This place is purely enchanting, magical, romantic, and peaceful. One of the best experiences of my life.
Please read on if you'd like to know if it's for you...
First, you must know it's well off the beaten path. It's in the super quiet village of Emporio, about 20 minutes from the tourist weary Fira, 40 minutes from the sunset skirmish in Oia, but just a quick few minutes from the black sand beach.
This 700-1,000 year old home is tucked deeply into the labyrinth of foot-travel-only ancient streets, some less than 1 meter wide. If you go out, don't get too tipsy, or leave bread crumbs if you want to find your way back. The beauty is...quiet. Other than church bells--and they can be quite active--it is delightfully quiet and peaceful, late into the morning.
The main house has high, arched ceilings in the living and bedrooms. To enter the kitchen though, you must duck under a 5'6" (1.67m) doorway. Once in the kitchen, the ceiling is plenty high.
To enter the bathroom, you must exit the "main house" and take a few steps through your private, open-air, courtyard to, once again, duck under a short doorway. The bathroom is tiny, but complete, and fun. The ceiling in the toilet/sink area is probably about 5'10" (1.78m). The shower, which is not enclosed, has a 6'3" (1.88m) ceiling and utilizes a hand-held shower head on a flexible hose.
You will have complete privacy in your courtyard to walk naked from bathroom to bedroom thru the warm sun or moonlight.
The kitchen is complete, but a bit rudimentary. It has refrigerator, sink, toaster oven, a large and small stove eye, plus a gas burner similar to a camp stove. Your host has graciously supplied plenty of water to get you started, plus many basics to make spaghetti or other meals, along with seasonings, coffee, tea, cleaning supplies, etc. He is extremely thoughtful with provisions.
I tell you these things so you'll know this place is not luxurious. It is extremely thoughtfully prepared and has everything you need for comfort and convenience in a home nearly a thousand years old.
The roof is a highlight. Make your morning coffee and tea, use one of the trays to carry some sweets, and enjoy your view across the ancient white and blue rooftops, church domes, to the distant sea, in quiet solitude.
Lastly, a word about your host. This is a special man. He has a heart of gold and genuinely wants to help you experience Santorini to the fullest, and the treasures hidden in these quiet little streets. Do not be deceived by his quiet, gentle, meek demeanor. He is brilliant, highly educated, highly successful, and has travelled the world more than most ever will. It is Makis who completes this experience as one of the best of your life.