Villa Petra, Vrisses, Crete

6 kms from Georgioupolis and a few hundred metres from the tiny hamlet of Maza, this charming three bedroom villa, stands alone on a tiny plateau amongst rolling hillsides covered by cypress and pine trees with the ethereal backdrop of Crete's fabulous White Mountains adding a touch of magic.

Authentic stone walls are bound together with a faint pink tinted mortar emitting an impression of mellow old age and  traditional Cretan architecture is continued throughout  the interior where dark wood beamed ceilings rise to the eaves. Comfortably furnished in an attractive antique style, the house nevertheless enjoys all mod cons with 21st century kitchen and bathroom fittings, as well as satellite TV and a small Hi Fi system with CD player.

At the front of the villa a rustic covered veranda with polished table and cushioned bench seating overlooks the pool and from here a door opens directly into the cosy living area with two large Cretan sofas, a handsome antique dresser and a traditional stone fireplace housing a state of the art glass fronted fire. Through a striking stone archway, the spacious turquoise fitted kitchen comes complete with all the necessities of modern living including a full electric cooker, fridge freezer and microwave, small dishwasher and a washing machine. In one corner are a table and chairs for impromptu meals, whilst French windows on the other side lead to a small shaded terrace with patio furniture and a barbeque.

Off an inner hallway are one double and one twin bedroom both with French windows to their own patio and garden areas on opposite sides of the house. Ideal for maybe an extra teenager is a small single bedroom, which does not have air conditioning, but will be equipped with an electric fan.

The double bedroom has a smart en-suit shower room, whilst opposite the twin bedroom is a full family bathroom with a turbo massage bath.

If you are squeezing in a sixth person the twin bedroom has a further single bed romantically set in the eaves and reached by its own fairly steep small staircase, although we would not recommend its use by children under 6.

Flowered gardens surround the villa and set into the lawn is a sparkling blue mosaic tiled pool measuring 8m x 4m, with a small children's pool at one end.

The village square in Maza is just a short stroll away and boasts a taverna, a small cafenion and ancient Byzantine church. The cafenion serves drinks and simple meals as well as ice cream, but you may need a smattering of Greek to make yourself understood.

For wonderful yogurt, day to day shopping and a few simple tavernas the village of Vrisses is just 2 km away, whilst for a day on the beach and a really wide choice of tavernas, Georgioupolis is the place to head for.

Georgioupolis / Vrisses, Crete
Although Georgioupolis with its lovely sandy beaches is now a thriving seaside resort it still retains a pleasing rural ambience and leisurely pace of life. Numerous tavernas and cafes surround the bustling village square whilst in little side streets you will find a number of small shops selling jewellery and local pottery. In Vrisses, huge Plane trees line the road where you will find mini-markets, a bank and a bakery (do try the cheese pies). Of a morning time this is a bustling little town, but by mid-day the pace slows and the tavernas spread their tables out towards the banks of the river Voutakis, where you can relax in the shade and enjoy a bowl of creamy local yogurt and honey, for which this area is famous. ...More about Georgioupolis / Vrisses >>

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