Aaaah, where to start...the heart of the home...our hosts, Fotini and Giorgos were the epitome of Cretan hospitality and too much cannot be said about their genuine warmth, dedication to the needs of their guests, and speedy responsiveness to all communications. It was so evident that our hosts enjoyed the human connection with their guests and they truly care about you, the individual.
Upon our arrival, Fotini greeted us at a nearby Taverna and escorted us to the house, taking time to show us her beautiful fruit trees and vegetable garden, and collecting a variety of produce for us to sample. She encouraged us to enjoy her country home as we would our own (if we were lucky enough to have one, that is). Later during our stay, Giorgios brought us a large bowl of apricots that he had harvested minutes prior. And later still, we locked ourselves out of the house and had the relief of Fotini immediately responding to our call for help. Fotini and Giorgios are unequivocally the most delightful hosts we have had the pleasure of meeting. So kind and such a joy!
As for the villa, the Airbnb photos do not do it justice. It was much larger and much more beautiful than I expected. It actually sits atop a mountain ridge and has breathtaking panoramic views of Hieraklion, Aegean Sea, mountains and valleys. We so enjoyed breakfasting and dining on the large, covered porch directly off the kitchen and overlooking a vast "patchwork quilt" of farms stretching as far as the eye could see in one direction and overlooking Heraklion and the sea in the other direction. Stunning views!
All main rooms and bedrooms rooms in the house, except one, have stone porches and the much appreciated luxury of screens on most windows and doors, so we were able to enjoy cooling breezes as we slept. I believe one bedroom has air conditioning, if you need extra cooling (which we did not) or if the canine chorale is practicing their vocals.
The home is very comfortable, really well-constructed, has large custom-made windows which can be opened to allow a delightful cross-breeze throughout the house (you feel integrated with the external surroundings), secure (gated property), fully-equipped kitchen and is minutes from Knossos (Fotini showed us a short-cut). This is a beautiful family home, you see the character in the home, and as guests we felt fortunate that it was made available to us at an affordable price. We will definitely be back!!!
Although we were just two adults, this house is well-suited for a families, too. There is a very sweet little dog who keeps an eye on the property, as well as several cats who very much enjoyed little tidbits of cheese and chicken we offered them. There are hens, roosters, neighboring sheep and assorted animals in their own section of the property. We loved meeting them all, trekking around the farm, through the olive trees, the fruit bushes, the grape arbor and exploring the little nooks and crannies of this wonderfully bucolic property. Giorgios or Fotini very briefly stop by to tend to the daily demands of the property. Their are very discreet and unobstrusive and you most likely will not see them. But if you are very fortunate you may be able to catch them to say a quick "hello".
Thank you so much, Fotini and Giorgios, for opening your home to us. You are special people and your home is magical!