Villa Olive Hills Villa Olive Hills, in the island of Crete, is a stylish, spacious country house, in a private setting on a hilltop, with panoramic views all-round, overlooking evergreen orange plantations, the sea and the White Mountains. 7 4 3 3430.0 euros/week The villa is situated along an evergreen river valley with the popular resort of Platanias and its renowned sandy beach less than 2 km away along a quiet country road, popular with ramblers and cyclists. The location combines a peaceful country setting with easy access to bars, restaurants and nightlife, some within walking distance. The fascinating town of Chania with its Venetian harbor and rich history is just 15km away. The White Mountains and their famous gorges, the beautiful beaches of western Crete, and the dramatic and unspoiled south coast are within easy reach for a day out. The property is reached through a steep gated private drive, edged in elegant dry stone walls and includes 8.500 m2 of private olive grove, with about 100 mature olive trees. This is an old plantation where the trees are spaced widely apart, as was done in times past. The newly built, well insulated villa was built in a sensitive and ecologically responsible manner amongst these trees. Five trees had to be replanted in other spots in the property to make room for the house, they all have survived. One tree remains in its original position close to the house in the middle of the pool deck and offers a welcome
natural shady spot by the entrance. Coming in to the villa, one gets the feeling of close connection with the outside. The many strategically placed windows offer great views all round and, together with the high ceilings, create a very light and airy atmosphere and sense of well-being. The well-designed villa Lucy of 225 m2 includes an open plan kitchen/family room, spacious living and dining rooms, laundry/utility room, 3 en-suite bedrooms with large double beds as well as two balconies, all with great sea views overlooking the valley. The study can be converted to a 4th single bedroom upon request, next to the adjoining guest half bathroom. In addition to great views, all bedrooms have windows and French doors leading to the outside, beds with luxury mattresses, individual thermostats for the underfloor heating/cooling system, built-in wardrobes, electric blackout blinds, ceiling fans and adjoining bathrooms with spacious showers and heated anti-fog mirrors. The twin wardrobes in the master bedroom are in an adjoining dressing room and the corresponding bathroom has a bath in addition to the shower. Bathrooms are provided with hairdryers, bathrobes, towels and luxury toiletries. The large laundry/utility room has a washing machine, electric drier, a washbasin for hand washing of delicate items and a ceiling-hung clothes drying rack. Kitchen appliances include top of the line Miele equipment, electric orange juicer, Nespresso coffee machine and a wide Fisher Paykel fridge freezer with built-in ice maker. Other amenities include 2 satellite TVs (one with blue ray and a 5.1 surround sound system), 2 Apple TVs, a CD player, 2 DVD players, and a Bose ipod dock and stereo speaker system. Original paintings hang on most walls and an upright piano is part of the hallway below. The main balcony has an extendable teak dining table and a sofa / armchair / stone coffee table corner which offer a great place to enjoy the panoramic views. Outside, there are stone decks and paths through flower beds of indigenous aromatic plants and herbs surrounding the house. A heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi finished in Pebbletec and natural rocks are inspired by the natural fresh water pools found in the various gorges of the White Mountains and create a feeling of being close to nature. The non-slip natural stone decks surrounding the pool area remain cool even in the August mid-day heat, so that people can comfortably walk around barefoot. The wide stone kitchen window ledge extends out to the pool area to form a breakfast/drinks bar. Tall stools underneath make this an ideal place to enjoy a drink or two and also allows dishes and drinks to be passed through conveniently. A table and chair setting as well as sun beds are located on the pool deck underneath a shady pergola, with magnificent views all round. A BBQ area is provided near-by. A free standing hammock can be moved to a shady or sunny spot on the deck, according to preference. At the top of the drive, close to the main entrance of the house are two wide, shaded, private parking spaces. The garage is reserved for the olive grove equipment and owners' private belongings. Car rental is recommended. The villa is reached by a steep private drive. Use of a four- wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Main coastal bus routes are a 15 min walk away. Taxis operate nearby. In the summer, the free Platanias tourist train passes on the road just outside the property. Pets or smoking are not allowed inside the house. Stag and hen parties are not allowed. MHTE: 1042Κ92003165301