The house of the Skalidis family was built in 1900 in the heyday of the traditional settlement of Gonia. Following recent restoration work it now fully caters for modern household needs, while its architectural style remains unspoiled.
The stone-built house is constructed on two levels. Through the courtyard you enter the ground floor, with a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, a spacious dining and sitting room with TV and fireplace, a bathroom/WC and two bedrooms, one of which has a double bed and en-suite bathroom/WC. Both bedrooms are air-conditioned.
From the veranda of the upper level, you access a large air-conditioned room that includes a cosy mezzanine area with two beds, and a separate study. Two sofas in the sitting area can also accommodate two people for sleeping. Another bathroom/WC connects with the same space. From the veranda you also enter another bedroom, with A/C, a double bed and en-suite bathroom/WC.
Total bedrooms = 4-5, bathroom/WC = 4
Outdoors
The house also has a fine garden with a swimming pool under orange trees. A vine pergola is located just in front of the house and belongs to it. Parking space for two cars is available.
Wherever you stand you can enjoy the splendid view, overlooking a broad green valley, the surrounding villages on the foothills, and beyond the peaks of the White Mountains. The house is designed to ensure privacy and peace of mind amid the majestic Cretan scenery.
Upper Level
If you wish, you can rent only the upper level. A separate staircase leads you up to the veranda and the upper living space, with lounge area, sleeping facilities, 2 bathrooms/WC, and separate fully equipped kitchen (no dishwasher), accommodating up to 5 persons. In this case the weekly price is of course much lower and you still have the exclusive veranda with the spectacular view and exclusive use of the swimming-pool. If you rent only the top half of the property, there will be no other guests on the ground floor. The owner family may be there, keeping a discreet profile –you will find their knowledge of the island and local customs a great bonus, however.
Gonia village
Gonia is a centrally located village on the island of Crete, 15 min. drive from the beaches of the north coast and 30 min. from the superb beaches of the south coast. Walking through the olive groves will bring you to the surrounding villages, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine under the mulberry tree among local friendly people. The rural area is ideal for hiking through gorges, olive groves and vineyards. Within a few hundred meters from the house you'll find a supermarket, pharmacy and a traditional tavern, where you can enjoy various dishes of the famous Cretan cuisine, cooked with fresh, locally produced ingredients.
Nearby
Nearest Airport: Chania at 60 km, Heraklion at 90 Kilometers
Nearest Motorway: North coast road Chania-Heraklion at 5 Kilometers
Nearest Beach: Gerani at 5 km, Rethimno at 8 km, Episkopi (12 km beach) at 5 Kilometers
Car: Recommended
Rethymno
The beautiful old town of Rethymnon, a very well preserved venetian-ottoman town, is only 8 km away. You can not just enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of the town, it is also a pleasure being there after sunset. The nightlife promises a variety of experience, from music bars with international repertoire, to modern music concerts, traditional music events and quite a few prominent restaurants. Rethymno is not just the nightlife! The venetian-ottoman quarter is a must-see. Have a look at some of the entrances of old buildings.
