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An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior

An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior

Photo gallery for An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior

Stone facade from patio-pool area.
Dining room, living room, study & staircase leading to first floor.
Veranda & views.
Ground floor bedroom.
Main entrance.

Overview of An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior

4.8 out of 5 Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8150 sq m

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Check out the area

Rethymno, Crete
  • Popular LocationUniversity of Crete9 min drive
  • Popular LocationFortezza Castle9 min drive
  • Popular LocationRethymnon Venetian Port10 min drive
  • AirportHeraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)77 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Ground Floor Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Second Floor

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Futon

Second Floor Master

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Ground floor bathroom

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Second floor bathroom

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior

Beyond just a three-bedroom villa, Villa Sofia, (also known as The Architect's Stone House) is an immaculately restored 19th century dwelling offering travelers an all-in-one architectural, historical and cultural experience.

***This property is a great choice for travelers who wish to avoid crowded areas and mass tourism. Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking extra precautions to keep the property even more spotlessly clean than before.***

This unconventional property is located in the oldest part of the rustic village of Prines, right in the middle of a cluster of mostly uninhabited archaic stone abodes dating back to the Ottoman and Venetian eras. It is a playful and experimental renovation, merging the characteristics of a 19th century Cretan dwelling with a modern and minimalist aesthetic. Boasting a patio space with a small pool and a spacious veranda overlooking the Leuka Ori mountains, this property is ideal for groups of up to eight people.
If you are a fan of history and architecture, Villa Sofia is definitely a treat. The use of space in this property is phenomenal. The original dimensions and features of a 19th-century dwelling integrate seamlessly with a modern interior. An imposing stone arch, hand-chiseled slabs of stone, iron bars used to secure the windows, and iron rings used to hang tools are brought to the spotlight through the meticulous use of modern building materials. This property offers the experience of living in the very center of a cluster of houses while maintaining total privacy. Every angle and small detail has been carefully thought out to create a sense of integration with the unique setting in which this property is based. Moments, minutes or even hours of total silence, birds chirping every morning, dogs barking in the distance, the neighbor's sheep next door, the occasional sighting of a skunk, a great white owl or a hawk. This property's guests will be exposed to all the stimulus of a typical Greek village as it has existed for many centuries. All in all, Villa Sofia bridges the archaic with the contemporary while refusing to make any compromises.
Even though this villa will make you not want to leave, it is also conveniently located almost at the center of Crete, a few minutes away from the national road and the major driving routes leading to both the northern and the southern beaches of Rethymno. The closest beach is a 10-minute drive away and there are multiple tavernas and a mini-market within a short walking distance. In other words, Villa Sofia is perfectly located for those who wish to explore Rethymno, Chania and parts of western Heracklion.


Spatial description:
The main entrance of the Villa faces north. Upon entering, one views an open area consisting of a living room, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area that is separated by a stone arc. Part of the living room is a converted space that was originally used as wine press. It now hosts a couch that can turn into a double bed if needed. A second arch and a few steps lead to the rear portion of the ground floor. Here one will find a bedroom with two single beds and ample storage space, a full bathroom, and a small room with a washing machine and storage where cleaning supplies and linens are kept. These rooms are connected via a corridor which leads to a courtyard containing a small swimming pool, adobe oven, barbeque, seating space, and two sunbeds.
A winding wooden staircase connects the ground floor with the second floor of the property. In between the two, a small storage space which used to host large barrels of wine has been converted into a mezzanine serving as a small office.
On the second floor of the property, there are three rooms and a large veranda. The master bedroom hosts a queen-size bed, ample storage space, a small desk and an air conditioning unit. The second bedroom on this floor is a bit unconventional. Upon entering it, one views a desk, a double sofa which can turn into a double bed if needed and a small staircase leading to a small attic space with storage and a full-size bed. This room is definitely a space one and children tend to love it. In between the two bedrooms, there is a small bathroom.
The property's veranda stands a bit higher than the second floor. It is connected to it by a few wooden stairs. The veranda is very spacious. It hosts a large table and a small lounge area with plenty of seating space overlooking the Lefka Ori mountains, neighboring fields, a small forest of oak trees, the archaic stone buildings which surround the property and the ocean in the distance. This area remains partially shaded throughout most of the day. It is one of the most unique aspects of this property, as its multifaceted view embodies the nature of this renovation project. Most guests report that they spent most of their time relaxing in this space.


Villa Sofia is ideal for all-year-long bookings:
The thick stone walls, high-quality building materials and the careful planning of the house make it heat-resistant during the very hot summer months. In fact most guests report using the air conditioning unit scarcely. The courtyard area faces south and the veranda area faces north, which means that you can catch sun and shade at all times of the day. On the other hand, during the relatively colder months of the year, the underground heating pad system (on the first floor), the heating units (on the second floor) can heat the property very efficiently during the winter months. Although the tourist season peaks during the summer months, this property is one of the few receiving interest during the winter season as well. It makes for a great getaway for long-term winter bookings.

Property manager

Manolis Deligiannakis

Languages

English, Greek
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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please inquire if need a chair or cot.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
Not all pets! Please enquire before booking.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Guests are liable for any breakages caused by them during their stay.
If there are no other arrivals/departures on the same day, the check in/out times become more flexible. Please enquire for specific information.

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 professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 1117682

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

Rethymno

Located in Rethymno, this villa is in a rural area and near the beach. Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon and Erofili Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Paleontological Museum and Rethimno Kart. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and cave exploring.

What's nearby

  • University of Crete - 9 min drive
  • Fortezza Castle - 9 min drive
  • Rethymnon Town Hall - 10 min drive
  • Rimondi Fountain - 10 min drive
  • Rethymnon Venetian Port - 10 min drive

Getting around

  • Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • Γουρουνάκια - 9 min drive
  • Barrio - 9 min drive
  • Cavo - 7 min drive
  • Staras - 6 min drive
  • Πρίμα Πλώρα - 6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is An Architect's home -19th Century Stone Villa/Unique Setting/Minimalist Interior located?

Situated by the sea, this villa is within 6 miles (10 km) of University of Crete, Rethymnon Court House and Valide Sultana Mosque. Great Gate and Agios Frangiskos Church are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

4.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 5 - Excellent. 17 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 5 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews" "

5/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

4.7/5

Location

4.3/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay in Crete.
The house was really great, very clean with all the mod cons. We visited the Knossos along with the museum which we found really interesting. We enjoyed the local cuisine and the Cretan welcome. We look forward to visiting Crete again.

5/5 Excellent

Jane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful villa in a fabulous location
We had fantastic fortnights stay in this beautifully renovated villa. It's really well equipped with all mod cons and Manolis was an excellent host, very helpful, friendly and responsive. The spacious roof top terrace is lovely to sit out on, stunning views of the white mountains, particularly lovely first thing in the morning and for sunset. The BBQ and pool area downstairs is great, as is the living area. Comfy beds and good showers too. Well located for easy access to Rethimno and 3 excellent tavernas (Veranta, Giannikos and The Olive) within a 2 minute walk. If we come back to Crete we'd definitely want to stay here again!
Stayed 16 nights in May 2019

4/5 Good

catherine g.

superbly restored village house
super restored village house with delightful enclosed rear patio with pool and lovely roof garden with good views. The house is extremely well-equipped and the owner was very helpful and friendly. Lots to see and do in the area and good tavernas nearby. I would thoroughly recommend a stay in this unusual house, particularly if you wish to stay somewhere special and beautifully designed.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

5/5 Excellent

Richard D.

Beautiful restored with character yet spacious and private
This was a great house with everything we needed to enjoy a relaxing two weeks. It has all mod cons, masses of space a very private pool area and a large roof terrace with plenty of shade and a cooling breeze. There is a shop and 3 tavernas in the village. Everyone was really helpful and welcoming
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

5/5 Excellent

Sascha R.

spacious house with comfortable rooms
we had a very nice week in this spacious house. we were a group of seven but there was plenty of space. the house is very well equipped (big bbq/pizza oven, kitchen with plenty tools, enough chairs, linen and towels were changed after half the time, there are games and books) the owner is very helpful. the house is located in a small historic village. there are some taverns and small local markets within 2 minutes off the house. in a nutshell; the house and surroundings make for a a nice holiday, the rest is up to you!

About the host

Hosted by Manolis Deligiannakis

Host profile image
My name is Manolis Deligiannakis.

I was born and raised in Rethymno, Crete. I chose to return home after completing my degree in media&sociology(BA) in London, UK.

Beyond managing my family's property as a holiday rental I also run a small sailing-trip business and I do some part-time work as a digital advertiser and website consultant. I am fond of history, brazilian jiujitsu, weightlifting and mocumentaries.


Why they chose this property

This property is not a typical Cretan holiday rental. It is an architectural, historical and cultural experience in the ideal location for exploring central and western Crete!

Most holiday-homes on Crete are new buildings standing on secluded plots of land, formerly used as farm-land. At the same time, historic centers of small towns and villages are falling to pieces, as high renovation costs and complicated regulators make their upkeep a challenging task. Unlike most people in the business, Michalis Deligiannakis decided to invest his time and money on a very complicated and costly renovation instead of choosing to build from the ground up. He took advantage of his expertise as an architect, archaeologist and former head of the city planning department in order to conduct a difficult renovation while maneuvering through limiting laws and regulations regarding traditional settlements in Greece. It took him almost 10 years to finish Villa Sofia, but the result of his labor is very rewarding.

What makes this property unique

Originality:
Villa Sofia preserves the original features of a 19th century abode while merging them delicately with modern & minimalist design. The original features are all still there: High stone ceilings, stone arcs with elaborately hand - chiseled slabs, large metal bars blocking the ground-floor windows and metal rings originally used for hanging items are still all there. While staying at this property guests are placed right in the middle of a rustic village. The property provides the feeling of being integrated in a ancient community, a very authentic and real experience. At the same time, no compromises are made regarding privacy and comfort.

Simplicity:
Villa Sofia is a minimalist architect's project. Everything is kept as simple as possible, from the layout to the technological appliances used and everything in-between.

Sustainability:
This property was built with sustainability in mind. It is naturally ventilated, staying amazingly cool during the hot summer months, mostly due to the insulation offered by the thick stone walls. The under-floor panel heating system on the ground floor insures great fuel efficiency during the colder winter months.




Languages:

English, Greek
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