Situated in Tzitzifes, near Fres, in the Apokoronas region, this unique, architect-designed villa incorporates a number of traditional Cretan features. The 174 sq.m. property is set in 1,750 sq.m. of land with ample parking space, part of which is covered, and a stunningly-landscaped, sunken pool area, with a cascade into the main pool and a separate, large, jacuzzi. The garden has a number of beautiful, mature trees, including oaks, conifers, fruit and carob, and is surrounded by stone walls. Access to the property is through a remote-controlled gate.

The spacious entrance hall of the villa opens onto a covered terrace leading to the garden. A stone archway on the right leads to the beautiful and bright sitting area, with traditional L-shaped settee, corner fire-place and French doors onto the pool-side terrace. Access to the dining and kitchen area, which is slightly elevated, is through another stone archway. The kitchen is fully-equipped, with granite work-surfaces, and the dining area also has French doors onto the shaded, pool-side terrace.

From the main entrance hall, an inner hallway leads to two generous-sized bedrooms, with built-in wardrobes and storage cupboards, and a shower room with basin, toilet and heated towel-rail. One bedroom, with French doors onto the covered terrace, is currently in use as an office/study.

A wooden staircase from the main entrance hall leads to the first floor with a wooden gallery which gives access to the master bedroom and large bathroom. Each room has copious storage space and exposed wooden ceilings. Doors from the master bedroom and the gallery lead to a large, shaded, L-shaped balcony with barbecue and stunning views across the olive groves towards the sea and Mt. Psiloritis beyond. This balcony is shared by the self-contained, two-bed, studio apartment, with kitchenette and shower-room, which has its own separate entrance and also benefits from fantastic views.

Location

There is a variety of excellent tavernas within walking distance of the house and many footpaths lead into the mountains and link the neighbouring villages. It is on the bus route to Xania, which can be reached in about half an hour by car, while the town of Vrisses, with supermarkets, shops, tavernas, bank, garage and post-office, is only 7 km away and the beaches at Kalives and Georgioupoli are also easily accessible. Xora Sfakion, on the south coast, is less than one hour’s drive away.

Fres itself is a vibrant, small town, in the foothills of the White Mountains, with a shady plateia, school, information centre (KEP), taverna, kafenions, a mini-market, baker and butcher. The main plateia is a popular meeting place from which an archway leads to the upper part of the village and the church of Madonna of the Two Rocks – perched on two large rocks and surrounded by well-tended terraced gardens. From there an easy walk leads up to St. Antonius’ cave, offering panoramic views to Souda Bay and the Akrotiri.

Although Xania is a modern city, offering all you need by way of shops and amenities, the interior is a labyrinth of old Venetian houses that you can wander around with only an occasional reminder of the twentieth century. The waterfront and harbour area is lined with restaurants and cafés, and hosts a lively nightlife. Further east along the north coast lies Rethimnon, Crete’s third largest city and the site of a Venetian fortress, one of several in this part of Crete. The area is also rich in sites from antiquity, including a Roman villa in the ruins of the ancient city state of Aptera.