Fantastic family accommodation in a versatile location.
OK, so facts first and then something about the feeling of this wonderful place.
The accommodation is exactly as described- a decent size two bedroom apartment sat on top of an unfinished apartment of the same size. Would suit four people in style and happily take six people using the living room. The apartment is well set up for extended stays (i.e. longer than a week) with a proper kitchen, full size fridge-freezer, electric hob, a variety of coffee makers and everything you need to make your own meals. The spacious living room has a dining table and the bathroom has a washing machine so everything you need. Both bedrooms and the living room have their own air conditioning unit rather than just one so it was possible to keep the whole apartment cool and the bedrooms to be adjusted to your choice. This really made a difference during particularly hot periods. One of the special things about the place is the wrap around balcony which has space for 6 people to eat outside while enjoying the expansive view. Just the view alone is worth it.
The building is set within approximately 500sqm of garden which is terraced over four levels. The level nearest the building is for the downstairs unit. The next level down is a full size comprehensively equipped outdoor kitchen, perfect for turning the local produce into a feast. outdoor grill, sink, fridge, even bread oven if you are feeling adventurous. There is also shaded space to sit and enjoy your food, including a small chair swing that will appeal to adults and kids alike. The next level down is a decent size swimming pool, perfect for those with smaller kids or who just don't want to move very far. Given the proximity to various outstanding beaches we just didn't use it. The bottom level is a small salad garden and parking for at least 3 cars.
These features are surrounded by mature olives, figs, palms, pines, pomegranate, rosemary and various other trees, shrubs and flowers. We were welcomed to enjoy all of the fruits and vegetables as they became available, which was a nice extra.
Obviously you are in Greece so be prepared to see and hear local insects and wildlife. Being so close to the sea the breeze kept the mosquitoes down and the air conditioning does the rest. We were supplied with plug-in mosquitoes repellents but we didn't feel we needed them. We stayed for almost a month and none of us endured more than a few bites each over all that time. The most spectacular sighting was in the evening when an owl came to sit on the telephone wire for several evenings.
In terms of location we felt the place was well placed between the relatively small but busy tourist area of Markry Gialos on the left and the small local area on the right. It is possible to walk to both areas so no car needed, especially if you are planning a short one week visit. Beaches can be found on the left and the right of the property but we generally chose the local beach at koutsouras, approximately a five minute walk from the house and conveniently situated next to the cafe neo 'Milonakis'. A small 40m beach of mixed pebbles and sand that offered perfect swimming and snorkelling. As it is not at all busy, be prepared to see lots of different fish and a friendly welcome from the locals (thanks for the oil and eggs!)
Another 5mins walk past the beach and the cafe you have the bakery, supermarket, pharmacy and lovely little souvlaki restaurant. 10mins the other way towards Makry Gialos you have the post office, ATM cash points and the harbour with it's collection of charming tavernas and shops.
So that's the facts, now for the feelings.
While the apartment has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable break, the best thing about Petros' place is his dad, Costas and his small dog Bebika. Costas has a small annexe at the back of the garden where he often stays when he gets the chance. The man is a complete legend, if you are lucky he might give you a lesson in tavli or how to prepare some proper Greek food (he is very competent at both). Bebika was a lovely little dog and helped us miss our cats a bit less. Yes the beaches are perfect, yes the food is delicious, yes the scenery is breath taking but it was the hospitality that outshone it all.
We went as holiday makers and returned as friends!