The House
We have been traveling around Europe for a year and at our price point most Airbnb apartments and homes are older and not updated; some appear to be someone’s grandmother’s place they are temporarily renting out. And that’s OK because we are having an adventure in our retirement on a budget. So, imagine our surprise to find a home in our price range that is not only newly renovated to the highest standard, but the work was top rate. The home is spotless and shows no wear at all. And it’s decorated so beautifully it should be in a magazine. If you are looking for a long-term stay look no further because this home is fully equipped, far beyond any place we’ve stayed so far. The hosts have thought of every need. We spent a month there and could live there forever! All the windows and doors have screens, and they are very high quality multi-close windows as well. I cannot say enough about this 5-star quality home. And the lot location is wonderful as well. There are interesting views out the windows and the grounds have orange, lemon, walnut, and olive trees. The property is fenced in the back and has a wall and gate at the front and sides. The driveway is even beautifully tiled.
The Village and nearby
Gonia is the friendliest village we have visited so far. Everyone would smile and say hello as they walked past the house if we were outside. Neighbors brought us grapes and sweet bread and asked to meet our dog. The town square is just one building away and the cobbled streets and flower-laden homes show obvious pride. It’s an undiscovered picture postcard village off the beaten path and was exactly what we were looking to experience. Yet the really cute center of the city of Rethymno is just a 20-minute drive as is the beach. And on the way up from the highway to Gonia you pass through several other cute villages.
The Hosts
The hosts were friendly and quick to answer questions or make recommendations. The self-check in was simple as well.