Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Offering a perfect blend of peace and tranquility with the sophistication and excitement of nearby Elounda town, the house is ideal for couples, small families and friends. 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 light and airy in summer and warm and cosy in winter. As in all traditional houses, there are few windows. The house is particularly suitable for single female travellers, who will find the safe surroundings and relaxing ambience of the house a welcome retreat from the stresses of every day life.
Albion House is a 200 year old stone house which retains much of its quirtky 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 not suitable for guests who are looking for the more usual holiday accommodation.
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.
Albion House has the only fireplace in the east part of the village and was a focal point for village children during the winter, when the old people would sit around the fire telling stories and gossiping.
Single sleeping couch on the raised Turkish platform
Set in a quiet corner the house is welcoming and well appointed.
Turkish mattresses can be used as a double or a single bed
Spacious and full of character, the bathroom is cool in the heat of summer
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/39278
The Crete region
*Crete has a long and varied history from the ancient Minoan civilisation to the Nazi invasion, 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.
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. Please visit her website www.flowersofcrete.info for more information.
Aghios Nikolaos / Pano Elounda area
Enjoy quiet beaches, relaxed tavernas and great hospitality in Elounda during the autumn and winter. Now the pace is even more relaxed, with time to sit and watch the world go by in one of the many bars which are open all year round. For those who want entertainment there is still plenty to do in the evenings.
The weather is mild, without the scorching heat of July and August and after the first rains, Crete becomes a wonderful paradise of wild flowers from October until May. 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 vult.ures, eagles and many other large birds of prey.
Autumn is a very special time of the island, as the olive harvest begins and the fires of the raki stills can be seen in mountains and villages everywhere. This is a time to sample the 'real' Crete, away from the bustle of the tourist season. Fesivals continue in mountain villages, as locals settle down to the rhythm of the seasons that has continued for centuries.
Discover the delights of a Cretan Christmas and, for an international flavour, why not attend one of the many Carol Services, watch the children decorate the huge tree by the lake in Aghios Nikolaos or even attend the multicultural Pantomine which is produced every year in both English and Greek. A full calendar of local events will be found in the house, which will be decorated for the festive season with Cretan mistletoe and fir!
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.
Please note that the village is quiet and peaceful and the owners of Albion house ask that guests respect this peace and the feelings of their neigbours who are welcoming and friendly..
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.
How to get there
+Easyjet flights have now been announced from Gatwick and Manchester.
* Julia is happy to provide transfers for guests arriving at Heraklion airport at a cost of 30 euros per journey.
*Taxis are readily available at the airport; the standard fare is around 70 euros. Taxis can also be be booked online at a discount.
*Guests wishing to hire a car can obtain discounted deals from EuropeCar and Eagle Travel. A car can be waiting for you at the airport, should you require. EasyJet customers can arrange car hire from the airport at a good discount, but this needs to be booked online.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Heraklion: 60 km
Ferry:
Aghios Nikolaos or Heraklion: 10 km
Activities near Aghios Nikolaos
Sports: Watersports Waterpark Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break Good nightlife Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (3), Cots (1), Dining seating for 5, Lounge seating for 5, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, BBQ
Further details indoors: Full of quirky details and original artwork, this house is unique. It is owned 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 barbeque 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. 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. Kitchen has a further single sleeping couch. Outside courtyard and large roof terrace with stunning views over Mirambello Bay. 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.
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 (15 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 4 euros.
Although the streets are very narrow, it is possible to drive a car through the village to unload luggage or shopping and parking is two minutes walk away in the local Church car park.
Further details
*The house has an informative and useful House Book which tells visitors all they need to know to settle in quickly and make the most of their stay.
*The house has FREE broadband internet connection and telephone - telephone calls will be charged at cost Air conditioning and electric heating charged at cost (20 cents per unit) meter readings taken at the beginning and end of your stay. Please note that the telephone, internet connect, air conditioning and electric heating are optional extras and not included as a standard features of the house.
*The owners of Albion House cannot be held liable for issues outside their control. Every effort will be made to make sure that your stay is a pleasant one, but we cannot be held liable for problems involving a third party.
* 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.
*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.
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.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Prices for group size 4
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season
7 Jan 09
1 Apr 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Apr 09
1 Jul 09
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Jul 09
1 Sep 09
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Sep 09
1 Nov 09
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
1 Nov 09
16 Dec 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas and New Year
16 Dec 09
6 Jan 10
550£550
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
6 Jan 10
1 Apr 10
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Apr 10
1 Jul 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Jul 10
17 Aug 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
82
Prices for group size 2
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season
7 Jan 09
1 Apr 09
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Apr 09
1 Jul 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Jul 09
1 Sep 09
450£450
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Sep 09
1 Nov 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
1 Nov 09
16 Dec 09
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas and New Year
16 Dec 09
6 Jan 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
6 Jan 10
1 Apr 10
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Apr 10
1 Jul 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Jul 10
17 Aug 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
82
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner'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 or by PayPal.
*Before booking guests should carefully read the information provided on this website about Albion House. Julia is happy to answer any questions about the house and village.
*Cancellations received 8 weeks or less before arrival date will be liable to pay balance in full.
Guestbook
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
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
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Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/39278
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