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This is a house for those who seek absolute privacy - almost to the point of hiding away - a sanctuary from the stresses and bustle of everyday life. Joanna is a one bedroom house, comfortably sleeping two, or three if someone sleeps in the large kitchen / sitting room. Joanna was built about 100 years ago, near to the ancient 'Loutro' or Roman Baths, dating from around 100 BC. |
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Recently discovered, these baths and the surrounding land have been purchased and excavated by the Archaeological Department of the Greek government.
Villa Joanna is sited in an area of genuine Cretan culture - there are no foreign-owned housing estate developments or tourist accommodation anywhere nearby. The front gate leads off a quiet back-street in the residential area of Kastelli.
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Overhanging the gate and part of the courtyard is a massive bougainvillea bush. Apart from an area for sunbathing, an ancient grapevine provides dappled shade for the rest of the yard. This courtyard is completely private and is not overlooked by any of the neighbours. You can sunbathe and walk about with as few clothes as you wish. The courtyard leads directly to the front door of the house. From the front door, through a porch-way, there is an inner hall off which lie the kitchen/sitting room, and the shower room/wc. All windows have fly-screens and shutters. |
In keeping with its surroundings, the house, which has been considerably renovated in recent years, is fitted and furnished in the distinctively cool and unostentatious local style. Kitchen facilities are such that of course one could live here permanently... there is a small cooker and oven, refrigerator and lots of kitchen cupboards and utensils.
Villa Joanna sits back to back with Maria but each is completely separate with different entrances.
Joanna is for those who wish to absorb the cultural and ethnic spirit of this area - this is not tourist accommodation and it is not for those who would wish to stay in luxury or for those who want their ethnic experience "gentrified". This comfortable house invites its guests into the heart and spirit of the community and the residential district of this natural, easy-going working town.
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There are frequent bus services to Chania and all points on the west of the island and all the local shops and facilities are within easy walking distance so that car hire, whilst useful, is not absolutely essential. Kissamos-Kastelli is still mainly an agricultural area, increasingly prosperous from the expansion of its port, and the ferry services to the Peloponnese and to Piraeus. This is also a significant and important archaeological location. There are numerous local sites, although many are hidden and not initially obvious and in the near future a beautifully renovated museum will be opening that will display many of the more valuable items unearthed from the 6,000 year history of the region. Whilst the local economy is not based on tourism there are of course good bars and restaurants, and many excellent small shops, but most are designed to appeal to the local residents rather than to an influx of foreigners. This is the charm of the Villa Maria and the town of Kastelli itself - they are both truly Cretan and truly real... |
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Prices This house is available for thirteen-week sabbatical periods or longer. This is not a tourist house. Prices start from around €170 per week for a thirteen-week stay. This is exceptional value - often at around one third of normal tourist accommodation rental prices and there are also special prices for six and twelve month rental contracts. We have clients for short and long-term rental from all over the world and no two requirements are ever the same so do please ask for a specific quotation appropriate to your circumstances. |
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Contact us
London Administration: + 44 (0) 207 263 7080
