Villa Charaki****
(Elefherna/Rethymnon)
1 Villa Car hire is included. Swimming pool
This impressive large stone house, and a 33sqm swimming pool has been built on solid rock by the owner, a stonemason, within the traditional village of Eleftherna. The lofty hillside position of Villa Charaki provides outstanding panoramic views across the glorious mountainous landscapes, the scattered village houses and to the sea in the distance. The house, which is built on three floors, is approx. 250sqm in size, and suitable for up to 10 people. The main entrance is reached by a flight of stone steps, leading up to the living/dining area with stone arch and open plan kitchenette. From the kitchen one reaches a spacious stone balcony with glorious views. Throughout the villa there are wooden floors, beamed ceilings, and traditional furnishing. The seating area is equipped with a TV, and a sizeable stone fireplace for cooler evenings. On this level, beneath the wooden staircase, there is a WC. The staircase leads to a spacious double bedroom with small en-suite shower/WC. French doors lead to a large sun terrace with impressive views (not suitable for small children). Off the living/dining area a steep wooden staircase leads down to a further three bedrooms (two triple and one double). One of the triple bedrooms has a balcony with access to the pool via two short flights of stairs. The double bedroom has its own covered balcony with views of the surrounding area. Further to this there is a shower/WC and a bath/WC with washing machine. In the little gardens at the side there is a barbecue area with a Cretan stone oven.
There are two tavernas in the village, and there is a kafenion approx. 100 metres away. The nearest sandy beach, and further tavernas and shops can be found in Stavromenos, at a distance of approx. 12 km. This is a wonderfully historic area with archaeological sites, and a Roman water cistern nearby. For those who enjoy walking there is a superb 2-hour hike from Eleftherna to the famous Monastery of Arkadi. Car hire is essential.