Olive Grove Villa is a delightful residence that instantly appeals. It is situated on the very edge of the unspoilt hamlet of Xirosterni which is one of the most attractive villages in the area and is made up of a few narrow lanes, higgledy-piggledy low stone walls, small chapels, ruins, and sympathetically renovated traditional houses. With just one semi-ruined house to the east side of the villa, a small track in front of the property, and otherwise surrounded by a picturesque landscape of woodland comprising pine, carob and olive trees, this is a holiday home that will charm lovers of both nature and privacy. Impressive views to the majestic White Mountains in the south, and the brilliant blue sea in the north, complete this soothing setting. Conveniently, this lovely property is only 300m from the well-stocked store/café, and the rustic, grapevine covered kafenion in the village centre (both of which serve meals), 3km from the tavernas and shops in the villages of Vamos and Gavalohori, and an easy drive of 5km, downhill on one road, to the small resort of Almyrida with its many amenities, Blue Flag sandy beaches, and crystal-clear sea.
Superbly appointed on the top floor, the bright living and dining room, and the upstairs twin bedroom take full advantage of the sweeping vistas. The living room is spacious and inviting with a selection of comfy couches and armchairs in earth-toned fabrics, a fireplace, a large wall tapestry of a peacock, and an array of warm-hued wooden furniture. An archway leads to the doors for the kitchen and the upstairs twin bedroom. The compact, contemporary kitchen is equipped with many appliances and a good inventory, and the modern upstairs cloakroom has a toilet, a sink with a mirrored cabinet, and is fully tiled. Olive Grove Villa has three further bedrooms, an en-suite shower room, and a large full bathroom on the ground floor, which helps to keep them cooler during the long, hot summer season. The clever design ensures that your living area extends to the outdoors with double doors opening out onto 8 different balconies with magnificent views, and a choice of sun or shade. The living room enjoys 3 balconies, whilst each of the 4 bedrooms has its own private balcony, and the downstairs porch is shaded by a pergola, and screened by diagonal trellises which are covered in an abundance of fragrant honeysuckle, making it a glorious and secluded reading nook.
Every modern comfort has been provided at the villa including free WIFI, independent air conditioning in the bedrooms, aluminium doors, windows and shutters, water heated by solar panel and immersion heater, a TV, a Bluetooth speaker, a DVD player, a satellite box, and a full selection of books, DVD’s, CD’s, family board games, playing cards, and colouring books and pencils.
Vying for attention with the pleasing villa are the fenced and gated grounds where many hours will be spent, and which include an inviting pool and a wonderful outside dining area with a very well-equipped summer kitchen – flanked by sweet smelling jasmine, a pizza oven, and a barbeque which is perfect for grilling delicious local produce. The poolside shower has hot and cold water, and the pool has built-in steps that make it easy to get in and out of. We are certain that our guests will find that swimming in the cooling pool waters is positively therapeutic! The large pool/dining terrace has been paved with silver-grey non-slip tiles whilst the front driveway and private parking area is paved with natural stone and is partially shaded by some of the villa’s olive trees.
Whether you wish to swim, barbeque, or simply relax with a cool drink under a shady tree, the attractive Mediterranean garden, planted with lemon, orange, and olive trees, yucca, African daisies, geraniums, petunias, bird of paradise, bottle brush, and roses, provides the perfect setting in which to do so. With the much of the plot not being overlooked, anyone searching for a private, comfortable retreat, with mesmerising views and easy access to local amenities, will find Olive Grove Villa to be the answer to their prayers.
*** As of January 01, 2024, the Greek government have replaced the old “bed tax” with a new tax that is applied to all stays in short-term rental accommodation in Greece. The Climate Resilience Levy is a response to the devastating forest fires and floods that Greece has experienced in recent years, with the government hoping to generate extra funding that will go towards financing reconstruction, supporting victims, and increasing the country’s defences against future natural disasters.
The owners of all short-term rental accommodation are legally obliged to collect the Climate Resilience Levy as a separate tax for all overnight stays (per villa) as follows:
€10.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.
Whilst we understand the potential budget concerns of our guests, this tax/levy is beyond our control and we encourage our guests to see this as a way of contributing to the protection of the planet and the beautiful area where they are holidaying.
The Vrbo system does not yet have a section for collecting the Climate Resilience Levy and we have, therefore, had to add it to the billing section as an extra fee which will show on the booking as a Host Fee (until Vrbo update their system).