The Old Olive Mill

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Villa |4 bedrooms |Sleeps 12

Tavronitis in Chania

From £208 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover flexible

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Key info  Swimming pool, beach or lakeside relaxation, balcony/terrace, car advised, private garden, may take pets - please enquire

About the home

The Old Olive Mill is a truly unique and impressive property that will appeal to those seeking peace, seclusion, and superb views in a home of unrivalled history and character. The current owner has painstakingly restored the original 17th Century Venetian building into a beautiful and comfortable home that combines all of the mill’s original features including timbered ceilings, stone arches, and the original mill stones and iron press, with modern comforts such as en-suite shower rooms to every bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The home itself is incredibly spacious as are the private grounds which include a tree-lined lawn, a barbecue/dining area shaded by a grapevine covered pergola, and a large pool terrace, all of which look out over a valley of olive and orange groves to the sea. Despite this wonderful rural setting which one guest described as “a piece of heaven on earth”, The Old Olive Mill is set only 10 minutes inland from the coastal villages of Tavronitis and Kolymbari which have many amenities and beachfront tavernas, and for those of you who want to pamper themselves further, the mill is only 5 minutes from the spa in Vouves which offers mud baths, massage, aromatherapy, body peeling with salt, bran and olive oil and Turkish baths.

We are now very proud to be able to offer you the wonderful opportunity to stay at this unique and beautiful home at a fraction of the price that you would imagine, making this spacious property accessible to everyone from romantic couples to large families and groups.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
For over 300 years this incredible property was used as a working mill, with olive oil production starting in about 1850. Over the years the Mill was commandeered by the occupying forces of the Turks and then The Germans during the Second World War. It was after the German invasion that the mill fell into disrepair until the current owner, bought it and started the renovations in May of 1999. Under stringent guidelines set by Greek Ministry of Archaeology, The Old Olive Mill was lovingly restored to its original glory using solid blocks of local granite like stone and local cypress wood. With the renovations complete in 2001, the mill stones still have pride of place in the kitchen/dining area, the iron press in the living room area, and the downstairs wine and oil storage areas have now been converted into triple bedrooms. The beamed ceilings and thick stone walls are practical as well as beautiful, ensuring that the Old Olive Mill stays naturally cool throughout the year, though we have provided fans in the bedrooms, and there is central heating and a fireplace for the cooler night at the start and end of the season.

With the triple bedrooms set on the ground floor, and the further 2 bedrooms on the upstairs mezzanine level, this property is ideal for large groups and families, or individuals who like to holiday with each other but who also value their privacy. Each of the bedrooms is adjacent to terraces which look out over the garden, pool and valley to the sea. The double bedroom has a door leading out to its own private terrace which enjoys the wonderful views and which is equipped with a table, chairs and sun-umbrella. Furnished throughout in the style of a typical country home, The Old Olive Mill has pretty iron beds and a traditional Cretan lounge suite that was hand made at the workshop of a local craftsman. Modern appliances such as TV, DVD player, stereo, washing machine, tumble drier and microwave oven have been creatively combined with framed wall prints of yesteryear Crete, terracotta clay pots and floor tiles, and antique brass jugs and cannonballs. For entertainment purposes the owner has thoughtfully supplied a good selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s and some board games, and there is even a desk with a phone and a fax machine for those of you who may need to keep in touch with the outside world.

Further details outdoors:
The established terraced gardens and extensive sitting out areas all enjoy the timeless views of rolling hills covered in orange and olive groves, leading down to the sea and the coastline of the Rodopou Peninsula. The top garden terrace has been furnished with a dining table and chairs which are shaded by a vine covered pergola. Also on the dining terrace is the barbecue on which you can cook some delicious fresh fish from the daily catch brought in at the small fishing harbour in nearby Kolymbari. The middle terrace has a wonderful lawn that is perfect for small children to play on, and which is lined with mature trees including cypress, lemon, olive, and a damson tree which produces 200 kilos of fruit every summer. Because the Old Olive Mill has a fantastic location on the top of a hill overlooking the gulf of Chania, even the pool terrace, which is on the lowest level of the property, is actually set above the surrounding countryside and therefore benefits from both privacy and the cooling summer breezes which roll in off the sea to the north. The pool is a generous 9.5m x 5m and includes a shallow area for the younger members of the family to swim safely or just cool off.

Photos

 

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The Very Private Large Swimming Pool

 

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The Upper Terrace Looking Down to the Pool

 

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The Mezzanine Living Room

 

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The Dining Area and Original Mill Stones

The Crete region

Crete has everything you that could possibly want from a holiday: soaring mountains that are snow capped from November to June, many great walking trails including Europe's deepest gorge, ancient archaeological sites and Minoan palaces, quaint villages, sparkling clear blue seas with tavernas serving freshly caught fish, golden beaches, glorious wild flowers in the Spring, and a variety of delicious foods which are all made from healthy home grown produce.

As incredible as the island is, it is the Cretan people who will make your holiday truly memorable. Descendants of the Minoan's, one of Europe's earliest civilizations, and shaped by centuries of struggle against oppression, the Cretans are as rugged as the mountains, fiercely independent but passionately friendly.

The Old Olive Mill is located on the west coast 25 minutes from the beautiful town of Chania. With its stunning Venetian harbour, quayside bars and restaurants, what better place to relax and watch the world go by. In the narrow streets behind Chania's harbour you will find tavernas, bars, the famous covered market, and many local shops selling handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and hand made ceramics. Visit 'Leather Lane' for outstanding hand made leather bargains.

The climate of Crete is a temperate Mediterranean climate and the weather is characterized by long hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Spring can be warm and sunny during the day but still have cooler evenings and is perfect for walking, birdwatching and looking at the wild flowers. All in all Crete is absolutely perfect for your Villa holiday.

The Chania / Tavronitis area

Peristeri is a tiny hill-top hamlet which consists of just The Old Olive Mill, a number of ruined houses, and 2 other inhabited homes. Just to the south of Peristiri is the quaint village of Vouves which is famous as home to the oldest olive tree in the world, and there is a café which overlooks the tree. Ano Vouves is also known for its spa where you can choose from a number of wonderfully relaxing therapies including mud baths, seaweed compresses, massage, body peeling with salt, bran and olive oil, and Turkish baths.

A few minutes by car from The Old Olive Mill, down a winding country road there is the village of Tavronitis. The long bamboo and conifer lined shingle beach has kantinas, sun beds and umbrellas, never gets very busy and it is even easy to find a quiet spot during the summer. There are many cafes and mini markets, as well as a good selection of relaxed tavernas set by the sea. The old Bailey bridge was built by the Italians and had fallen into disrepair with some sections that had collapsed. Lately this has been restored, and the bridge is now more pleasantly known as an ideal spot for bird watching, particularly at dawn and at dusk. The following birds have been seen at Tavronitis at various times of the year, but mostly during April and May for migrants: Sardinian Warbler, Little Egret, Cetti Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover, Buzzard, Wheat Ear, Gold Finch, Stonechat, Marsh Harrier (Lammergeier), Barn Owl, Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Kingfisher, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Snipe, Common, Curlew and Wood Sandpipers, Hobby, Red Footed Falcon, Cory’s Shearwaters and Closer Shags.

Kolymbari is just to the west of Peristeri and is famous for its excellent fish tavernas, as well as the beautiful Gonias Monastery. From here you can access the Rodopou Peninsula which has lovely views and small coves. To the south and west of Peristeri one can find the lovely town of Paleohora, which has 2 huge beaches, and a promenade which is closed to traffic at night, the 3km long sandy beach at Falassarna, the breathtaking Elafonissi beach which has pink sand and turquoise water, and the town of Kissamos-Kastelli. Kissamos-Kastelli has the largest fishing boat harbour on western Crete, from where you can take daily cruises to the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. 7km behind Kissamos is the ancient archaeological site of Polyrrinia which has fabulous views and ancient remains from Minoan, Roman and Venetian times.

Just 6 kilometres away is the coastal village of Maleme which has 2 supermarkets and numerous mini-markets, a pharmacy, a cash machine, a number of gift shops including a ceramic shop and a jewellery store, a newspaper and magazine shop, and many tavernas in the centre of the village and lining the beachfront. The long shingle beach has busier areas with sun-beds and umbrellas as well as quieter spots without amenities. Maleme is famous for the battle on 20 May 1941, during the Second World War. Thousands of German paratroopers landed near the Bailey Bridge that spans the mouth of the nearby Tavronitis River, and a fierce battle took place for control of the key airfield at Maleme. Close by are 4,465 graves in the German Cemetery, (occupying a position on the hill overlooking the old airstrip), mainly of very young men. Their remains were kept in the Monastery of Gonia in Kolymbari until the cemetery was founded in 1973. Close by to the deeply moving German Cemetery there is also a vaulted grave of the post-Minoan era that was discovered by accident in 1966. With its square shaped chamber, perpendicular walls 4m high, and an irregular roof in the shape of a pyramid, it is unique of its kind.

For those seeking a little more action, just a few minutes to east of Maleme are the larger villages of Platanias and Agia Marina which have long sandy beaches, water sports, numerous tavernas, cafes, shops, night clubs, and archaeological sites. In addition to all of this, we must not forget the gorgeous Venetian town of Chania which is only 30 minutes away.

How to get there

The Old Olive Mill What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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An easy 35 minute drive from Chania Airport.

** Many other flight options from Heraklion Airport which is a 2 hour drive along the pretty coastal highway.

** Cheap flights available by many companies including EasyJet into Heraklion Airport.

** Other good flight options provided by Thomas Cook, Monarch, First Choice and Thompson (among others).

** Excellent value car hire provided by the villa agent.

** Comfortable local taxis (usually Mercedes) can be booked for you by the villa agent.

Activities near Chania

Rental prices

Prices for group size 10
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	29 Nov 11	3 Apr 12	250€ 250	0-	0-	2 Months
	3 Apr 12	29 May 12	900€ 900	0-	0-	1 Week
	29 May 12	17 Jul 12	1170€ 1170	0-	0-	1 Week
	17 Jul 12	4 Sep 12	1950€ 1950	0-	0-	1 Week
	4 Sep 12	11 Sep 12	1170€ 1170	0-	0-	1 Week
	11 Sep 12	30 Oct 12	900€ 900	0-	0-	1 Week
	30 Oct 12	2 Apr 13	250€ 250	0-	0-	2 Months

Prices for group size 12
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	29 Nov 11	3 Apr 12	250€ 250	0-	0-	2 Months
	3 Apr 12	29 May 12	950€ 950	0-	0-	1 Week
	29 May 12	17 Jul 12	1220€ 1220	0-	0-	1 Week
	17 Jul 12	4 Sep 12	2000€ 2000	0-	0-	1 Week
	4 Sep 12	11 Sep 12	1220€ 1220	0-	0-	1 Week
	11 Sep 12	30 Oct 12	950€ 950	0-	0-	1 Week
	30 Oct 12	2 Apr 13	250€ 250	0-	0-	2 Months

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

There are NO Extras To Pay except central heating fuel if used. All services and equipment are included in the weekly rental rates shown on this web site including:

Laundry (all bed linen & bath/face towels).

Maid service twice a week.

24/7 Local assistance (English, Greek, French and German speaking).

Villa Information File packed full of Local Information about beaches, shops, tavernas, places to go to, local customs and history etc.

All our clients receive a free Welcome Pack with our compliments. It is possible to upgrade to a Deluxe Hamper for an additional charge of E50.00.

Our Clients receive detailed directions to all of the sights from the guide book "Crete on the Road" by Frankie Miles.

A 5% discount is available for all bookings of 3 weeks or more at all times except high season.

Internet access via 3G USB stick is available for a small fee.

Children are most welcome in all our properties and we provide a free High Chair and Cot loan service but, we do ask that Children are supervised at all times whilst around and in the Swimming Pool.

We do ask that Reservations are made well in advance to avoid disappointment. As with all our Villas, a discount is available for stays longer than two weeks.

All prices shown are for the Villa and not per person. As with all our Villas on the Island, we can arrange Car Hire through reputable companies. We also offer Airport Transport service.

All of our villas are available for Long Term Winter lets at Greatly Reduced Prices but the price during the winter does not include fuel for the central heating or electricity - these will be incur an additional charge.

Availability

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

Contact the manager

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3 years listed You are contacting Frankie Miles Villas Crete Holidays (property manager) Landline n/a Mobile +30 694 578 5673 Languages spoken The property manager is based in Greece and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This villa has so far received 0 reviews.

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