Elounda Villas

A Luxurious & Elemental Ode to the Beauty of Crete

After spending happy childhood summers on Crete, Athens-born architect Marina Birdimiri returned in 2009, inspired to recreate two villas that would not only offer guests a remarkable experience and location, but also pay homage to the culture and craftsmanship of the region. 

Featuring an embarrassment of riches on a Cretan hillside, these two luxury villas in Crete are a labor of love from Birdimiri, with each detail painstakingly considered to enhance the pleasure of all who enter. With panoramic views of the Mediterranean encircling the property, there are ample areas for lounging and basking in the Grecian sun. 

The villas are perched on a hillside immersed in over two acres of private gardens overlooking the picturesque coastline. Due to their orientation, the terrain and landscaping, the two villas enjoy total privacy, but share the private playground that sits between their grounds. 

Modeled on original Cretan homes, their design draws inspiration from traditional island architecture mixed with modern sophistication. Tastefully decorated with a chic mix of minimalism and traditional island style, the villas are ideal for those who want an authentic experience without sacrificing luxurious amenities.

The indoor-outdoor layout unites her architecture with its natural surroundings, blurring the lines between manmade and mother nature. There are rest areas along the paths strung with hammocks under the shade of the olive trees and a hidden private playground by the bridge. The large pool, set in a beautiful terraced garden, is angled towards the views with pathways leading through the olive trees and wild untouched areas between the two villas. 

Choose one or both for an exclusive island getaway.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Optional private chef available. Wifi throughout, satellite cable TV with DVD player, iPod docking audio system and CD player, climate control, laundry facilities, kitchen and bath amenities, safe. Both villas have a portable JBL wireless Bluetooth speaker that guests can use at the pool, at the barbecue or in the house. They also have gym equipment.

The owners have recently made some additions that include a Garden Suite as part of Villa Two that offers a private space for up to 4 guests. In Villa One, a new counter area has been added to the kitchen, which extends into the dining and living area and offers amazing views. All bathrooms and lighting in Villa One have been upgraded, and massages tables and boxing equipment have been added to the gym.

AROUND

From the Venetian harbor town of Rethymno, to the historic old port town of Chania on the northern coast, with its seaside palaces and busy resorts, Crete is a land of contrasts. Well known for its antiquities, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which was recently renovated and is a real ‘must see’, there are also numerous centuries-old Orthodox monasteries, still home to monks and nuns, including St Minas in nearby Heraklion about an hour north.

The tiny picturesque fishing village of Elounda sits along Mirabello Bay on the northeastern coast of the island forming a beautiful natural lagoon bordered by rugged peninsulas, and the island of Spinalonga off shore. A charming and rather  sleepy town, it nevertheless is home to two of the most important archaeological sites of Crete's history, the ancient sunken city of Olous and the Venetian fortress on the island of Spinalonga.

The region boasts beautiful beaches, many of which are within easy reach of the property. Worth the two hour drive is the protected inland Rouvas Forest with its rare species of animals and plants, the sacred mountain of Giouchtas in the Archanes region, the mountain of Strouboulas, and the region of Zaros with its famous lake. 

You are also within about a two hour drive to the medieval archaeological heritage village of Maroulas.

Surrounded in hills, plains and gorges of outstanding natural beauty, the area is known for its livestock farming and is dotted with small stone structures called ‘mitata’.    

LOCATION 

Crete, Greece. Nearest airport: Heraklion (70km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through October