Villa Vouno (Mountain Villa)
Enlarge
About the home
Vouno villa (Mountain villa) is a tastefully furnished 3 bed villa and was built five years ago out of local stone using traditional methods, finished to the very highest standard.
The pool and Venetian pergola'd BBQ terrace are set up above the house, further up the hillside where you can while away the day in the pool whilst the eagles soar above your head or enjoy the nightime atmosphere with the blanket of stars above your head and the lights of the Venetian city of Chania twinkle down the bay. The house has two beautiful verandas at the front, one downstairs where alfresco eating is a pleasure and one upstairs that stretches the full width of the house and is furnished with a comfortable sofa and chairs. It also has a covered veranda at the side of the house, for shade from the sun.
The pool area, as mentioned is set further up the mountain, TOTALLY private (Only the odd goat will see you skinny dip!) and is gated off for safety, so those with small children need not worry about them gaining access without parental supervision. The pool is 40sq metres in size, 1.2 metres at the shallow end and 1.8 metres at the deep end and is professionally cleaned two or three times a week. This area has comfortable sunloungers and sunshades for six people. The BBQ terrace has been planted out with local fruit trees and shrubs (2008). We have just completed (At great expense), an outdoor kitchen type area so that you can happily stay here all day and night if desired. We have a huge traditional stone charcoal BBQ to cook on here and a large table with six comfortable chairs, also a large pergola covering the whole area planted with local grapevines which add to the ambience up here. Perfect for an evening meal amongst the stars, or a midnight swim!
The house is perfectly set mid-way between Chania and Rethymno and great for exploring the less well known parts of West Crete as well as the fabulous cultures of the two cities mentioned.
The surrounding area is great for walking and exploring the flora and fauna of Crete and there are also fabulous little beaches in the area and numerous great tavernas and restaurants. The beautiful cities of Chania and Rethymon are around 30mins away each side of the villa where you can soak up the Venetian architecture, the Minoan archaelogical sites and the forts left from rule by the Turks. The more recent history is visable from the villa as up above the pool there still exists a WWII German bunker. This, for the brave, can be explored as it leads down to a series of caves and tunnels which eventually come out at the ruins of the monastry down below our house. There is a little church here called St Georges which is tiny and is still used. You will hear the bells softly peel out here on holy days.
From the verandas and the pool areas you can also watch the NATO vessels sail out into the Aegean, aircraft carriers, submarines, ferrys and smaller fishing craft, the bay always has something interesting to watch.
We like to think that our house offers something for everyone what ever age, excitement or rest, both are here.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 6, 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Almyrida, 5km |
| Will consider: | Long lets |
| Access: | Car essential |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, DVD player, Sea view |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, CD player, Satellite TV |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom, 1 en suite and 1 shower room, Solarium / Roof terrace |
| Furniture: | Single beds (4), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 8 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ |
| Access: | Secure parking |
Further details indoors:
Downstairs
Air conditioned twin bedroom opens out onto a covered veranda and is furnished with Irish linen and complimenting throws and cushions.
Openplan Living room with wrap around chocolate leather suite TV, DVD, CD player and open fire for colder months as well as central heating and air conditioning. This opens out to the dining area and kitchen which is furnished with a marble topped table that can seat up to eight people. The kitchen is fully fitted and furnished with the highest quality stainless steel white goods including a huge fridge/freezer for all those cold drinks!
We also have a cool box in the house, should you want to take a picnic and explore other areas.
A winding stairwell will take you up to the next floor.
Upstairs
Another twin bedroom with a full sized bathroom beside it (With over head shower), which opens out onto a huge veranda via French doors.
The master bedroom has an en suite wetroom and again opens out onto the upstairs veranda. Again this is furnished with Irish linens and complimenting throws.And both are fully airconditioned.
Further details outdoors:
The upstairs veranda is furnished with a comfortable sofa and chairs and is perfect for hiding away with a good book and a glass of wine. The downstairs veranda has a marble table and captains chairs for six to eight people and is beautiful to sit at for an evening meal whilst watching the sun go down beneath the White Mountains. The covered veranda is perfect for early morning coffee and baklava, or should you wish to hide away from the sun for a while. There is also comfortable seating here. The covered veranda looks out one side onto Souda bay and the other out onto the Aegean sea, a paved area just beside this is perfect for small children playing under the watchful eye of mum or dad.
The BBQ terrace is set further up the mountain, accessible up limestone steps and gated off to keep small children (And goats) out. The pool is set in this area also and is 40 sq metres with Roman steps at the shallow end and an access ladder at the deep end.It is 1.2 metres at the shalow end and 1.8 metres at the deepest end.
The views from this area cannot be described other than being simply breathtaking. At night can be seen displays of shooting stars from this large terrace.
The pool area is furnished with top quality sunlongers and sunshades. It also has an outside shower, should it be required. The BBQ terrace is furnished with a large table and captains chairs for comfort. We try to improve the house every year and this year completed the planting of fruit trees and shrubs around the terrace. November '08 saw the completion of an outdoor kitchen being built and a huge pergola, planted with local grapevines.
Further details
A welcome basket filled with local produce (Including a bottle of excellent wine) is left for clients, but please call should you have any special requirements.
A 20% deposit is payable within 10 days of booking the villa, with the remainder due 40 days prior to departure.
When the balance is paid, arrival instructions and directions will be Emailed at this stage.
Retired, want some winter sun or thinking of moving to sunny climes? We will gladly consider a long term let from beginning November to end March for reasonable rates. e.g. One month (Nov) £595. Please phone to discuss T&C's.
Conditions
The villa is strictly no smoking other than outside on the verandas, it is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems and although all the high areas are railed for safety, we would recommend that small children are supervised at all times.
Photos
The Crete region
With 300 days of sunshine every year this island is like a country in minature. There is so much to see and enjoy, be it the history of the migration of 13,000 Venetians(20% of the population of Venice) in the 13th Century, who left behind beautiful tall Itallinite buildings and narrow cobbled streets along with their culinary influences and glass craft or the invasion of the Turks in 1680, whose great towering forts and buildings can be easily seen around the whole island.
The West of the island is incredibly lush and verdant and has the greatest number of wildflowers in the whole of Europe. The area where Villa Vourno is located is famous for the White mountains or Lefka Oria, which provide the stunning backdrop to the city of Chania. Chania itself has many wonderful shops and sights to see including the Old Cross Market where you will find every type of fresh local produce imaginable.
The Chania / Kokkino Chorio area
Chania is a Venetian city full of a mix of cultures and influences left from rule by the Venetians, the Turks, and more recently from the German occupation in WWII. Near to the house is the fort of Apetera which is thought to be around 4 thousand years old, and if you wander around both Chania itself and the large village near to the house, of Almyrida, you will easily see the excavation sites and beautiful mosaics on the floors of ancient villas inhabited by Cretean people of long ago.
The monastry below the villa has a series of caves which lead up eventually to an old German WWII bunker, this should only be attempted by those brave enough, with a torch and a love of small furry rodents!
The village of Kokkino Chorio itself is where the village scenes for Zoba the Greek where filmed in 1963 and is still recognisable as the same village even today. During the local religious festival (August) you will be warmly welcomed by the locals in the square to an evening of music, local wine and great food done on the spit roast.
This is the real Crete, enough of the infrastructure to have everything you need without all the tourists.
For younger visitors there is a fabulous water park, and go-kart circuit, around 30mins drive away from the villa on the far side of Chania at Limassol. You could quite happily spend a whole day here without getting bored. Lake Kornos is also worth a visit as the only fresh water lake in Crete. Here you can rent a pedalo, swim or generally take in the easy going atmosphere in one of the lake side tavernas. Across a little from Kornos is the long beach of Georgiopoli were the breakers from the Aegean make exciting swimming. There is also horse riding here and a few beachside tavernas. Inland, in the town of Vamos there is a lovely museum which tells the story of the local textile industry and how this has been revived by local women. Easter is also a truly wonderful time to visit the island as most of the major religious festivals take place then and the whole island comes out to celebrate, visitors cannot help but be drawn in.
In the slightly larger town of Kalives is a beautiful Greek Orthodox church, used on an almost daily basis, the doors are nearly always open and it is worth a peak inside just to see the amazing murals painted high on the ceilings and walls, opposite this church is the old water mill with an adjoining restaurant, the food here is excellent. You can while away a couple of hours over lunch while kids can play safely in the little square in front of the restaurant.
The smaller village of Almyrida has a great blue flag beach and restaurants right on the beach front. Our children have been known to finish dinner then play with their local friends on the beach as late as 11p.m.(No need to mention how wet and sandy their clothes were on return!!) . There is also a hotel here and several nice tavernas were local and live music can be enjoyed.
The larger town of Kalives (Where the church is) also has a great beach, more shingly in nature, this also has restaurants on the beach front and the larger hotel has just opened a bowling alley if you feel energetic!
There are too many wonderful sights to see and great things to do to mention here, my recommendation would be to spend every other day visiting somewhere new, and use the great facilities of the house inbetween.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
|
|||||||||||
| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Chania, most airlines fly into Heraklion |
| Ferry: | Souda |
Easy jet fly direct from UK to Athens daily, regional airlines fly from here to Chania airport.
My travel, Monarch, as well as GB airways, also fly weekly.
There are rumours that Ryanair are looking at a route from Dublin to Chania.
You can also get a ferry from Pireaus to Chania (Souda).
Activities near Chania
Watersports
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
A winter sun break
Reviews
 14 Nov 2011 |
We really enjoyed our honeymoon at Villa Vouno. We loved the Villa and its amazing views over the bay. The villa is very comfy and well equipped and Catherine was very helpful in helping us to plan our holiday. We mainly just lazed by the pool, reading our books and making the most of the bbq but also enjoyed a few day trips (all very easy to do with our hire car). We had really lovely weather for the time of year and were pleased to enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with the off season - however, this did make the pool a little chilly..good for the circulation!! Thanks to Catherine for a wonderful stay, we hope others enjoy as much as we did. Response: Thanks folks for taking the time to post a review. I'm so glad you had a fabulous honeymoon....it is a romantic place isn't it??!! Really glad you saw some of the villages about the place,and that it all lived up to expectations! I hope Chania and Villa Vouno welcomes you both many times in the future. |
24 Aug 2011 |
My husband and 4 year old daughter stayed at Villa Vouno the last week of June 2011. It was our first time in Crete so it was a little hard to find that first night in the evening, but once we were there the home was just breathtaking inside and out. Very spacious, multiple balconies with gorgeous views and a lovely outdoor pool and barbecue area which we enjoyed several times. The location was great, you were only 20 mins or so from Chania which is their main city, and only about 5-10 mins away from the towns of Almyrida and Kalives with their beautiful beaches and taverns. The water in Crete is so warm in comparison to some of the other islands, we never wanted to get out of the water. I have to admit we were a little hesitant not having wifi access but I came to realize that in the end that was a good thing cause it really allowed us to relax, enjoy our surrondings and spend time together as a family. So if you're hesitant for this reason take it from on internet junkie, we were all better for it in the end. And if you're really suffering from withdrawal, there's an internet cafe just 10 mins or so away. Catherine was a very gracious host, always helpful with her emails and recommendations, I really felt like I was in good hands from the moment I met her. Writing this review I've come to realize how much I missed my time at Villa Vouno and Crete, we had such a wonderful time and I really hope we can return very soon. Happy vacation planning! Response: Aw, Thanks Anna; that is such a lovely thing to say! If guests only knew how happy it makes me to get texts, pictures (And great reviews!!)and to be told how much they enjoy the place. I do hope you'll make it back again the whole way from Canada to villa Vouno...I am trying to organise wifi for next year by the way, I'll end up being a work widow though....I usually ban my hubby from bringing work with him!! Thanks for being fabulous guests. |
21 Aug 2011 |
This is one of the most fabulous places I have ever stayed. Total privacy with amazing views. Villa Vouno would suit couples, families or a small group of friends. The outdoor terraces are fantastic for breakfast, lunch or just relaxing - the only problem is choosing which one to use. The barbecue and pool areas are wonderful with the most fantastic view - pictures just can't do it justice. The standard of the villa interior is stylish yet extremely comfortable with the feeling of a well loved family home and a boutique hotel. I stayed at the end of October but could see that the interior would provide welcome shade from the sun in high summer. The villa is well situated for touring Crete and there are some lovely villages in the surrounding areas with good restaurants to suit all tastes. Chiana is a wonderful town which is beautiful both by day and night. Last but not least, Catherine is a wonderful hostess and will go that extra mild to ensure that your stay in in her lovely family home is memorable. Heather Wilson Response: Heather I know from what you told me that you and your hubby are very well travelled people,and have stayed in many fabulous places in Europe, so I take your review as high praise indeed! We are so glad that you enjoyed your week there and hope you'll try it again soon. It was our pleasure to have you both stay, many thanks, Catherine. |
Guestbook for Villa Vouno (Mountain Villa)
I was like a dog with two tails the evening I arrived and like one with three tails when I went out to have breakfast on the front veranda the next morning! The pictures on the website in no way do this place justice. What a view. Catherine and her team looked after me exceptionally well. Would recommend this place to anyone.
Rob, E.Lothian (June '08)
Beautifully furnished, spectacular views, had a wonderful time, brilliant for seeing the real Crete.The ships, boats and NATO traffic down the bay kept my husband and father very happy, giving my mum and I extra sunbathing time on your wonderful mountain terrace! Came back two stone heavier than when I arrived! Chania Old Cross market is amazing for food, the pork chops were huge!
Sandra, Manchester (May '08)
Thank you for a wonderful Honeymoon,we will be back!
Clara and Mark , London (Oct'08)
Amazing views from this lovely villa. Only realised that 'Vouno' meant mountain on our last day here!!!!!!
Karen, Belfast (September '07)
We loved you villa so much that we are hoping the Volcano flares up again to keep us here! Thanks for a great Honeymoon.
Jitka and Dunstan Czech Republic April 2010
Fab, Fab, Fab! What a find! In the words of 'Arnie'.....I'll be back!
Joseph and Co. Texas USA June 2010
Beautiful Villa, Beautiful place, Beautiful island, just not long enough, wish we'd had two weeks rather than one.
Olly, Victoria and James London June 2010
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 6 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| September | 30 Aug 11 | 27 Sep 11 | £ 845 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Oct | 27 Sep 11 | 1 Nov 11 | £ 745 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Winter | 1 Nov 11 | 3 Apr 12 | £ 495 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April | 3 Apr 12 | 10 Apr 12 | £ 675 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April | 10 Apr 12 | 17 Apr 12 | £ 675 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April | 17 Apr 12 | 24 Apr 12 | £ 675 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April | 24 Apr 12 | 1 May 12 | £ 675 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May | 1 May 12 | 8 May 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May | 8 May 12 | 15 May 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May | 15 May 12 | 22 May 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May | 22 May 12 | 29 May 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June | 29 May 12 | 5 Jun 12 | £ 975 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June | 5 Jun 12 | 12 Jun 12 | £ 975 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June | 12 Jun 12 | 19 Jun 12 | £ 975 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June | 19 Jun 12 | 26 Jun 12 | £ 975 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June | 26 Jun 12 | 3 Jul 12 | £ 975 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July | 3 Jul 12 | 10 Jul 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July | 10 Jul 12 | 17 Jul 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July | 17 Jul 12 | 24 Jul 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July | 24 Jul 12 | 31 Jul 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| August | 31 Jul 12 | 7 Aug 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| August | 7 Aug 12 | 14 Aug 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| August | 14 Aug 12 | 21 Aug 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| August | 21 Aug 12 | 28 Aug 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| August | 28 Aug 12 | 4 Sep 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 4 Sep 12 | 11 Sep 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 11 Sep 12 | 18 Sep 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 18 Sep 12 | 25 Sep 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 25 Sep 12 | 2 Oct 12 | £ 875 | - | - | 1 Week |
| October | 2 Oct 12 | 9 Oct 12 | £ 775 | - | - | 1 Week |
| October | 9 Oct 12 | 16 Oct 12 | £ 775 | - | - | 1 Week |
| October | 16 Oct 12 | 23 Oct 12 | £ 775 | - | - | 1 Week |
| October | 23 Oct 12 | 30 Oct 12 | £ 775 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Winter weeks | 30 Oct 12 | 2 Apr 13 | £ 525 | - | - | 1 Week |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
I will quite happily accept a cheque, bankers draft or electronic transfer.
20% non-refundable deposit is due within 10 days of booking with the balance payable 40 days prior to departure. Cancellations less than six weeks prior to rental period cannot be refunded.
When the balance is received arrival instructions and directions will be Emailed or sent to you.
We have a special rate set up for any of our clients with a local car rental company, who uses only new cars and leaves them with plenty of fuel (We have been left stranded at 4a.m. with other companies).
You are not obliged to avail of this, but should you wish to I can help you arrange that.
Linen and towels are included in the price. Extra changes and cleans can be arranged at a small price should you wish.The pool is cleaned 3 times weekly.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Booked | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Unknown | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | ||
| Feb 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Apr 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| May 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Jun 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Jul 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Aug 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Sep 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Oct 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 4 years listed You are contacting Catherine Smith
Languages spoken   The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This villa has received 8 reviews from previous guests.  |
Search: Holiday villas in Crete (268) | Holiday accommodation in Greece (1199)
