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XARA'S HOUSE

Almyrida

2 twin bedrooms, beds in the master bedroom can be made into one large double bed. Sleeps a maximum of 4  persons.

Shared swimming pool (30m in the adult section + 6m in the children’s section)

The word “Xara” is Greek and means “Joy,” a prediction of your holiday to come in this modern, comfortable house set on top of a hill enjoying stunning views over Almyrida village, beaches and Souda Bay, Karga Isle and the Akrotiri Peninusla.  As with neighbouring Panorama House (see website for further details), Xara is newly built and set above 1 other terraced house and below 4 others on a gently sloping hillside.  The shared pool is positioned on the middle terrace and has a separate shallow section that is perfect for children or non-swimmers.   

Accommodation

Up 2 shallow steps on a narrow cement path, then 2 small steps up to the gated, tiled entrance terrace (which gives allows access to the pool from the lower house) brings you into the front door and open plan living room, kitchen and dining area.  The fully fitted kitchen to your right is equipped with a ceramic hob, a built-in oven, a cooker hood, a fridge/freezer, washing machine, a toaster, a coffee maker and a kettle. A window above the sink looks out to the breakfast terrace of the main bedroom. In the dining area is a wooden table with 4 modern style chairs.  The living room feels light and airy, decorated with cool white walls, a cream and wood ‘easy’ chair and comfortable sofa in Mediterranean blue, TV and DVD player and has double patio doors leading to the huge sun terrace, partly covered by a pergola just outside the doors. Sun-beds, umbrellas, a table and chairs make for delightful al-fresco dining whilst taking in the fabulous views of the archaeological site of the Christian Basilica, the sandy beaches of the Bay and surrounding villages set on the hillside. You can be assured of privacy here as the sun terrace is only partially overlooked from the veranda above and to the right.  A safety wall with rails (1m high) surrounds the terrace.    From the small hallway off the lounge, the bathroom is to the left and is attractively tiled in beige and blue.  It comprises of a bath with shower attachment, a white washbasin, a mirror, toilet, and a large frosted window above the bath. The first bedroom has twin beds and is simply furnished in white and cream, with floor to ceiling fitted wooden wardrobes with built in drawers.  A large window between the beds looks out across the sun terrace to Souda Bay. To the right of the hallway is the larger main bedroom which also has twin beds, floor to ceiling wardrobes, with white walls and olive green bed covers.  However it has the added benefit of double patio doors leading to a covered breakfast terrace with 8 steps directly up to the swimming pool. The shared, tiled pool (8 steps up from entrance terrace) has a 10m x 3m adult area and a separate 3m x 2m shallow children area. The pool has an infinity edge (with railings) that looks out to the sea. It is fully tiled and has a dark blue wave motif around the top edge. The shared pool terrace also enjoys sea views and has terracotta tiles. 

The villa is fully air conditioned throughout and with white aluminium window frames, shutters and doors, and mosquito screens. The a/c units can also be used as heaters for the cooler nights early and late season. Hot water is always available from an immersion heater located in the bathroom. There is parking on the track, either at the top (7 shallow steps  on a slight uphill, narrow cement path) or bottom (2 shallow steps down hill on the same path) of the complex, which is surrounded by olive groves. However we highly recommend Xara’s House for those of you not wishing to be reliant on a car unless exploring the area. Set in a prime location above the beach, just a 5 minute walk along a quiet, rural (partially sloped) track to the waterfront in the village, lined with number of excellent tavernas, cafes and shops. There are many wonderful walking trails leading from the house for the more energetic amongst you.  

Area                                                                                                                                          

Xara’s House is only 350m away from the centre of the village of Almyrida which is built around a charming, crescent shaped sandy beach, with a small fishing harbour at the far end. The beach is very clear, shallow and safe, perfect if you have children or are not a confident swimmer. Lining the beach are 4 tavernas, 9 café/bars, 2 bakeries, a jewellery shop, 5 mini-markets, 3 gift shops, 1 clothes shop and an off-license. You can also visit the non-motorised water sports centre which rents out kayaks, windsurfers and catamarans.  If you feel like exploring, a 15 minute walk uphill (or 10 minutes downhill!) will take you to the main square in the next village of Plaka. Under shady mulberry trees, watch the world go by with the locals at one of the 2 cafes/bars or enjoy a traditional Cretan meal away from the tourists in the tavernas.  Plaka was one of the original village sets for the film “Zorba the Greek” and it still has quaint whitewashed houses and narrow streets leading off from the square. A few minutes by car from Xara’s House you will discover a huge variety of archaeological sites and traditional villages with wonderful tavernas. You may also find small craft centres and museums, including glass blowing in Kokkino Horio, lace makers in Gavalohori, and silk makers in Kalamitsi. For a change of pace, the historic town of Chania is only 30 minutes away by car and has been described as the St.Tropez of Crete.

Almyrida beach and facilities are within easy walking distance, and there is a limited bus service into Chania, but we recommend car hire in order to explore the varied regions of the area.

LOCAL FACILITIES

K-Travel Rental Prices for 2012

Xara's House

All prices shown are per Villa, per Week, in EUROS. Not per person!

These prices include a free copy of the Guide Book "Local Apokoronas Explorer". On request we will be happy to deliver a welcome hamper to the villa for an additional 40,00€.

For information in resort, excursions, boattrips and other activities, please refer to the information book in the villa.

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