We love the rustic simplicity and welcoming charm of this guesthouse and the emphasis on authentic Greek culture. Located in a gorgeous and relatively less traveled region of Greece, the home is a friendly and colorful slice of life surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Set within the UNESCO region of Epirus in the tiny village of Kato Pedina, this 19th-century guest house overlooks the highlands and plateaus of Zagori, with gorgeous mountain views in the distance.
Leaving Athens behind, the owners discovered the village of just 25 inhabitants and an old cottage in need of repair, transforming it into a modern guesthouse. Using period materials, local stone and timber, the careful restoration of the house was designed to highlight the simple beauty of the original structures and maintain cultural authenticity.
The interiors are warm and welcoming and designed with a simple rustic-modern approach and lively colorful accents which are a tribute to Zagori’s autumn colors and the original colors of the houses.
On the ground floor, where the family’s farm animals were once kept, are two en-suite double rooms built into a rock and on the first floor are three colorful en-suite doubles and two additional en-suite rooms on the second floor with private verandas. Each room includes its own fireplace for cozy nights.
The “magirio” (the kitchen room) is the heart of the house where you can enjoy traditionally prepared meals and delicacies with fresh and seasonal locally sourced ingredients. Head out to the terrace for al fresco dining and stunning views.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Breakfast served daily with optional additional meals. Cultural and nature guides, film seminars (hosted in July in Kato Pedina village) yoga seminars, cooking seminars with local cuisine using seasonal ingredients of the region at the proprietors restaurant, loom and textiles seminars, annual sheep shearing and wool processing demonstrations.
Travel and airport transfers available. Mountain bikes available for guests use, complimentary firewood for each room. Wifi throughout. Organic bath amenities. Housekeeping and laundry facilities.
AROUND
The tiny village of Kato Pedina is located in a privileged position in the center of Central Zagori in the northwestern region of Ioannina between Monodendri and Papingo. The fifth biggest municipality in the country, the area's geographic isolation "Behide the mountain” (as its name means) is home to vast stretches of mountains and plains and stunning natural beauty. Part of the larger Epirus region, the area is A UNESCO heritage site and comes to life with many village festivals (panygiria) throughout the region.
Relatively unknown and unexplored compared to the islands, there are miles of hiking trails and areas for rafting, canyoning in nearby Vikos Gorge, alpine lakes and forests, and many ancient villages. Kato Soudena is famous for its cultural events throughout the year and at the end of August and for its film festival in July. Ioannina is just a 35-minute drive and the Ionian coastal regions are a two hour drive west.
LOCATION
Zagori, Greece. Nearest airport: King Pyrros airport of Ioannina (35km) and international airports of Corfu (140km plus a 90 min. ferry), Aktio (160km) near the city of Preveza or Thessaloniki (300km).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through the end of October and the first days of November for the best weather and fantastic changing colours of the leaves in autumn.