A truly special and inspiring place with history you can feel and touch. Beautifully located up in the green hills and valleys of central Andros and well connected to 4 major hiking trails within minutes walking distance from the house. Also, many of the best and most beautiful and least frequented beaches are reachable with a regular 2WD car within more or less 30 minutes one way. It's in the very center of Andros, so you can explore the entire island in interesting day or half-day trips. Shops and tavernaes are roughly 20 minutes away. Arni is a very intersting and magical village. You must, in any case, stroll the many century old pathways through the village, which is parts ruined and hidden under lush vegetation. You'll discover a myriad of magical places: stone houses, bridges, churches, brooks, terraced hillsides and springs many centuries old, forgotten and magically overgrown. The lush vegetation is like in a paradise: unexpected and surprising.
The Stone House itself offers anything you'd need for a rustic, authentic and peaceful hide-away holiday. Beware it's a 500 year old building which is lovingly restored and equiped with modern amenites like electricity, light, a fully functional kitchen and bathroom which comply to modern yet simple standards. So watch your head in those low arches and watch your step on the slabs of slate everywhere. I hit myself a couple of times but this is part of the experience.
Sandy is a genuine, very warm and welcoming host and will tell you many stories, secrets and suggestions where to go in Andros. The resident gang of cats is a further highlight, so if you love cats as I do, you'll be in heaven. Otherwise you can just ignore them, they will understand fairly quickly.
I reckon the Stone House is best enjoyed in spring of autumn. I was there in the height of summer and it got a bit hot and stuffy inside the house due to the walls heating up and storing heat for days. Also the face of the house plus the beautifull patio are fully exposet to the late afternoon/evening sun, and there's no source of shade. If you're off to a taverna for dinner anyway, it's not a problem, but dinners outside in the scorching evening sun are only for the very brave.
Nevertheless, I fully enjoyed this gem of a place, the magical location, the many animals Sandy houses on the premises (dogs can be a bit noisy at times but it's only very sporadic) and the general vibe and serenity of it. It's a haven for animals and humans alike.
Last but not least, Andros is one of the most interesting and most beautiful Greek Islands.
Thanks for having me.