The Old Olive Mill - Kolymbari, up in the hills
(West Crete, near Chania)

				The Old Olive Mill house Pictures: Where it is: Kolymbari, see map Open: All year Type: Traditional house with pool Number of units: 1 house with 4 bedrooms House/night: 157 to 329 €  Why we like it: Secluded, with panoramic views, authentic traditional character, ample space, pool & garden

OUR REVIEW

You will find your way to the Old Olive Mill, but you will also realize you have found an isolated haven amongst the older villages, in the green hills of Crete. Whether a traditional house or a "villa" is what you desire, this really is both. Beyond a small village, in a hamlet described by old stone ruins and rubble of a bygone day, the Old Olive Mill took shape as a labour of love, transforming the remaining walls and piles of stones dating back to 1850. The spacious central living hall with kitchen includes the sitting and dining areas, clustered around the ancient stone olive press. The press sits like an original sculpture in the centre of this high-ceilinged house. The thick walls provide cool comfort in the summer.
The kitchen has that farmhouse style that reminds of families or friends cooking and preparing meals together (notice how it never seems like hard work when you are in someone else's house and you have convivial helpers?).
A shelf sprawls and offers its stock of maps and books about Crete, its history, attractions and nature. There is much to gain in local knowledge and there is a delight in the peaceful absence of a television set. You may even find a smile and "ya sou" to your one neighbour, the elderly Mrs Koumi, ends up in a sign of shared hospitality.
 

Four bedrooms will happily accommodate 10 people, or fewer, with added privacy that a private bedroom provides. The house, though large, is surprisingly cozy for even 2 to 4 people. It's just one of those layouts.
Then from the terrace outside or the one off a downstairs bedroom, sit for a while and gaze at the view, the sea beyond, the olive tree-laden hillsides, sit until you feel active enough to take the steps down to the pool and plunge into your own momentary, private heaven. Float, swim or gaze - while cooled by the water - at your uninterrupted view of nature, land and sea...Crete.
 

Fifteen minutes later you can be on the beach, sipping espresso or Greek coffee by the sea in Kolymbari. Your drive is always along twisting country lanes, Crete's finest small village connectors.
Some of the unusual nearby sights include Europe's most ancient olive tree at Vouves and St John the Hermit's cave outside Spilia (see these sights).
Horse riding is possible at Deres riding farm (20 minutes away).
Bird watching - just watch or ask, this is one of those perfect places.
 

Within easy reach are Chania and its must-see-and-enjoy Venetian harbour and cobblestone streets (35-40 minutes by car), the south coast village of Paleochora and the much-touted sands of Elafonisi, the windy wild expanse of sand and beach at Falassarna, Therisso and Samaria gorges to mention a few. Small hospitable villages abound and surround!
 

THE HOUSE
2 triple en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor and 1 twin and 1 double en-suite bedroom on the mezzanine. Bathrooms have showers. One bedroom has its own private balcony and there is also a large shared balcony.
Fully equipped kitchen with electric cooker (hotplates & oven), large fridge, microwave, coffee kettle. Utility room (washing machine & dryer, iron & ironing board). Flat-screen TV & DVD player.
Telephone for local calls (for calls abroad, you can use a prepaid phone-card).
There is no air conditioning (thick stone walls tend to keep the house cool).
Private pool 9.5X5m, terrace, garden with lawn. Children's paddling pool. Umbrellas and sunbeds. Barbeque.
Services included: Cleaning and linen change twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). A baby cot and high chair.
Beach towels are not provided.
Old Olive Mill Photo Gallery
 

DISTANCES
Pontikiana small village - 200 m.
7 km inland from New National Road.
Kolymbari (beach, tavernas, shops) - 9 km.
Chania town - 28 km. Chania airport - 42 km.
Souda port - 36 km. Kissamos - 30 km.
Rethymno - 86 km. Heraklion - 156 km.
Beaches: nearest at Rapaniana 7 km, Kolymbari 9 km (coarse sand and pebbles). Fine sandy beaches at Platanias 14 km, Falassarna 42 km, Paleochora 55km, Elafonisi 70 km.

We recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent (you cannot reach the Olive Mill by public transport).

RATES 2008 (rates include our Superb, All-questions-answered Personal service)

Rates are for the whole house, per night and include all taxes.

MINIMUM STAY: 5-7 nights, depending on season.
NOTE: From May to September, ONLY Tuesday to Tuesday rentals are possible for this house.

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