On an island with many overpriced and underwhelming housing options, Katerina’s house stands apart as a hidden gem, and a small slice of paradise.
Our family of five stayed here for five days, and over that time had the most idyllic experience of Greek island life. There was already a bottle of olive oil in the kitchen when we arrived— we later learned that this oil was made by Katerina’ family from their own olives. On our second day Katerina brought us fresh eggs from her chickens (and took the kids to go see the chickens!) and I truly did not realize how delicious eggs could be until I tasted these eggs. I’m embarrassed to say we asked her for a few more on the day before we left! The front of the house contains the beginnings of a small vineyard, and my kids delighted in figuring out what each plant in the adjoining garden was growing.
We enjoyed cooking in the very well-equipped kitchen, and eating our meals in the home’s several outdoor spaces. After dinner, we loved taking walks in the calm and beautiful surroundings, listening to the faint bells of sheep and goats in the distance. Staying at this home allowed us to imagine for this brief time that we too were lucky enough to be natives of Paros, enjoying the harmonious life provided by this bountiful land.
On the practical side: the house has 3 large comfortable bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The main floor of the house has a lovely and very large open-plan kitchen-living room-dining room. The kitchen is abundantly equipped with a dishwasher and microwave (never a guarantee in Greece!), plenty of pots, pans, silverware and dishes and even a nespresso machine and pods for that first morning coffee. Each room had air conditioning, but with the strong ‘Meltemi’ wind, we only used them a few times in the hottest part of the day. There was a washing machine and perhaps nothing on earth smells as good as freshly-washed clothes line-dried by the Meltemi wind under the Greek sun. Although the house is less than one mile from the road that comprises the outer ring of Naoussa town proper, a car is necessary when staying here. I would consider a car necessary in Paros regardless, as it allows you to get off the beaten path and to some of the remoter beautiful beaches. Katerina, her husband and her son live in the adjoining home. They were completely unobtrusive but always readily available.
In sum, book this home for the chance to experience what life would be like if you had been born in Paros. You will not regret it.