left as we only pinched a couple!

To one side there' a large area of lawn and in the shade of the Holme Oaks is a well stocked herb garden with the folk song classics of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme as well marjoram, mint and a number of other local herbs that Kleanthi uses for brewing tea.

Two covered terraces extend the length of the Villa overlooking the pool and inside; the ground floor is open plan with warm terracotta style tiled floors throughout. The living area decorated with interesting rural artefacts and attractive wall hangings is very appealing and has two sofas and large coffee table grouped in front of an open fireplace, To one side is a dining area with table and chairs and beyond here is the small well equipped kitchen, with a very large fridge  freezer full oven with ceramic hobs and a dishwasher plus a kitchen sink with the bonus of lovely rural views towards the mountains.

At first floor level and reached by a wooden staircase is one twin bedroom with en-suite shower room and the slightly extravagant master bedroom with double bed, lovely stone fireplace and en-suite bathroom with a lavish corner bath to languish in. Both bedrooms have warm and tactile wood floors and french doors opening out onto covered balconies overlooking the pool and with views towards the mountains.

From the landing at the top of the stairs a few steps lead up to a tiny gallery with a desk and chair.

Off the living area at ground floor level of the villa is a further guest shower room where there is also a washing machine. The villa also has a TV with DVD player and a portable CD player.

If you like Villa Galania** you may also like one of these other 6 properties in Crete

Villa Stefanos** Sleeps 6 £595 £535 to £1675 per week Location: Maleme Accommodation: 3 bedrooms, 4 ensuite shower rooms Villa Nynemia ** Sleeps 6 £850 £680 to £2160 per week Location: Almerida Accommodation: 3 bedrooms, 3 ensuite shower rooms Villa Faye** Sleeps 6 £750 £739 to £1731 per week Location: Vrisses 6 kms from Georgoupolis. Accommodation: 3 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms

Villa Kallisto** Sleeps 6 £795 to £2495 per week Location: Almerida Accommodation: 3 bedrooms, 3 ensuite shower rooms Villa Petra Sleeps 6 £1050 to £1720 per week Location: Vrisses Accommodation: 3 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms Old Olive Mill * Sleeps 6 £590 to £1695 per week Location: Embrosneros, 6km inland from Vrisses Accommodation: Converted Olive Mill in Historical Roman Aquaduct Village with 2 bedrooms and 2 bath/shower rooms in the main house plus a studio with ensuite shower room with private entrance

Armeni, Crete
Something off a foodies paradise, the village of Armeni is notable for its large shady plain trees lining the main street where you will find a choice of simple cafenions and three excellent tavernas. There is also a small mini -market and amazingly, a well stocked delicatessen with wonderful local cheeses, yoghurt and charcuterie as well as a large choice of frozen fish! Of a morning, fresh bread is delivered to the cafenion on the small triangular central square you'll see what we mean! ...More about Armeni >>

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