This lovely simple, rustic old stone house was exactly as described, except that the panoramic views from the garden were even better than the pictures indicated, with the mountain range in front of the entire garden and the sea to the left. Also the tiny Greek blue and white church right behind the house was pretty.
The house is on a hill side on a quiet road so very little traffic and just the sounds of local wildlife (dogs, goats, sheep and cockerels) it felt very tranquil and rural and definitely a long way from the tourist enclaves.
We felt very private and secluded which we loved and it was great to be able to sunbathe undisturbed there if we didn't want to head to the beach.
It was a rare thing to have a lawn and one that was maintained and kept green with sprinklers and it was a gorgeous place to sit in peace and absorb the surroundings and we had several meals out there.
Pan met us in the village and guided us to the house and showed us round and explained things, popped up a couple of times during our stay to ensure we didn't need anything but then left us to our holiday. He also responded instantly to the one text query we had and so for us was the perfect host. We had fresh milk, juice, rusks and water provided for our arrival along with sachets of butter, jams and honey. There was also salt, pepper, herbs and olive oil in the kitchen area for cooking with.
The village itself is very quiet and friendly and the people are warm, welcoming and generous. The tavernas and the bar are all well worth visiting. The food was excellent and watching the villagers two day celebrations for their saint was an added bonus as it gave us a taste of authentic Greek life and music without the touristy feel.
We also explored other places throughout the area so a car was a must. Chania was as charming as ever and we also loved all the old mountain villages (Gavolochori was a favourite) and drove through the Amari valley. We were able to walk through the village to the old Aptera ruins which are definitely worth a visit.
We stayed 11 nights in Elia house and found it very hard to leave and return to noise and bustle. A most restorative break and we will return.