Villa Oreastro Guest House is a purpose built traditional stone cottage in the Apokoronas region of the Chania prefecture. The house is finished and equipped to a very high standard. The traditional stone walls and arches, stone floors and terraces, and beamed ceilings all contribute to a rustic feel. Tucked away in an olive grove, in approximately 2 acres of land, it has its own private garden and a spacious roof terrace with panoramic views over the White Mountains and nearby Kefalas. Kefalas is a traditional village with all the essential amenities, including 2 supermarkets, kafeneions, tavernas, and a cheese factory about a 10-minute walk away. The bustling village of Vamos is about 6km away. There are numerous blue flag beaches within easy reach (15-20 minutes by car). The most spectacular of all (and also our 'local') is Octopus Bay, approximately 6km. Not a beach as such, but more like a spectacular plunge pool in the sea, excellent for snorkelling and similar activities. Walking trails with incredible views, historic landmarks and beautiful scenery criss-cross the area. The guest house is ideal for couples who wish to escape hectic city life and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views in a relaxing, peaceful rural setting. It is a perfect location for exploring the Apokoronas region of Chania, Central, and Western Crete, or simply lazing about! The Venetian towns of Chania and Rethymno are each about 35 minutes by car. Kefalas provides easy access to the wide range of attractions Western Crete has to offer, including Samaria Gorge, Gramvousa, Elafonisi, Lake Kournas, Aptera, and Falasarna. Heraklian (and Knossos) is approximately 2 hours by car. South coast locations such as Sougia, Loutro, Plakias, Damnoni, Agia Galini, and even as far as Matala can all be reached on a day trip We provide our guests with a map of local attractions, and also numerous guides and booklets of ideas for walks and places to visit, so don't worry if you arrive without any firm ideas of what you'd like to do during your stay. You certainly won't be bored! Closer to base, you'll find some delightful local towns and villages, excellent beaches, and archaeological attractions. With our local knowledge, we can provide you with details of off-the-beaten track places to visit, walks, and excursions. As owners, we live here year-round and keep a number of animals, including cats, dogs, and a number of hens. Back to the house: The house itself is 50 square meters in size. French doors from the lounge and bedroom lead to a ground floor terrace of approximately 30 square meters. The roof terrace can be reached by an external stone staircase, offering a further 50 square meters of living space. Lounge The lounge is open-plan to the kitchen, linked by a traditional stone arch. Here, you will find comfortable seating in the form of a single french daybed, which can also be used to sleep an additional person during the summer months. A wood-burning stove provides warmth in cooler months. French doors lead to the downstairs terrace and garden. Kitchen The kitchen is compact, but with all the essentials: dining table and two chairs refrigerator with a freezer compartment integrated gas hob with 2 cooking rings oven (as part of the wood-burning stove) set of pots and pans, casserole dishes coffee and tea making equipment high quality crockery (plates, bowls, cups & saucers, mugs), drinking glasses, and cutlery serving dishes and platters utensils, storage containers, storage jars kitchen basics (including tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, spices) Bedroom The bedroom features exposed stone walls and french doors leading onto the terrace. Insect screens ensure that you won't be disturbed by mosquitoes. A ceiling fan allows for efficient circulation of air to keep you comfortable. We know very well that an uncomfortable bed can spoil a great holiday. Therefore, we have opted for a king size (5 foot) bed with orthopedic mattress and fine luxurious french linen bedding - ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. The wardrobe has both hanging space (with hangers) and shelves / drawers, with an additional chest of drawers providing extra space. Bedding & Towels Luxury bedding is provided to suit the climate at the time of your visit. This includes French linen bedding, silk / cotton duvet, and a selection of natural pillows. We give you a choice of soft to firm pillows, all from natural materials, as well as quilts, blankets, and throws for every season. You might find yourself lingering in bed just a bit longer than you had intended. We provide luxury light-weight peshtemal towels. If you prefer traditional towels, these can be provided. In the bathroom: The bathroom is beautifully finished to a very high standard. It is equipped with a drench shower and also a hand-held attachment, sink and toilet. We supply shampoo, shower gel, and hand-wash liquid, which you are welcome to use. A hair dryer is also provided. Access to the house The house is completely detached and separate from the main house, with its own private front door entrance and two sets of French doors leading to a private back garden. The house has its own dedicated parking space. Garden & Terraces The garden terrace (reached through the lounge or bedroom) has an outdoor shower, a pergola and three olive trees, providing welcome shade. The garden area includes some new fruit trees, herbs, grasses and flowers, with a carpet of cool ground cover. A BBQ grill is available for outdoor cooking. A stone staircase leads to the roof terrace where you'll find a further pergola, a dining table and chairs, and also reclining chairs. With its spectacular panoramic views over the White Mountains, Kefalas village and Psiloritis in the East, it is popular with guests for yoga (2 mats are provided), sunbathing, stargazing, watching sunrise and sunset, romantic dinners, and generally lazing about. Sunbeds are not provided; however, you may wish to use the very comfortable reclining chairs instead. The terraces are sufficiently private enough for sunbathing. Ambient lighting ensures that you can also enjoy the outdoor space at night. Heating, Air Conditioning & Hot Water: Heating, when required, is provided by a wood-burning stove with sufficient capacity to warm the entire house. Ceiling fans provide efficient ventilation during the summer months. The house has its own independent hot water supply. In winter months, hot water is provided by a gas boiler, so you can always be assured of a steaming hot shower every day. We're off grid! Electricity is supplied by the autonomous photo-voltaic system, installed at the main house. Insect Nets All windows and doors are equipped with insect nets to ensure maximum fresh air and ventilation, without being troubled by mosquitoes and other insects. Some windows are also fitted with security bars, so they may be left open day and night, whether you are in or out. Laundry The house has its own washing machine. It is simple to operate. A washing line is available on the upstairs terrace. An electric iron and ironing board are available for use by guests. Coat hangers are provided in the wardrobe. Technology Being a holiday home, we try to ensure that you have the essentials to enjoy your holiday: A 4G Pocket WiFi is available for internet access. A Bluetooth speaker to listen to music from compatible devices (e.g., smart phone). There are 3 USB mains electricity charge points in the house for mobile phones and other electronic equipment. There is no television in the house Safety For your safety and our peace of mind, the house is equipped with a carbon monoxide and smoke detector. A fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and first aid kit are also supplied. Children Although the house is primarily aimed at couples, we can accommodate a child. A baby travel cot, bedding, booster seat, playpen, and toys can be made available, as well as child-friendly dinnerware. The house does not conform to all the safety standards that you may wish for a young child. Please note that, should you bring a young child with you, you do so entirely at your own risk, and you must inform us at the time of booking. There is a small additional charge for a child Check-in / Check-out Check-in is normally from 3 pm and check-out by 11am. However, we are happy to accommodate deviations on these times within reason, should bookings permit.