Loutses House

Shops in Perithia, sea front tavernas in Kalamaki, and the sandy beach of St. Spiridon are all within 6km of this country cottage, set on the slopes between the sea and the summit of Pantocrator. And there is a typical island taverna in the unspoilt village of Loutses, just 200metres away. So all the holiday essentials are near enough to this charming hide-away for easy access, but not near enough to disturb its secluded tranquillity. About a hectare of hillside forms its buffer from the real world, sprinkled with olive and pomegranate trees and ablaze with seasonal flowers throughout the spring. Lovingly nurtured gardens surround the house itself, where extensive terraces include an al fresco dining area, set in the dappled shade of hibiscus, apricot and almond trees, and overlooking the heated pool and fabulous coastal views. Within the villa are a modern kitchen and a cosy sitting room with colourful kilims; and each of the bedrooms has air conditioning and its own shower room, the master double opening on to a private garden terrace, where a lemon tree and vine-cloaked pergola provide scent and shade.