Crete, GreeceVilla Ondes

The location needs to fit the profile of hosting such an exceptional exception. For example, this 160-year old estate in the western part of Crete. A vivid palimpsest of history, tradition, and aesthetics. One thing is for sure: Your watch will be a worthless compass here, as your senses will guide you towards an immersive experience. 

A century and a half ago, this was essentially a multi-purpose residence, able to meet the multifaceted needs of a family during that time: a living room, and a master kitchen (with oven and fireplace) on the ground floor, several bedrooms, a large "ondàs" (another word for “room” in both Greek and Turkish, and the prefix of the estate’s name) and a loom chamber upstairs, along with a plethora of ancillary areas: the "Magazés" (a storehouse for oil, wine, fruit, and vegetables), the "Fabrika" (the olive mill), the stable, the stone mills, the winepress. 

Even though it has been meticulously restored, the estate’s architectural character remains intact. The exposed stone -which can be found in abundance in the surrounding area- is dominant, while the wood on the floor and ceiling and the ceramics have a secondary yet essential role. Its large spaces today, divided into four separate residences, dressed in white with light pastel shades, are full of decorative details and functional elements from both today and yesterday. 

As for the courtyard, it’s an ode to minimalism; a private swimming pool, an adjacent sun terrace, an emblematic mulberry tree right by the main entrance, all surrounded by olive groves and orange orchards that expand past the estate’s limits. In total, a haven of untrammeled peace under the Cretan sun.

Back in the day, there was a well with excellent, high-quality water. In a way, this well was the godfather of Pyrgos Psilonerou (“Tower of High (Quality) Water” in Greek). Its nearby sand/pebbles beach doesn’t carry a mainstream, cosmopolitan vibe, as its deep, crystal waters attract mostly locals -however, you can find several canteens and laid-back tavernas. In the wider area, there’s also a breeding zone for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle -whose nesting sites are enclosed and protected. 
When it comes to lively beach bars and seafood restaurants, you can move towards Maleme (1.5km) or Platanias (4km), where you can also enjoy a series of sea activities -from boat trips and scuba diving to surfing. As your radius of exploration expands, the more this magnificent island can offer you: the multicultural mosaic of the town of Chania, the engaging outdoor activities at Agia Lake, the fascinating landscape of the famous Samaria Gorge, even the unparalleled tasty experience of visiting a local winery or dairy farm! 

License number : 00000445425