Honeyed Wine

Honeyed Wine: Crete

A ten-minute walk from the idyllic village of Armeni and surrounded by olive and orange groves, this pale-pink farmhouse feels like it's been around for millennia. It's actually relatively new, but has been built using local resources and in a traditional style. Bucolic charm abounds inside, from the towering fireplace and sandy-coloured floor tiles to the pretty blue cabinets in the kitchen. Heavy wooden shutters open to reveal astonishing mountain views – head outside to properly take them in.

The private pool has a shallow, circular section, for days when you can't quite decide whether to sunbathe or simply back float in the water, or for children to splash about in. When you're wanting a break from the abundant sunshine, there are several shaded areas, including antique-style wooden furniture under a pergola. Want to quicken the pace? Head over to the outdoor fridge for drinks and challenge your fellow guests to a table football tournament.

Home truths:
*Due to the location, we recommend having a car – covered parking is available at the home
*Your host can provide a free cot and high chair on request
*A cleaning service and bedding and towel changes every few days are included
*Beach towels, umbrellas, a beach blanket and snorkelling gear are provided by your host
*There is a shallow children's pool in addition to the main swimming pool