Villa Icarus

Villa Icarus: Crete

Hidden away among a patchwork of olive groves, scented cypress trees and shrub-like kermes oak, this hillside villa offers a welcome escape close to a beautiful stretch of the Cretan coast.

Built from carefully selected local stone and wood, the villa is very much in keeping with its surroundings and almost blends into the background from afar, despite its size. Outside, you'll find an inviting pool surrounded by sun loungers, a lovely outdoor dining area and lushly planted borders.

The interior is decorated in a traditional Cretan style that, unlike more modern designs, doesn't try to create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. Instead, you'll enjoy two distinct spaces, with the cool interior offering respite from the blazing sun outside.

Nearby, the village of Prines has three traditional tavernas, all of which will deliver to the villa on those evenings when you really don't feel like cooking for the family. When you need to stock up on essentials, the village of Atsipopoulo has a couple of supermarkets that will cater to all your needs. Finally, the beautiful Venetian port city of Rethymno is just a fifteen-minute drive – it's well worth spending an afternoon wandering its labyrinthine backstreets and seeking out hidden restaurants and local craftspeople selling their wares.

Home truths:
*Supplies for the barbecue are provided free of charge
*We'd recommend a car to explore the area – there's on-site parking
*Access the villa via a private entrance
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Those travelling with children will want to keep an eye on them out by the pool as it's not covered
*The bedrooms are up on the first floor, so the villa may not suit those with limited mobility