Of all the places we stayed in Greece on our two-week trip, Vagelis's place was far and away our favorite. He greeted us with such kindness and enthusiasm, and we all shared a shot of his raki. After showing us the place, he left us with fresh goats milk and eggs from the farm, and we even got to try wine from his vineyard. He instructed us firmly to treat the place "like our home." Our breakfast each day was the fresh eggs and fruit from the property (pears, pomegranates, tomatoes, figs...we must have come at the perfect time of year). Swinging in the hammocks under the olive trees was heaven. Vito the German Shepherd is a sweetie (to us if not to the cats!), and the cats loved to be pet. Even though the goats, hens, roosters, and bunnies were penned and mostly out of sight, it was still fun to have their (sometimes boisterous!) chorus as a backdrop. And when the afternoons became hot, we could take a dip in the pool.
Vagelis and his lovely children stopped by each afternoon to tend to the animals. They did their own thing, but were happy to interact with us if we came outside to talk.
We really loved our time on this lovely Cretan farm, nestled up the hills in a peaceful village. There is a little cafe (serving snacks and drinks) perhaps a 10 minute walk into town, but we do think having a rental car is best...I'm not sure how much the bus system extends into Crete's small towns.
If you are looking for a countryside stay in Crete, my boyfriend and I highly recommend Vagelis's place!