Serene place in the delightful Amari Valley. An idyllic rural retreat with private pool.
Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Villa Idi can accommodate up to eight guests comfortably. The two-storey property has an interior area of 140 square metres, a comfortable living room, kitchen and dining areas, three bedrooms (comprising double and single bed options), and two bathrooms.
THE VILLA
Villa Idi is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the villa exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.
With spectacular views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida, and a location that guarantees peace and tranquility, Villa Idi offers guests that most elusive of experiences - a beautiful refuge in which to unwind and recharge, enriched by the traditions of "the real Crete".
The property has been in the owner’s family for generations. In his childhood, Manolis spent his summer holidays here with his “papou” and “yiayia” (grandfather and grandmother). Decades later, Manolis restored the building for the sake of those sweet summers and transformed it into one of Crete’s most delightful and sought-after holiday homes.
Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40-minute drive south of Rethymno town, Villa Idi is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).
The interior of Villa Idi comprises many traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplace - with a fully-equipped contemporary kitchen, central heating, air-conditioning and modern appliances. Capacity may be extended to nine guests if required. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the living room features a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.
The villa's terrace comprises a private swimming pool and sunbathing area with sunbeds. With superb views to Mount Ida and across the valley, the terrace includes BBQ facilities and a dining area.
Villa Idi is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.
Villa Idi has belonged to the owner's family for more than 150 years. From its earliest times, the house was a joyful meeting point of the local community. The decoration of the villa reflects its valuable heritage including precious heirlooms and unique pieces of embroidery made by the owner’s mother and grandmother.
Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Villa Idi is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.
GUEST SERVICES
The villa is looked after by "Mrs Rumy" (pronounced "roomy") who lives nearby and she is available to take care of any guests’ needs, including changing of linen and cleaning services. As a highly skilled cook, Mrs Rumy also offers guests an exclusive range of authentic Cretan and Mediterranean dishes. All the meals provided are homemade, using fresh seasonal ingredients, all from local suppliers. Prices for meals available on request
CHILDREN
For youngsters and the young at heart, Villa Idi has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.
LOCATION INFO
The Amari Valley lies between two mountain ranges - Mount Ida to its east and the Kedros range to the west. The Valley is one of a few regions of Crete where the traditional Cretan rural way of life is still present. It is a place of unique nature and of cultural traditions which are central to the lives of its people today.
The village of Amari is set on the eastern slope of Samitos mountain. Peaceful and with little traffic entering this tiny hamlet (average resident population 200), the only sounds likely to break the silence are the tinkling of goat bells and the ringing of the village’s church bells.
Surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards, the area is a gentle hiker’s paradise. The nearby landscape, dotted with tiny, often hidden, byzantine chapels, is a joy to explore by foot, while the Amari Valley lends itself to lazy exploration by car along its latticework of beautiful tree-shaded lanes and mountain paths.