Villa Elli - Rethymnon, Crete, Greek Islands

Villa Elli - Rethymnon, Crete, Greek Islands

Tucked down a quiet lane near the village of Prines, the delightful Villa Elli is a rural hideaway in old Cretan style. Cocooned in gardens of pretty flowering shrubs, this is more country cottage than holiday villa, with bags of period charm inside and out.

The lovingly maintained interiors are traditional and homely, as the owner, who lives very discreetly next door, has added lots of simple dark wood furniture, tapestries and curios. The large sitting-dining room joins a galley-style kitchen and centres on a charming Cretan fireplace paired with comfy sofas, a rocking chair and a piano. The kitchen has all the essentials and here, a staircase leads to the one upstairs twin bedroom boasting its own covered balcony. The remaining bedrooms are on the ground floor, and two feature their own shaded terraces - perfect for al-fresco breakfasts or quiet reading.

The good-size pool stands alongside the villa amongst lawns and makes an idyllic place to sit and be soothed by the warm sun. Al-fresco dining is another pleasure here, with a lovely, vine-draped dining terrace and a barbecue ready and waiting.

Ideal for a get-away-from-it-all holiday, the Elli is great for discovering hidden Crete, with charming Prines and Rethymnon both easy drives away.