Elxis - At Home in Greece (page 6)

A true landmark of high aesthetic, privacy and breathtaking vistas to the endless blue, nestled among Crete's endless olive groves. As the site has unobstructed views to the sea, the intention is to create a residence which maximises the visual connection to the sea. Along the whole villa, towards the north, stretches the open-air landscaped area, divided into two levels. In front of the common areas is the covered outdoor seating area and the swimming pool; canopies offer protection from sun during the summer. The villa's interior areas are L-shaped, literally embracing the outdoor area as a central point. It's also taking the pool experience to a whole new level. Enjoy the panorama while seated at the specially designed outdoor lounges or catch the sun on the wooden deck. The living areas are designed and developed along the view line, making full use of its potential. Large openings allow natural light to penetrate the interior, adding thermal efficiency during the winter period. The domination of earthy tones and its combination with contemporary materials highlight the form and the simplicity of the design. The villa covers a total of 229 sqm, on a plot of 983 sqm. It enjoys an open plan kitchen with high-end finishes and a stylish bar-stand which becomes the focal point. This area connects seamlessly with the dining area and the living room. This level is also flanked by an en-suite bedroom, oriented towards east. A stairway links the two levels. Downstairs, there are two secluded bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms as well as a storeroom. Both bedrooms lead out to a shared verandah with breathtaking views to the coastline of Platanias and the Mediterranean Sea. A sleek wooden carport provides shelter for two cars and a nicely done pathway serves the accessibility to the villa. Developer The developer is a refined architectural & construction company with offices in Athens and Crete, founded in 2006. A transdisciplinary group of visionary architects, designers and engineers, creating prominent spaces which are tailored to the needs of the people as well as the land and the setting concerned. Their office delivers projects from concept to design and construction, focusing on a diverse range of work and scale. They stand out for their high quality and aesthetic excellence, as they perfectly blend tradition with modern trends in architecture, and new building techniques with the principles of bioclimatic design. For all those years, the driving force behind its success, is their vision: "Innovative ideas and diverse solutions, delivered always with professionalism and the clients in the spotlight". With a high sense of responsibility and consistency, they aspire to change the standards in the field of construction. Rental Renting a villa like this, on Greece’s largest and most accessible island, can offer high returns and is a popular choice among many owners. You can benefit from sophisticated and professional management of the home without having to worry about it yourself. From start to finish, the rental of the home is handled by the developer's own property and rental management service. Owners are fully informed of management decisions and options every step of the way, allowing them to maximize the value of their investment hassle-free. The villa can pay for itself allowing owners to then enjoy the ultimate holiday destination year-round when they choose to and for as long as they like. Location The villa enjoys a privileged location surrounded by endless olive trees and vineyards. The village of Xamoudochori lies 20 km west of Chania, on a plateau at 110 m. above sea level. Stunning views towards the northern coastline of Crete and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, as well as to the White Mountains to the south. A perfect base to explore western Crete, a “repertoire” of numerous pebbly and sandy beaches, archeological sights and stunning nature. Refresh yourself away from the crowds while you enjoy the livelier, more cosmopolitan lifestyles of Platanias and Maleme whenever you want. Platanias - The famous beach resort of Platanias is just a 10-minute drive. The old village is built on a hillside with fantastic view of the sea. The beach of Platanias is a lovely long beach where you can find everything that is provided on well organised beaches, as beach bars, sun beds, watersports etc. On the east side of the local harbor, close to Agia Marina, you can enjoy swimming in the several small artificial coves. During summer nights, there is a wide gamut of bars and night clubs if you want to go the extra mile. Maleme - The beach of Maleme is just a 5-minutes drive. It's part of the continuous beach of 16 kms from Chania city to Kolymbari village. An ideal place for sun tanning, relaxing and romantic evenings watching the sunset. A blue-flag award winner. Parts of the beach are organised but there also quieter parts where you can enjoy the sea in serenity. Moreover, there are many sea view restaurants, tavernas and bars to taste some local treats. Chania town is just a 20-minute drive and the airport is 40 minutes away. There is easy access to the National Road which is only about a 10 minutes drive. Crete, and especially the Chania area, is famous for its exotic places, cultural cradles (especially in the Old Town) and Cretan cuisine. The Cretan folk tradition is often imprinted on the local art (weaving, pottery, wood carving, etc.) and on the artistic expression of the locals in general.The most famous natural landmarks are the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge, as well as the coastal and mountain villages. Want to know more?

Just meters from the beach, the Makrigialos Holiday Homes in southeastern Crete offer rare quality and value, following all the principles of sustainable development. It is a 30-minute drive east of Ierapetra, a port city of some 15,000 people, that is an economic and cultural center for the region, with its own hospital. Ready for immediate use, the 4-bedroom homes provide everything needed in a village that combines amazing coastlines with an authentic Cretan lifestyle. There are four villas available, each with a royal living space between 253 and 268 sqm including the basement, and with 4 bedrooms. Each villa is built on a plot of approx. 300 sqm and has its own private pool. Prices start at € 480,000 up to € 500,000. Outdoor Areas A welcoming heated pool is located in the front natural-stone paved yard, equipped with its own jacuzzi. It is ideally situated next to a pergola-shaded, BBQ area with an oven and grill. The surrounding space of each house spares pedestrian precincts, parks, and a private parking area with an automatic garage door. General Layout The villas have been built with top-quality construction materials (natural stone, wood, marbles, ceramic tiles, etc.). They are located 100 meters from an impressive swimming beach with an array of flexible features that show attention to detail. On the ground floor, there is a comfortable open plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area that opens up to a covered porch perfect for outdoor summer dinners. There is also spare room provided for here that can be cleverly turned into an office or extra bedroom, next to a bathroom and WC. On the first floor, there are three bedrooms, each with its own covered balcony providing impressive sea and mountain views. A second bathroom and WC has also been provided for on the first level. The use of space in the homes has been well thought out, providing a variety of options. In the basement, there is a useful storage area, along with an additional recreational room. Comfort is key. The homes are heat insulated and soundproofed providing energy efficiency and greener living in a quieter, peaceful environment. Floor heating systems and inverter air conditioners have also been installed, giving you more control over room temperature. The house also provides for hassle-free living. Electric appliances have been included, such as a fridge, cooker, dishwasher, and stylish light fittings. Rental The area though is more than a summer destination. Residents live here all year round, offering owners the ability to not only take advantage of the ideal climate conditions themselves but also make use of the property as a rental investment. The property can be managed by a local management company that will be responsible for the maintenance and management of the common areas. The managing company will provide home management and rental services (as an option for the buyer). Location Makri Gialos, which means long shore in Greek, has impressive white sandy beaches and pristine swimming waters, drawing locals from all over Crete. When it comes to the beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The high standards attained by the main beach at Makri Gialos have been certified with a blue flag and has calm, shallow swimming waters, ideal for families. To the east and west, within short distances, are more impressive swimming beaches, some of Crete’s best. To the north, there is a diverse mix of landscapes, including gorges and forest areas. There is direct access from the airports located at Sitia (33 kilometers, mostly local flights) and Heraklion (121 kilometers, flights from all major European cities) on an improving road network that spreads across Crete. Billions of euros are being poured into infrastructure on the island by the Greek government, upgrading its road and energy networks, while approval has also been given for the construction of a new international airport at Kasteli in what will be Greece’s second-largest. The villas are within walking distance of local supermarkets, restaurants, and bars at Makri Gialos, giving you the chance to embrace the traditional Cretan lifestyle and the local tastes. The more active have easy access to water sports, such as jet-skiing and windsurfing. Hiking and taking in nature is also on offer at the Kapsa, or Perivolakis, gorge – a blessed area full of oak and pine trees that includes several waterfalls at different times of the year. Want to know more?

Located in Argyroupoli, southwest of Rethymno, this 200-year-old stone villa has been fully restored and blends tradition with refinement. The property consists of a main house and a guest house. The main house features a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a cosy living room, four spacious bedrooms, and three elegantly designed bathrooms. Every corner reflects the essence of both tradition and modernity. From every terrace and balcony, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Argyroupoli's natural beauty, the olive groves and the blue horizon. The main house and guest house are separated by a "Portego"—a traditional entrance hall dating back to ancient Venetian architecture. It functions as a reception area with a distinctive engraved design at its centre, featuring an open-plan layout that combines the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A cosy bedroom, complemented by a stylish bathroom, completes the guest house. The veranda invites you to unwind by the pool and take in the tranquil mountain surroundings. Close to Rethymno and only 8 km from the coast, this property serves as an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains. Location - Distances The village, also known as Ancient Lappa, is built in an amphitheatre style, covering parts of the ancient city. Many homes in the area incorporate architectural elements from both ancient and Venetian times. The village is well-preserved, with several Venetian mansions still serving as private residences. Scattered throughout the village and its surroundings, you'll find excavated remains of the ancient city, Roman ruins, Venetian buildings adorned with stunning doorways, and Byzantine churches, all contributing to the rich historical tapestry of the area. Don't forget to stroll through the village and enjoy the local specialities in taverns, under the shade of the ancient plane trees. Ancient Lappa: 1.6 km Springs of Argyroupoli: 2.2 km Rethymno Old Town: 22.4 km Episkopi beach: 10 km Heraklion International Airport: 104 km Chania International Airport: 61 km Want to know more?

Imagine living under the warm Mediterranean sun, just a short 750-meter stroll from the azure blue sea. Three 170 sqm villas are available in this exclusive collection of eight villas in the village of Skoutelonas. Each villa is built on a 500 sqm plot and unfolds over three floors. The 70 sqm lower ground floor is currently used as a storage facility and garage for three vehicles. Access to the living areas is through an exterior staircase for Villa 3 and an interior staircase for Villas 7 and 8. The main residence unfolds over two floors, each 50 sqm. The upper ground floor houses the spacious open-plan living/dining room and kitchen, as well as one bedroom and bathroom fitted with a shower. A flight of stairs takes one to the second floor, which houses two bedrooms as well as the master bathroom, which features a jacuzzi. All bedrooms and the living room open up to spacious balconies, with some offering nice sea and countryside views. All bedrooms are fitted with A/C units for those hot summer days, while all villas are equipped with solar boilers catering for the tenants' hot water needs. The villas are sold fully furnished and equipped, including most electrical appliances. All you need to move in and enjoy are your personal belongings! The focal point of each villa's exterior space is the 40 sqm pool with its expansive sunbathing deck and the landscaped garden, featuring a collection of local and exotic flora. Rental potential The villas have an established rental record, high ratings, and positive reviews. Their location means that they enjoy the longest season in Greece, beginning mid/end March and lasting well into late October/early November. Their proximity to Chania, Crete's second most populous city, and several of the best-known beaches on this side of the island further enhances their rental potential. Location - Distances Kolymvari (or Kolymbari) is a traditional coastal settlement west of Chania. It offers many dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. In recent years, it has become an increasingly popular destination and may serve as a base to explore the wonders of the western part of the island, which include three of the most prized beaches on the island: Falasarna, Balos and Elafonisi. Skoutelonas (village): 400 m Rapanias Beach: 850 m Kolymvari: 1.5 km Maleme: 5.5 km Chania City Center: 25 km Chania International Airport: 42 km Falasarna Beach: 30 km Balos Beach: 30 km Elafonisi Beach: 50 km Want to know more?