Villa Levendakia

General Description

We have just returned from a week staying at Villa Levendakia. We have been holidaying in the Greek Islands for nearly 30 years now and Levendakia is the most beautiful villa we have ever stayed in. It really is magnificent.  Roger and Linda have created a holiday paradise.  The back drop of the White Mountains and the view over the bay are stunning.  The gardens are a delight and so well thought out, incorporating many different areas from which to enjoy the quiet. The courtyard was perfect for 1 day when the wind was quite strong and for the rest of our stay we spent much of our time by the pool or relaxing with a glass of rosé enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The interior has been finished to a very high standard and every item you could wish for was been provided from hair dryers to poultry shears! Thanks to you both for your advice on the locations of local supermarkets and tavernas.  “Leo’s” taverna was perfect for us and Leonidas was charming and very welcoming. Please pass on our thanks to Roger and Linda for a wonderful week , and we wish them all the best for the future - June 2018.  

Villa Levendakia is a truly unique villa situated in a very large, secluded plot of almost 2 acres, close to the hilltop village of Drapanos. From its elevated position there are glorious 360 degree views with mesmerising vistas across Souda Bay and the White Mountains providing memorable sunsets in the evening. The villa offers perfect accommodation for a mixed generation family holiday or a group of friends as there are 3 en-suite bedrooms (2 in the main villa and the 3rd in a slightly separate self- contained apartment).

The long sweeping driveway leads to electric gates and a large parking area with space for several vehicles, all surrounded by trees and colourful shrubs which are a prominent feature at this villa. There are a number of steps to the front door which opens on to a hallway and in turn leads to the open plan living areas, 2 of the en-suite bedrooms (down a couple of steps) and a cloakroom with a wash basin and wc.

The villa benefits from underfloor heating and an open fireplace making it a good choice for early or late holidays when some heating may be required.

Living Areas

With high ceilings throughout the villa, everywhere feels spacious, airy and light. All windows are fitted with fly screens. The lounge is well furnished with comfortable seating arranged sociably around a coffee table, all positioned to enjoy the views through the expanse of patio doors immediately in front. The patio doors slide back and open out to a wrap around, covered terrace with a table and chairs to seat 8. This is an ideal spot for dining al fresco whilst also taking in the magnificent views.

The indoor dining area with a large dining table and chairs for up to 8 is centrally positioned between the kitchen and the lounge area. The keen cook will be pleased to find a well equipped, U shaped kitchen with granite worktops. A practical utility room leads off the kitchen and this is where you will find a large American style fridge/freezer, dishwasher and microwave. A door from the utility room opens on to a small covered terrace with a table and chairs. This entrance also provides easy access to the self-contained apartment.

To one side of the lounge is a raised, partially separate space which can be used as a study or office; ideal for those who need to work or for teenagers to study or keep in touch with friends whilst away.

There is also a delightful sheltered courtyard which can be found through a door at the rear of the lounge. This is a relaxing spot with dappled shade, perfect for lounging on the comfy rattan furniture.

Bedrooms (main building)

There are 2 x en-suite bedrooms in the main villa, both accessed via a couple of steps down from the entrance hallway. There is a very large master bedroom with a double bed, wardrobes, drawers, bedside tables and a luxury en-suite which not only has a bath with a shower attachment but a separate, walk in, shower too.

The other room is well equipped with twin beds, honey coloured pine furniture and an en-suite shower room.

Both of these bedrooms have patio doors giving direct access to the extensive pool terrace via a few steps.

Self-contained apartment (sleeps 2 + 2)

The self-contained apartment has its own entrance and, although separate from the main building, it is very close to it and easily accessible from several of the main villa exits.

A perfect solution for larger family gatherings or groups where some members of the group want to have their own space. This totally self contained unit has its own small living area which contains a futon suitable for children to sleep on (maximum 2), a small kitchen with an oven, hob, fridge/freezer and a sink.  There is a double bedroom with a vast amount of storage space in cupboards and drawers and an en-suite shower room. The private terrace outside is furnished with a dining table and chairs and is a haven of peace and tranquillity in which to enjoy the garden.

Currently there are ceiling fans in both the living area and the bedroom but no air-conditioning however the covered terrace immediately outside is effective at keeping this building cool and the flyscreens allow the windows to be left open to keep the accommodation cooler. 

Please note - you cannot access the apartment internally from the main building.  This apartment can only be rented as part of the whole villa and not separately. A single couple renting the villa and receiving a low occupancy discount will not have any access to the apartment - see prices tab for more detail.

External Areas

Surrounded by extensive terracing for sunbathing, the large tiled pool is accessed using the wide roman steps or aluminium ladder. Adjacent shade is available under the large, partially covered pergola which faces out to sea.

The completely secluded, rural setting is ideal for those who want to be totally private and 'away from it all' but within easy reach of a village shop and taverna. The stunning views of the sea, mountains and surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from so many different spots in the delightful, mature gardens or whilst lazing by the pool.

Please note - due to the different levels on this plot there are steps around the garden, to the front door of the main villa, from the main villa bedrooms to the pool terrace and between the main building and the apartment. The numerous terraces in the garden are linked by gravelled pathways.

Basement

The owner allows use of the full-sized table tennis table and washing machine which are located in here.  NB - other facilities in the basement will be locked for the sole use of the owners.

Internet Access

Unlimited download throughout the villa via a satellite system.

Holiday Rental Licence

Villa Levendakia is licensed for holiday rentals with the Greek Tourist Authorities (EOT). Licence number MHTE 1032819.

 

 

 

General

• Villa size -­ 140m2 (main building - bungalow style) and 40m2 (self-contained apartment)
• Plot size -­ 6,900m2
• Gated plot (electric) 
• Parking 
• Air-conditioning (2 bedrooms in main villa only)
• Ceiling fans (all 3 bedrooms and living area in apartment)
• Underfloor heating throughout
• Safety deposit box (study area) 
• Hairdryer (each bedroom)
• Mosquito screens to all windows
• Wifi internet access  
• Intercom system   
• Cot on request
• High chair on request
• Z bed/futon on request - extra charge (see prices tab)
• All bed/bath linen except cot linen 
• Beach/pool towels (see prices tab)
• Maid service and linen change (see prices tab)
• Welcome pack on arrival

Bedrooms & Bath/Shower Rooms

2 x double bedrooms and 1 x twin bedroom. 3 x en-suite bath/shower rooms and 1 x cloakroom as follows:-

• 1 x double with en-suite on the ground floor
• 1 x twin with en-suite on the ground floor
• 1 x cloakroom on the ground floor
• 1 x double with en-suite on the ground floor (self-contained apartment)

Living Areas & Kitchen Equipment

• Full cooker x 2
• 4 ring hob x 2 (gas in main building and ceramic in separate apartment)
• Microwave (utility room)
• Dishwasher (utility room)
• Fridge/freezer x 2 (American style in utility room of main building and under counter type in separate apartment)
• Kettle x 2
• Coffee maker
• Toaster x 2
• Juicer
• Washing Machine (basement)
• Iron & ironing board (utility room) 
• HD Smart TV with satellite reception (not SKY)
• Open fireplace
• Blue Ray, DVD & CD players/radio
• Small selection of books, games, CD's and DVD's
• Full sized table tennis table (basement)

External

• Private pool ­ 51.5m2 (10.3m x 5m).  Depth - 1.2m - 2.3m 
• Sun loungers, parasols + outdoor tables & chairs
• BBQ (portable/charcoal)
• Extensive gardens 

Chania airport - ­ 45 minutes. Heraklion airport  2 hours

Nearest Beach - ­ Almyrida - 10 mins drive

Nearest Taverna -­ Drapanos - 15 minutes walk

Nearest Shop -­ Drapanos - 15 minutes walk

NB; all times are approximate and based on average driving and walking speeds.

Booking Information

Change-over days are totally flexible but are subject to existing bookings taken either side. If a booking means that the owner would be left with too many "void" days we might not be able to accept it. If this is the case we will contact you without delay to discuss alternatives.

Payment can be made by bank transfer (sterling or euro) or by debit or credit card.

Our travel information provides details of how to get to Crete including flights to both Chania and Heraklion airports.

If you want to book, please use the availability chart above to check your dates, you can then either book on-line, email enquiries@crete-escapes.com or call us on 0330 111 0061.

Please note: although the calendars show live availability and you can book on-line, please note that your booking is not confirmed until we have issued a confirmation of booking. You may prefer not to book your flights until we have confirmed the booking.  

Low Occupancy Discounts - unfortunately the online booking system automatically calculates the single couple or small party discount based on the number of people entered onto the booking form and the start day of your rental. There are 2 problems with this:-

a) If you are 2 people but not a single couple, or 3 or 4 people but not 2 + 1 or 2 + 2, the system will have automatically calculated a discount when it is not due. Please make use of the "additional notes" box on the booking form to tell us and we will adjust the price accordingly before we confirm your booking.

b) If your rental overlaps from a discounted period to a non-discounted one (or vice versa), the discount calculated will be wrong. In these cases we have to make the adjustment manually. You can still book on-line but we will need to change the price on receipt of your booking request. If the price increases we will contact you to confirm the new price before we confirm your booking and take your deposit.

Please don't let either of these issues put you off making a booking. The discounts are genuine and our villa owners welcome couples and smaller parties out of high season. We just can't fine tune the booking system to account for these 2 circumstances - sorry.

 

We've just returned from a wonderful 2 weeks at Villa Levendakia, a unique and truly beautiful villa, high on the hillside overlooking Souda Bay. We can't recommend this place highly enough. We thought it was perfect in every way. Enormous thanks to the owners for letting us be there - July 2018.

We have just returned from a week staying at Villa Levendakia, you asked me for some feedback. We have been holidaying in the Greek Islands for nearly 30 years now and Levendakia is the most beautiful villa we have ever stayed in. It really is magnificent.  Roger and Linda have created a holiday paradise.  The back drop of the White Mountains and the view over the bay are stunning.  The gardens are a delight and so well thought out, incorporating many different areas from which to enjoy the quiet. The courtyard was perfect for 1 day when the wind was quite strong and for the rest of our stay we spent much of our time by the pool or relaxing with a glass of rosé enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The interior has been finished to a very high standard and every item you could wish for was been provided from hair dryers to poultry shears! Thanks to you both for your advice on the locations of local supermarkets and tavernas.  “Leo’s” Taverna was perfect for us and Leonidas was charming and very welcoming. Please pass on our thanks to Roger and Linda for a wonderful week , and we wish them all the best for the future - June 2018.  

Wow! What a location! It was with a little trepidation as we wound our way up and down the tracks to the villa but what a reward! We particularly loved the fact that the garden had different 'rooms' to enjoy, all with fantastic views and it is definitely the best BBQ location we have experienced so far. Apart from soaking up the sun at the villa and the wonderful pool, our highlights have been walking down the Imbros Gorge, a visit to the palace of Phaistos and a particualrly good meal at Alvi in Rethymnon.  Thank you for sharing your house - we are very tempted to return - May 2018.  

The Climate

Crete is the most southerly Greek island with an agreeable climate. The tourist season usually starts around April and lasts until the end of October. The spring (April) is a good time to visit for hiking and to see the beautiful flowers.

In early summer (May and June) the temperatures will be climbing steadily to an average in the mid 20's. This is a good time to visit if you don't have to keep to school holiday dates as the climate is very pleasant and there are few crowds.

July and August are the busiest (and hottest) months with tourists from all over Europe choosing Crete for their holiday destination. The north westerly winds usually moderate the temperatures  but it's best to make sure your holiday accommodation offers shelter from the hot sun. It goes without saying that the sea will be warm.

September is still high season with warm, sunny days and the sea is still warm. The season draws to a close in October but this is a perfect month for visiting the island as the sea is still warm for swimming and activities such as hiking and visiting the archaeological sites can be undertaken in pleasant temperatures.