Sun Worshipping

Sun Worshipping: Crete

Perched on a hillside above the north Cretan coastline, this villa benefits from both an unobstructed view of the Aegean Sea and an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquillity.

A lot of this is down to the sixteen-acre site on which the home sits. Not only does this space have more than three hundred olive trees and fifty almond trees, but there's also a swimming pool bordered by loungers on which to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine. Add to that a covered dining area and an impressively sized stone barbecue, and you've got an address that makes it easier than ever to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

That being said, the contemporary interior is just as pleasant, too. The large windows invite plenty of natural light into the space and this bountiful asset is accentuated in the open-concept ground level by the stark white walls and glossy kitchen surfaces. Throughout the rest of the house, the design is relatively simple but it's all been executed especially well.

As you can probably ascertain from the coastal panorama, the local area is well served by seaside spots, with Panagia Beach forty minutes away on foot. The centre of Heraklion is also only a twenty-five-minute car journey and rewards those who head over with ample restaurants, shops and historic attractions.

Home truths:
*Nine of the bedrooms are in the main villa and the remaining two are in the guest villa, along with a kitchen, living area and fireplace
*The home is spread over three floors and there are steps inside, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
*Your host can provide a cot for free upon request
*There's gated parking available for around five to six cars
*A welcome basket and concierge service are included in the price