Secluded villa with private pool , panoramic views

Margarita was the perfect hostess. Excellent directions to the property and she escorted us the last bit so we wouldn't get lost. The property was perfectly presented with everything you could need. Some of the outdoor seating was a little older and tireder than the online photos but still perfectly useable. Perfect property if you want complete peace and quiet and privacy. Margarita was available for any questions we had but she was not at all intrusive. It's a traditional Cretan villa, equipped as a home rather than as a tourist place. The pool was lovely with fresh water for each new letting.

This lovely villa located in the hills above Gouves differs from almost all of the other villa's offered on this website. It offers a real taste of Cretan living as it was designed by Mergarita, it's owner as her own home. It is in a beautiful location overlooking the sea in the distance and the olive groves nearby. The villa is open plan with a separate bedroom, bedroom annex and attic level bedroom. The external space is furnished with recliners and dining table and chairs and a small but well maintained (and used) swimming pool. A section of the rear of the external area is canopied for shade which is most welcome. Our family of three children and the two of us enjoyed our seven days here. The location is ideal for all the tourist activities and secluded enough for relaxing without the noise of any other holiday makers. The water park is 10 minutes away and the nearest village is literally 100 yards from the end of the drive. Mergarita lives in a small apartment below the villa and is very welcoming and charming. She is so full of live and what a life she has lived! We really enjoyed her company and had a lovely evening in her company chatting about life, loves and wooden toys!! Do not be put off by any spurious negative comments regarding this villa. It a lovely location, a great building and presented with clean sheets and a very warm welcome. The view from the toilet window is just something else!! If you are seeking a different experience from other villas, then look no further...this is the one for you!

This was a revisit to Margarita's for us. Last year we brought the kids. This year we had it all to ourselves. The location is exceptional - it's what made us come back. The view from the large terrace is beautiful and the very private pool is ideal on days when the wind picks up and makes the sea a little too rough or just for relaxing by after a day's exploring. There is a very friendly little taverna called Sanida in the village (Kalo Chorio) in the square next to the church and we walked down to it several times. The food is very local as is the wine and raki and you will struggle to eat more cheaply anywhere on the island. Margarita is lovely. Very warm and welcoming and always available if you have any questions. The property is full of her character and artworks and I recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere a little more secluded. Car essential.

Margarita's house was a wonderful find. We had the self contained upper floor with a conservatory entrance that led directly out onto the terrace and private swimming pool with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. We watched eagles, vultures and falcons every day. The main, double bedroom has a terrace looking out over the front of the house giving another lovely view and morning shade. We drank our breakfast coffee here everyday whilst our two teenagers slept in. The house is unique and full of Margarita's own art work and spiritual warmth - she is a doll maker. The short road leading up from the village is steep and takes a little getting used to and whilst the house does not have 5 star luxury, it is spacious, beautifully decorated and I would recommend it highly to those with a slightly more adventurous nature who aren't looking for all luxury and mod cons. Margarita was warm and welcoming and invited us to watch her in a traditional play and provided many recommendations. She could not have been more helpful. When we didn't want to drive, the 10 min walk down into the village to the local taverna in the square proved invaluable serving up good portions of traditional greek fare at very good prices.