We can't say enough good things about Maria's house and location. The house was very roomy for our family of 4 (kids aged 18 and 12). Even though there was plenty of space inside, we spent most of our time in the fantastic courtyard when we were home. Maria was very responsive and offered up suggestions when we asked.
There are not many services in Pyrgou, but the cafe next door serves drinks all day and well into the night (and a few packaged snack foods). The owners, Helen and Kostas, are extremely friendly. We tried to make it a habit to grab a coffee and/or beer/retsina each day. Nearby Agios Myronas has some large bakeries and tavernas. We went to Ethimiko twice for dinner (Google location is off, see their Facebook page).
The location is nice and central to attractions to the north or south, as well as long day trips to places like Chania. Beware of Google directions in central Crete; it doesn't differentiate between 'roads' of varying quality that well. If a road looks questionable, choose a new route. Google directions became a game with our family: Where is Google sending us now?
For the times I had to work the internet was very good.