Tony is absolutely the best host ever -- and I have been traveling for 2 years and have lost count of the number of places I've stayed at. But he's not just a great host -- he is a wonderful person, someone I feel lucky to have met. His wife, Maria, who cleans. (and who is a nurse), is lovely.
Tony picked me up at the ferry, even though it arrived at 4 am. He also took me to my departing night ferry. One day, he took me around on his bike for a few hours to show me some of the island and this was one of the most fun experiences of my trip. He could not have been more responsive. I never had any issues with anything at the house, but if I texted to ask about the bus schedule or if I could have fresh towels he got back to me promptly. Moreover, he made me feel so at home that i was a little sad to leave.
The views from the apartment are spectacular. The apartment is spacious and airy, particularly the living area, which opens onto a terrace and looks on to Kini, which is a small fishing village with what I think (like many people) is the best beach on the island. (If you have a car, Delfini Beach is a gem and is also close by, but the bus doesn't go there.) Kini Beach can be reached in ten minutes by bus, or in about 20-25 minutes on foot (all downhill). The other side of the house faces Ermoupoli, which is also picturesque, with its colorful churches, pastel colored mansions and a scenic port. Ano Syros is a lovely. 20 minute walk from the house, much of it along stone paths. Wherever you go, the views are stunning.
The description as posted does not do it justice. In addition to unbeatable views (tell anyone from the island where you are staying and they will mention the view), the location is right in the middle of the two places where you will want spend most of your time. The rest of the island is easily accessible by bus or taxi. I did not have a car or motorbike (couldn't rent one because my license had expired) so I got around on foot (and people often stopped to give me a ride), by bus and by taxi. Tip: Use the taxi service Tony recommends -- reliable, fair prices (the one time I used another taxi the driver quoted one price then told me it was double when we got there), and friendly drivers (especially Stelios, who runs it). Even if another taxi is across the street, call Stelios!
Very pet friendly people, too! I travel with my cat, and while there were other cats around, they were very cool cats, and surprisingly quiet. I took my own cat outside almost every day (on a leash) and they never bothered us. While I read in the hammock under the trees, my cat poked around in the leaves or stretched out in the shade along with me and snoozed. This is a very quiet location. Tony's parents live on the upper floor of the house, and there are two other apartments on the lower floor. That's it. I heard a lot of birds. The house is very well constructed and I never heard a peep from anyone else unless I was outside and they were too.
Other notes: Wifi is completely reliable -- not a single glitch in 3+ weeks. Unlimited hot water. Kitchenette with two burners and a counter-top oven. (I did not really cook here. The food was just too to resist., and there's a great restaurant, loved by the locals, that's a 10 minute walk away, with terrace views onto Ermoupoli.
Syros is wonderful. I've been to several Greek islands and it very authentic, not touristy. The people are kind, warm and genuine -- and the food is incredible. I will definitely return. And when I do, I can't imagine staying anywhere. else.