Phivos

Luxurious Venetian residence with private heated pool, home cinema and all modern facilities situated in an outstanding location

Villa Phivos is a superb Venetian residence dating from 1429 which has been sympathetically restored integrating both its historical lineage with contemporary ingenuity.  The building has served as a Venetian farm house with an olive press added during the Ottoman era, and now in more recent times as an outstanding holiday villa.

From the quiet street, a handsomely carved wooden door set into a Venetian portico beckons you into a tranquil courtyard garden surrounded by high walls for privacy.  In Eastern Mediterranean gardens, fountains, pools and springs were always an important element, and here at Villa Fokas the large courtyard features a beautiful, private pool that can be heated surrounded by Venetian stonework, colourful potted plants and elegant outside furniture.

The house consists of two original wings that are connected by a superb modern glass atrium and walkway with stunning white marble floor creating a fantastic fusion of both old and new.  The main living area of the property is a huge open plan space with elegant and comfortable living area; a lounge area still featuring the original Venetian vaulted ceiling and a wood-burning fire but which also has fantastic modern facilities such as home cinema, DVD, an extensive library of films and games, i-pod, CD and Sat TV; there is also an office space with WIFI, fax, printer and computer; a wonderful inner dining area for 8 guests; and a kitchen that is superbly well equipped for both families with babies and small children as well as for the gourmet chef in the party.  This whole space is suffused with light and space and is a wonderful central area for all guests to enjoy.

From this central living area, the huge glass arched doors lead out onto the courtyard garden and large outdoor dining area.  Also there is a second, smaller more intimate courtyard .

There are 5 bedrooms in total with 2 bedrooms on the ground floor:  Walking through the glass and marble walkway, is Bedroom 1 which is a double bedroom suite with its own independent entrance.  This suite has an ensuite bathroom with bath and shower.  On the far side of the central living area next to the double doors leading to the smaller courtyard, is Bedroom 5 with double bed that has a separate bathroom with shower.

Accessed via the glass and marble walkway is a staircase leading up to the first floor where there are 3 further bedrooms.  Bedroom 2 is a very large double bedroom with double-height ceilings and an original Venetian fireplace.  This bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with bath and shower, safebox and a fabulous view over the sea.  Bedroom 3 is a smaller bedroom with double bed.  This bedroom has a separate bathroom with bath and shower which it shares with Bedroom 4.  Bedroom 4 is a larger room that has been designed with families in mind – it is separated by a half wall with one sleeping space that has a double bed and one sleeping space with bunk beds.

From this level, a short series of thick-cut stone steps lead out onto a huge roof terrace which features an original old stone sink.  This is a wonderful and airy place to relax with plenty of chairs, tables and loungers by day, and at night to enjoy spectacular, clear night skies when even the Milky Way is often visible.

The property has air-conditioning in all bedrooms as well as central heating for the cooler months of the year.  Highchairs and cots can be provided and there are plenty of games for children.  A housekeeper is provided 6 days per week.  A cook can be arranged at an additional cost or meals can be delivered to the villa.

Villa Phivos is situated in an historical hillside village with wonderful sea views.  The village has been classified as a ‘heritage site’ and most of the buildings date back to at least the Venetian era  and feature a mixture of Venetian, Medieval and Ottoman architecture.  The village has an all-year round community with a delightful taverna set in a colourful garden and 2 traditional cafes.  Some of the best beaches on the North Coast of the island are situated only 3kms distance/5 mins drive away.  The village is conveniently located to allow guests to arrive into either Heraklion Airport (80km/approx 1 hr drive) or Chania Airport (60km/approx 45 mins drive).  There is an excellent coastal road connecting the two airports.  The island has stunning beaches and mountain ranges, crystal clear turquoise seas and is steeped in history being at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia.

Villa Phivos is the ideal holiday residence for a large group of friends or 2-3 families wanting to have a fun and relaxing time together with complete modern facilities in a private and historical setting.

The Swimming pool can be heated for an extra Euro 250/week