Albion House

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House |1 bedroom |Sleeps 3

Elounda in Aghios Nikolaos

From £400 per week |  From £60 per night

1 night minimum stay

Changeover flexible

4 out of 5

5 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Beach or lakeside relaxation, air conditioning, balcony/terrace, car not necessary, no pets allowed

About the home

Offering a perfect blend of a peaceful and tranquil location with the sophistication and excitement of nearby Elounda town, the house is ideal for couples of all ages. Equipped with modern facilities and providing comfortable accommodation, it is full of old world character and charm. Please note that there are no enclosed bedrooms. The house is open plan and cool and airy in summer and warm and cosy in winter. As in all traditional houses, there are few windows, but the views from the small balcony or secluded roof terrace more than make up for this. Antique furniture and original artwork help to give the house a real sense of place, far removed from the average holiday l,et and this, combined with the warm welcome from neighbours and the unique atmosphere of the village, will make your holiday an experience to remember. Many of our guests return year after year and there is always something new to see and delight.

Albion House is a 200 year old stone house which retains much of its quirky character. It gives visitors a chance to experience life in a traditional Cretan village and to understand a little of how life would have been for the people who lived there. It is an ideal base for people who want to explore the area - its history, culture and its wonderful flora and fauna. Albion House is suitable for guests who are looking for more unusual and interesting holiday accommodation. For guests wanting a beach holiday, the Blue Flag sandy beaches of Elounda port are just a short walk away.

The spacious roof terrace offers a secluded area for sun bathing, reading, sharing a bottle of wine or an evening barbeque as the moon comes up over the nearby islands.

The lower storey of the house is built into the bedrock of the mountain and at night its myriad of crystals sparkle in the light. On the lower floor is a well equipped kitchen with dining table and chairs and a large separate bathroom with full size bath, over bath shower, toilet, wash basin and washing machine.

Smoking is not allowed inside the house, but ashtrays are provided in outside areas, i.e. roof terrace, balcony, courtyard.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Please read the information about the layout of the house carefully. Albion House is a traditional Cretan house and has many unusual features. If you are not sure of anything regarding the house or your stay, please ask. we are happy to help and advise.

Full of quirky details and original artwork, this house is unique. It was furnished by an English artist and writer who has preserved many of its delightful original features, including its old Cretan sink. Weathered doors and shutters blend with Persian rugs and Turkish couches to give an original feel to a house built some 200 years ago. Pots of herbs, bougainvillia and gardenias surround the courtyard where guests can relax over a leisurely breakfast, whilst the spacious and secluded roof terrace provides a perfect area for sun bathing, a family barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet drink as the sun sets over Mount Oxa. Please note that this is a traditional village house built during the Turkish occupation of Crete. It is open plan in style and suitable for a small family, a small group of friends or a couple. The layout of the house is as follows - upper floor comprising sitting room with one single sleeping couch, raised Turkish platform with one sleeping couch and two single mattresses which can be used as a double bed in the Turkish manner. Lower floor comprising kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has a further single sleeping couch. Outside courtyard and large roof terrace with stunning views over Mirambello Bay offer the chance to sunbathe or share a meal al fresco. The house is a comfortable home rather than a simple holiday let. Albion House is an old traditional Cretan house with all its quirks and character. Its surroundings are quiet and life in the village continues much as it has for centuries. The house is not suitable for infirm guests or toddlers.

The owner is happy to offer advice about trips, exploring the area, etc and also offers mountain trips to see wild flowers, remote Minoan sites and the rugged scenery of the island.

Further details outdoors:
The conservation village of Pano Elounda consists of many tiny streets - most too narrow for cars - so as you explore you may encounter a donkey or even a flock of goats and sheep. Village life continues here much as it has done for centuries. Three kafenions provide focal points for getting to know the neighbours, but Maria makes the best (and cheapest) Greek coffee in the area! For those in search of entertainment, a short walk (20 mins) down the 'donkey track' will take visitors into the centre of Elounda with its beaches, restaurants, bars and delightful Friday market. During the summer months Elounda has a vibrant nightlife, but by day still retains its leisurely pace. A taxi from Elounda will cost approx 5 euros.

Although the streets are very narrow, it is possible to drive a car through the village to unload luggage or shopping and plenty of parking spaces are available just two minutes walk away in the local Church car park.

Since late summer 2011 there has been a newly opened traditional taverna just a short walk from the house. The atmosphere is lively and the food simple but excellent. For guests not wanting to make the journey down to Elounda for their evening meal, this offers the perfect solution. An evening meal with wine at the village taverna will cost around 20 euros for two.

Further details

*Guest wishing to smoke are requested to do so outside or on the roof terrace where ashtrays are provided. Please do not smoke in the house.

* For those guests without transport, we are happy to arrange a shopping trip to Lidl or Champion Supermarkets to obtain reasonably priced groceries at the start of the holiday.

*The house has FREE WIFI internet connection and telephone - telephone calls will be charged at cost Air conditioning and electric heating charged at cost (40 cents per unit) meter readings taken at the
beginning and end of your stay. Please note that the telephone, air conditioning and electric heating are optional extras and not included as standard features of the house.
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* Please note that the house welcomes children, but guests are asked to respect the traditional nature ot the village and the effort put into making the house comfortable and welcoming. The house contains quality and antique furniture and original artwork.

Conditions

*Linen change and light cleaning provided weekly for guests staying for more than 7 days.

*Breakages or damage will be charged at replacement cost.

*Bed linen and towels are provided, including beach towels.

Photos

 

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From the roof terrace there is a spectacular view across the bay to the Thripti mountains

 

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Take time to share a glass of wine or enjoy a quiet meal in the sunny courtyard

 

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Situated by the kitchen door the courtyard is also ideal for enjoying breakfast or a morning coffee

The Crete region

*Crete has a long and varied history , so there is plenty to do and see. Interesting architecture, spectacular and varied scenery, sandy beaches, rocky coves and bustling towns. Hot summers and mild winters make this a perfect holiday destination, just a short flight from major UK airports. Elounda has lovely, sandy Blue Flag beaches which are well-maintained and have views over the Causeway at Olous and Kolykythia island. Close to the town of Aghios there is plenty of nightlife and restaurants, but also wonderful walking and cycling routes, there is really something for everyone. The archaelogical sites of Driros, Lato and Gournia are just a short drive away. In early winter and spring the mountains are clothed with orchids, crocus, wild narcissus and much more. Elounda is a great place for birdwatching as the salt pans are a stop-over for migrating birds and from time to time we even see flamingo amongst the kingfishers and herons.

The mother of the owner of the house, Julia Jones, is a writer and artist who has founded a charitable trust 'Flowers of Crete' devoted to the protection and preservation of endangered and endemic wild flowers of the island. Julia is available to take visitors on unique day trips and specialist holidays. These trips involve some off road driving in order to reach wild and remote locations.

The Aghios Nikolaos / Elounda area

Albion House is just the place for a complete 'get-away' - quiet, relaxing and comfortable.Many quests choose to do nothing but sunbathe on the roof terrace with a glass of wine and a good book. However, for those who prefer a more active holiday there is plenty to do and see.

Pano Elounda is the setting for the film set for the Greek TV series based on Victoria Hislop's 'The Island' - many of the locals can be seen in the film including 'little Maria' who lives just down the road from Albion House. Come and experience the wonderful ambience of the village which has changed little since the times Victoria writes of in her novel.

Or just laze on the sandy Blue Flag beaches, relax in local tavernas or enjoy great hospitality in the many restaurants of Elounda town , before returning to the contrasting peace and tranquillity of the old village of Pano Elounda. Here you will find very little traffic, and are more likely to see the neighbour's flock of sheep and goats passing by. Elounda port contains all the shops, restaurants, bars and amenities required by visitors, including bank, post office, doctor, chemist and, of course, several supermarkets. To help with catering for guests who choose not to rent a car, We are happy to take you into Aghios Nikolaos on your first day to collect foodstuffs and supplies for your stay.

Elounda town also offers boat trips (some with barbeques on quiet beaches), water sports, nightlife, snorkelling, and much more.

From March onwards the island is a paradise for wild flowers and is famous for its orchids. For those interested in birds, the salt pans of Olous provide many and varied migrant species and on the nearby Katharo plateau it is possible to find vultures,golden eagles and many other large birds of prey.

During the summer months the nearby town of Aghios Nikolaos hosts a series of cultural events, such as the Lato festival, where visitors and residents alike can enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, and outdoor celebrations and events.

The area is rich in archaelogical remains and museums and for the more active, there are walks, hikes and rambles in the stunning and ever changing countryside.

Pano Elounda is a traditional Cretan village and offers guests a chance to experience the real life of Crete away from the beaten track. The village continues a way of life that has been the norm for many centuries and Pano Elounda is the choice of guests wishing to sample this fast disappearing way of life, which is far removed from the purpose built tourist developments of more recent years. Stop Press: A traditional taverna has re-opened in the village. The food is excellent, local and reasonably priced. A meal for two - meze, beers and raki costs around 10 euros each.

How to get there

Albion House What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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* We are happy to provide transfers for guests arriving at Heraklion airport at a cost of 40 euros per journey

*Taxis are readily available at the airport; the standard fare is around 80 euros. Taxis can also be be booked online at a discount.

*Guests wishing to hire a car can pre-book online at discount rates if travelling with EasyJet. Otherwise discounted car hire can be arranged at a rate from 160 euros a week.. A car can be waiting for you at the airport or can be delivered to Pano Elounda at your convenience.

*There is also a regular and inexpensive bus service from Heraklion to Aghios Nikolaos and then on to Elounda.

Activities near Aghios Nikolaos

Reviews

Review: 1 to 3 of 5

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08 Nov 2011

“GREEK VILLAGE HEAVEN” Spent an idyllic week in Pano Elounda in the beautiful restored very special albion house-wasn't long enough-Julia the owner was extremely helpful and the villagers were friendly and with a bit... more

07 Nov 2011

“Rustic beauty” Julia was a fantastic host! Picked us up from Heraklion and brought us to the house. Epano Elounda is up a sizeable hill about a 30 minute walk down to Elounda. The house was beautiful if not quaint.... more

29 Sep 2011

“Perfect Honeymoon hideaway in real Crete!” We stayed for 6 nights at Albion House, at the very start of our honeymoon. Julia was great, meeting us at the harbour in Elounda in the small hours (our flight was delayed!!) and directing us to the house. It is a character property set in a small village just up from the main resort of Elounda, where you feel you are really part of a more traditional way of Cretan life during your stay. The property is stone and wood, with steps connecting the three floors - kitchen & bathroom, living and sleeping, and the roof terrace. Julia makes it clear in her advertising that those with mobility issues may struggle but we found it of no problem to us (but we're reasonably fit twenty-somethings!) The bathroom is great, proper full bath and shower (unlike other places across Greece we have stayed in) and the kitchen is fully equipped with anything you could possibly need to self-cater! We had a fantastic time in Pano Elounda, Elounda and Albion House, and know it will always be very special to us. If you book, be sure to say hello to Maria, she runs the Kafenio next door. She kept us in Fix, Sprite and Tomatoes all week, as well as teaching us some basic Greek!

Review: 1 to 3 of 5

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Review: 4 to 5 of 5

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20 Aug 2011

“Traditional Crete” The house is delightfully traditional and atmospheric but also well provided with modern equipment. It is ideal for two people, though any more might find it cosy. The steep stairs might prove a little challenging to small children or mature hips. The village is quiet and charming and the views breathtaking. Although not essential, car or motorcycle is useful as the town and beaches are a 15minute stroll down hill through the olive groves but a steep climb back or a 5 euro taxi ride. Julia, the owner, is most welcoming and helpful and is willing to deal with any little problem straight away. We found Albion House the perfect base for exploring the island and also to relax and unwind.

17 Jun 2011

“A perfect hideaway” Albion House is a property of real character. We recently stayed for a week, and enoyed every minute. Although the house is very old, it is very tastefully furnished and has all mod cons, including... more

Review: 4 to 5 of 5

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Guestbook for Albion House

Albion House sits in a traditional Cretan hillside village where the locals are warm and welcoming. Our next-door neighbour for our fortnight, Maria, runs a Kafenion from her front room. Maria's became our regular stop for coffee and meze after days at the beach or exploring the countryside. The cottage is a short walk from the main resort of Elounda that has everything you would expect from a Greek fishing village with a good choice and quality of Tavernas. We equally enjoyed trying our hand at local dishes as the cottage kitchen is brilliantly stocked. I'd recommend buying fresh fruit, veg, cheese and yogurt from the farmers that travel up to the village regularly. The cottage is unique as you can see from the pictures, something very different from the usual soulless modern villa. The area is great base for a diverse holiday that could be equally relaxing as adventurous. Julia took excellent care of us and genuinely wanted to see us have the best time possible. Simon and Suzie


In the heart of the village a splendid Cretan house where you feel you are experiencing the real Crete. A complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Elounda. The house is very well equipped and the roof terrace is a real bonus with views over Elounda and the sea. Julia met us in Elounda and could have not been more helpful in seeing us safely to the house. Meeting Maria and drinking her coffee is an experience not to be missed. We hope to return. Janet and Peter

My husband and i enjoy experiencing real Greek life when we go to Crete and try to avoid the classic tourist holidays. It was our first stay in Elounda and at Albion House and we were very happy, we would have stayed for longer than 2 weeks if we could.
Julia collected us from the airport and made sure we were fully settled in before leaving us to explore. The house was traditional but very comfortable and fully stocked with everything we could possibly have needed. The most fantastic aspect of the house is the roof terrace, the views are stunning.
Pano Elounda where Albion House is situated is set back from the main town, is made up of lots of little streets and interesting houses and is close enough for a pleasant walk into the main town, but would recommend a taxi is going out in the evenings. The night life is low key and informal with lovely tavernas and bars.
The absolute highlight of our holiday was the excursion that Julia Jones and Rosemary John (the Flowers of Crete botanist), took us out on. We discovered that Julia was the founder of Flowers of Crete and is a photographer and artist of Cretan flowers. We were taken out up into the mountains, off-roading to discover new places that definitely are not on any tour guide! Julia’s trips out are a MUST. Lorna and Gareth

My husband and I rented the house with our two children for a couple of weeks at the end of August and we were absolutely delighted. It is exquisitely restored, beautifully decorated and fully equipped with all that you may need on your holiday. We have rented houses on many occasions and both agree that Albion is our favourite. It is located in the old village of Elounda and its roof terrace gives stunning views over the bay. Whenever we had any questions regarding our stay, the owner gladly helped and advised us. I would fully recommend this house to any traveller to Crete.

Charmian Davies

We were completely enchanted by the traditional accommodation and location of Albion House. We felt at home instantly in the house and in the village of Pano Elounda. Waking up every day to breathtaking views of mountains and sea and being mesmerized in the evening by the sun go down over the same, is an experience we'll treasure. The people were as warm as the days were, and despite not having transport, the substantial walk to and from the sea was something that became a joy and not a detraction from the pleasure we derived from our entire holiday experience. It was everything we hoped it would be and so much more.

Karen and Kendall Field

When we visited Crete for the fifth time, we wanted to try something different. So we decided to rent a villa rather than settle for the usual hotel rooms.

As a result, we found a home away from home. A very comfortable, a very charming, and a very functional villa, Albion House is located just perfectly in the peaceful surroundings of Pano Elounda suitably near to the more modern centre of Elounda. You can easily walk to the restaurants or the beach in Elounda, and then climb back to Albion House in the wonderful Cretan climate without feeling the effort.

Albion House is full of character and delightful details combining the benefits of a traditional Cretan house and British sense of comfort. It is a tasteful, welcoming home made for living from the top to the bottom: the roof terrace was just the right spot for breakfast or an evening's barbecue, the kitchen in the basement provides all kinds of utensils you would need, and the comfortable chairs and sofas in the living room area let's you rest from the days activities in a very relaxing way.

The only negative point of staying at Albion House was the fact that the week went by all too quickly - you want to stay there for a much longer period, and the next time, we will!

Pekka Tarkiainen

Rental prices

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low season	4 Nov 11	16 Dec 11	400£ 400	6060	7070	Flexible
High season	16 Dec 11	18 Jan 12	600£ 600	0-	0-	1 Week
Low season	18 Jan 12	1 Apr 12	400£ 400	6060	7070	Flexible
Mid season	1 Apr 12	1 Jun 12	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
High season	1 Jun 12	1 Oct 12	600£ 600	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid season	1 Oct 12	16 Dec 12	400£ 400	0-	0-	1 Week

Prices for group size 3
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low season	4 Nov 11	16 Dec 11	450£ 450	6565	7575	Flexible
High Season	16 Dec 11	18 Jan 12	650£ 650	0-	0-	Flexible
Low season	18 Jan 12	1 Apr 12	450£ 450	6565	7575	Flexible
Mid season	1 Apr 12	1 Jun 12	550£ 550	9090	9090	Flexible
High Season	1 Jun 12	1 Oct 12	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid season	1 Oct 12	16 Dec 12	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

*A 20% non-refundable deposit on booking is required with the balance payable a minimum of 8 weeks before arrival.

*Payment can be made by UK Sterling Cheque, Bank transfer UK Bank or by PayPal.

*Before booking guests should carefully read the information provided on this website about Albion House. We are happy to answer any questions about the house and village. The house is full of character and quirky features and guests are kindly asked to familiarise themselves with these details before booking.

*Cancellations received 8 weeks or less before arrival date will be liable to pay balance in full.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

You are contacting Matthew Jones Landline +30 28410 42177 Mobile +44 07810 582562 Skype julia.jones5 Web Visit site Payment accepted Credit cards accepted PayPal accepted Languages spoken The owner is based in Greece and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2011. This house has received 5 reviews from previous guests.