Entering into the top floor of this lovely two floor house, the large open-planned space includes a kitchen, dining room and sunken living room with plenty of windows and French doors leading out to the terrace. The room has open wood-beamed ceilings and wooden floors and it's ample areas are decorated in a warm, uncluttered style. With natural wood cabinets and a big wooden dining table, the kitchen on one wall is modern and well-equipped and includes a dishwasher. The dining area is raised above the sunken living room allowing for views out to the terrace and the hillsides beyond. A step down brings you into the living room area with corner fireplace and traditional built-in sofa seating that is cushioned with a pretty fabric of blues and greens. There is a television and a good selection of books on the shelves lining the walls. From the living room there are two double French doors leading out to an immense terrace. The views are 180' degrees from the top of the town with its crumbling 'Kastro' walls and on to the red-tiled roofs, the sea and Alonissos in the distance, the monasteries on the hillsides opposite and then to the Stafilos valley, covered in olive trees. In this direction you can see completely across the island to the sea on the other side. With its tables and comfortable furniture, this is a place you can sit for hours, watching the busy harbour below and enjoying the peace and beauty of this tranquil spot.
A stairway near the entrance leads down to the lower level where there are two spacious bedrooms which are tastefully decorated, one with en-suite w/c shower. There is another w/c shower in the hallway. Both bedrooms are double bedded, have sea-facing views from the windows and French doors out to the pool area. From a door in the hallway on this level, the pool area is accessed, as well as a third and completely separate bedroom with double bed and en-suite w/c shower room. This ample room is decorated in a country island style with double French doors leading to the pool.
EXTERIOR
Villa Girafi is beautifully landscaped inside the privacy wall that surrounds the property and has a gated entrance. Pretty bougainvillea and pots filled with blooming flowers greet you at the front door. This elegantly designed house is traditional in style and spills down the steep hillside which is why it has such spectacular views. The partially covered terrace off the kitchen is one of the best features of the house. Easily reached from the kitchen for convenience, is a large area with BBQ and long picnic-style table with built-in seating on one side and bench on the other. This enchanting space is filled with terracotta pots brimming with flowers and pretty blue cushions with an abundance of pillows for added comfort. A perfect place for a sunny breakfast, looking down upon the kidney shaped pool and further to the sweeping views of sea and hillsides. One can easily imagine long, leisurely meals or just relaxing in the shade in this wonderful atmosphere. From here, stairs lead down to the beautiful pool area, where colourful bougainvillea accented against white-washed walls lend it a real Mediterranean look. From here, whether swimming or sunbathing, the same dazzling views are enjoyed. There is also an outdoor w/c shower room not far from the pool area.
SURROUNDINGS
Villa Girafi is conveniently located in the hills above the town and can be reached in approximately 7 minutes by car from the port and picturesque waterfront of Skopelos town. En route to the house are two beaches, Glyfoneri and Glysteri. Glyfoneri is about 4 minutes drive from the house and it's small beach is reached by a steep road with several quaint tavernas perched above the sea offering local fare and fabulous views. The other beach, Glysteri, can be reached in approximately 10 minutes drive from the house and is a protected north-facing inlet with a pebbly beach. The clear blue water here is cooler than the islands' southern beaches and a taverna is set right next to the sea and offers freshly caught seafood and traditional Greek dishes. For those with an exploring spirit, starting out in the other direction from the house, a rough dirt road leads straight across the island to the bay of Panormos with it's expanse of white shingle beach and good selection of sea-side tavernas. This drive should take about 45 minutes, forsaking a wrong turn or two. Along the way, a turn off leads to the highest peak of the island, Delphi, at 680 m, as well to the Neolithic graves of Sendukia. This interesting site, reached in about 1/2 hour walk from the dirt road where a car can be left, has several tomb-like holes carved into the giant stones that make up the hilltop. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as the Halkidiki peninsula and Mt. Athos on the northern mainland of Greece. As well as driving to these points of interest, the villa is a great starting point for walkers. This area has plenty of choice for exploration, either for the hearty hiker or those just wanting a morning stroll in the Greek countryside.
Sleeps up to
6
Bedrooms
3
Baths
3
Pool
private
Within walking distance of
village/town
typical pricing (per week)
July 3, 2010
—
August 28, 2010
$3890
Pricing for all other times of year on request. Prices are subject to change; call us to confirm current pricing.
Greece (434)
800-221-2260