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Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views

Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views

Photo gallery for Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views

Villa pool by night
Villa pool terrace by day
Wraparound pool and arch by night
Outside cooking area - stone BBQ & Pizza oven
Dining area adjacent to kitchen

Overview of Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 5108 sq m

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher

Explore the area

Map
Gavalohori, Crete
  • Popular LocationAlmyrida Beach9 min drive
  • Popular LocationKalyves Beach17 min drive
  • Popular LocationPort of Souda22 min drive
  • AirportChania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis)48 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Family bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Primary bedroom

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Ensuite shower room with WC

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

External shower room with WC

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Primary bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views

* Owner-designed, highly rated "home from home" - not just another holiday let
* Wrap around pool
* Private, gated grounds & gardens
* Dishwasher, Fridge/Freezer, Washing machine
* 3 shower rooms, 3 WCs
* Air con/wi-fi/house keeping/solar pool heating included in rate.
* Family & Couples friendly
* Walkable to tavernas & shops
* Stone BBQ & Pizza oven
* Suitable for reduced mobility.

An exquisitely designed single-storey modern villa, set on a semi-rural hillside with stunning panoramic views all year round, to the mountains and the sea. Situated in its own grounds on a quiet lane, with olive groves opposite and open field adjacent (which we also own), the villa is only a few minutes gentle stroll from the pretty, traditional village of Gavalohori with its bakery, shops, folklore museum. and excellent tavernas.

Villa Mia was built and equipped primarily as our family home and therefore offers year-round comfort and a higher level of specification than you would ever normally find in a rental. You can confidently book with us knowing we pride ourselves on personal service, quality, integrity and attention to detail. Many guests become friends, and book with us year after year.

Designed and built to our own standards and specification, this beautiful property features a unique and distinctive design feature of a wrap-around pool that runs all along the front of the house - making the pool directly accessible from the living areas. kitchen, covered terrace/veranda and the main bedroom.

For ease of getting ready for beach, pool or evening out, the villa has three shower rooms: a fully tiled main family shower room with "floating" WC and large walk-in shower, an en-suite to the primary bedroom with WC and shower, and a further shower room with additional WC which is accessed off the pool terrace (and therefore ideal to use whilst outside or by the pool)

With the living spaces all on one level, each room leads smoothly to the next.

The open-plan, well equipped Italian kitchen features a large, stainless steel fridge freezer, ample for every family's needs, dishwasher,kettle, toaster, microwave, a sizeable, pull-out storage larder and a full oven with halogen hob and fan extractor. Copious cupboard storage, plenty of glasses, plates, bowls, casseroles, pans - ideal to cook at home.

Serving food, or that sunset cocktail, is so easy out of the kitchen hatch that opens directly onto the poolside eating areas. There is also a separate outside cooking area with large stone-built BBQ and adjacent stone pizza oven.

The kitchen leads directly to the large, open-plan dining room then out to a covered dining area or continue directly to the large lounge with its comfy sofas, large TV and views over the pool.

Off the central area of the house, we come next to the laundry area with washing machine, iron, ironing board and vacuum cleaner.

The main bathroom is next, with large walk-in shower, further storage, baby and child equipment, and featuring large illuminated vanity unit and sink. Also off the central corridor, the large bedrooms split off, one to either side - the primary bedroom with king-size bed, and its own ensuite shower room - the other bedroom being a family bedroom with double bed and a single divan, so configured to the needs of the kids, teens, a baby or an adult couple, enabling two couples to stay, or grandparents to come along . This bedroom has its own private patio for that time away from each other or a change of scenery, as this looks out on the White Mountains!

The primary bedroom also has double doors opening onto its own stone terrace, equipped with its own patio furniture, umbrellas/shade, terracotta pots, planting, and fantastic views over the olive groves and the village, each completely private from the other.

The house features air conditioning to all bedrooms and lounge.. The bedroom air conditioning can be set to good sleep mode to guarantee a cool night in the Cretan summer.

Both the double and king beds have bespoke hand-made high quality mattress toppers for that extra luxury and comfort.

The large tiled pool is low-chlorine, cleaned by an ionising robot, and heated ecologically using solar power. Designed by us for playing games with our own children, the pool has a flat shallow end of 1.1m and a flat deeper end of 1.5m for swimming.

Surrounding the pool, house and driveway, well maintained gardens feature mediterranean plants such as hibiscus, yucca, oleander, citrus trees, bird of paradise, canas, aloes, olive trees and several palm trees, one of which is a notable feature at the end of the pool.

At the far end of the pool, adjacent to the large palm tree, a set of steps leads up to the capacious tiled roof terrace with further eating, seating and sun bathing opportunities, and more extensive views of the village, the mountains and the sea.

Understanding how difficult it is to find suitable accommodation for people with restricted mobility and wheelchair use, we have equipped the property for people with restricted mobility - just contact us about your specific needs.

If you can tear yourself away from the villa, pool and grounds, within a few minutes walk you'll find cool, ancient wells, wooded walks, open countryside and the picturesque history of the village of Gavalohori. Secluded but not isolated, we are surrounded by groves of olive, almond & orange trees, with the tinkling of goat bells & the calling of birds of prey and ravens circling in the vivid blue skies above you. The area provides ample walking and hiking opportunities with a tourism board waymarked route literally passing our gate.

From February to June the fields around Villa Mia abound with native wild flowers, anemones and orchids. The field next door to the villa features olive trees, orange trees and wild flowers, and is managed for ecology and bio-diversity, safeguarded from development (same owner).

Seven minutes easy drive and you are in the family-friendly (Blue Flag) beach resort of Almyrida, with many other beaches and coves close by. Boat trips, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling are all available locally.

Within ten minutes drive (and visible from our kitchen window), the ruined Roman city of Aptera continues to astound with new finds every archaeological season and spectacular views of Souda Bay and to Chania beyond

Within an hour's drive lie deserted beaches, rocky coves, Byzantine churches and monasteries, Turkish castles (including one in clear view from the pool terrace), Minoan ruins, caves & gorges to explore, Venetian harbours & bridges, a fantastic water park and two of the most picturesque towns in all Crete (Chania & Rethymnon).

A good day trip is the world-famous Minoan site of Knossos, & several more Roman cities, as well as one of the most idyllic shallow, sandy beaches in the world at Elafonissi.

If you've read this far on several adverts you are probably, by now, not knowing who to believe, and struggling to choose. Please be assured we are, above all, transparent, truthful and accurate. We have only ever had feedback that we undersell - the property, the amenities and the beautiful views.

Anything we've missed that you need to know just contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Greek tourism licence (EOT) number MHTE 1042K10003252401

PLEASE NOTE - NEW SUMMER 2024 - Your invoiced holiday price includes all taxes except the newly announced climate levy which will now be charged on all villa and hotel rentals across Greece. This is directly payable locally to the Greek government at €10 per villa per night. We can support you to pay this nearer the time and can undertake the process on your behalf as required.

Property manager

Wendy Nicole Davies
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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Strictly no smoking indoors or out please.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 1042K10003252401

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Apokoronas

Located in Apokoronas, this villa is in a rural area. Port of Souda and Dourakis Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore White Mountains Protected Forest and Almyrida Beach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Gavalohori, Crete

What's nearby

  • Almyrida Beach - 9 min drive
  • Kalyves Beach - 17 min drive
  • Port of Souda - 22 min drive
  • Georgioupolis Beach - 29 min drive
  • Marathi Beach - 54 min drive

Getting around

  • Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • Lagos Taverna - 5 min drive
  • Platia Café Bar - 6 min drive
  • Καφφε Μαρέντη - 4 min drive
  • Elena Tavern - 9 min drive
  • Costanita - 5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Villa Mia - private detached villa, solar heated pool, panoramic views located?

This family-friendly Apokoronas villa is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori, Almyrida Beach and Kera. Art of Living Glass Factory and Kalyves Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melanie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely villa in great village
Lovely villa with great pool. Lots of seating areas outside including a roof terrace and sofa and armchairs. The water supply was a bit intermittent but not a big problem. Villa had everything we needed and the housekeeper Yvonne was very helpful. Easy walk to 3 great tavernas in the village
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Villa in a village, a really lovely village
The owners really have put a lot of thought into their rental. The communication is great, instructions for arrival and life around the Villa were the best I’ve experienced. The team they use all really helpful and friendly, gardner, pool people and cleaner. The village location we really liked. Some local convince stores, a choice of tavernas we ate at two and both were great. People drove from outside the village to go to these which just shows how good they are. Beaches are all around the closest being just 5 to 10 minutes drive. The pool was lovely and private. Fairly shallow so great for cooling off and families. Yeah we really enjoyed our stay. I’m not one for going back to the same place but I would revisit this Villa!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Family Holiday
Our family had a fantastic holiday at Villa Mia. The location is ideal with wonderful views and it takes only 10 minutes to drive to the coast where there is a great selection of restaurants. The facilities at the Villa were just as described and the local village is only a short walk away. We would definitely return for a future holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Villa M.

Highly recommended
Stayed for a week in September. Villa is in a lovely location overlooking the village which has good amenities. It's only a 7 minute walk to the village square which has a few tavernas & general stores plus a bakery. Villa is comfortable & very well equipped. It has amazing outside areas & the pool is particularly nice. The temperature is great & it's very clean. We would highly recommend it.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Just right
This is our 5th stay in Gavalochori. The villa was very well equipped and comfortable. The location was perfect for strolling to the village and its fabulous tavernas. Also as a good base for visiting the West of the Island. Crete never disappoints!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

About the host

Hosted by Wendy Nicole Davies

Host profile image
Villa owner Wendy Nicole, her husband Eddie and their 2 adult sons come from Cheshire in the UK and have been holidaying in the Apokoronas region of Crete since the boys were little, enjoying the family friendly welcome in the local tavernas and the sandy beaches of Almyrida bay where the boys learnt to swim.


Why they chose this property

After years formulating ideas of their ideal 'home from home' the couple distilled all the best facets of villas they had stayed in, added their own unique twist of a wrap around pool, and designed and built Villa Mia for themselves. They bought a plot of land overlooking the quiet traditional village of Gavalohori, the olive groves and the sea yet within easy strolling distance of the village bakery, shops and eateries. Equipped as their year round retreat, the Villa enjoys panoramic views, jaw dropping sunsets and offers solace from busy professional lives in the UK – a guaranteed stress-buster stay at any time of the year.

What makes this property unique

The villa is quiet and set above the village, so with superb views, but with all the village facilities just a gentle stroll away.

Outside cooking area featuring a stone BBQ & Pizza Oven .

The mosaic tiled pool is heated all year round by energy-efficient solar heating, at no cost to the guests and is entered by a set of gentle non-slip steps through an arch from the terrace. There is a pool "robot" ionising system to clean the water with minimal use of chemicals so no chlorine smell when in the water.

We are constantly updating the decor and facilities within the villa so even regular guests can enjoy something new since their last visit! For 2024 season we have completely refurbish the main bathroom and updated the en-suite too.

With uninterrupted views across the olive groves to the village of Gavalohori, and beyond to the sea and mountains, this is an ideal place for a private, quiet, get away from it all holiday.
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