This luxury 3 story house (395,11m2 ) perched on a hill above the vibrant towns of Atsipopoulo and Prines boasts a rare unobstructed 360-degree view today and for the foreseeable future. The large balconies provide views to the blue Mediterranean Sea and the Venetian castle of the city of Rethymno to the north, and the distant airport of Chania and natural harbor of Suda Bay to the northwest. The tranquil sun rises in the east over gentle hills covered in oak forests, olive groves and pastureland, and for only a few weeks in summer, the sun rises out of the sea. To the west, the tops of the White Mountains, at an elevation of 2500m, are blanketed in heavy snow from spring into early summer and to the south, during the winter months, Mount Kedros is covered with snow.
The city of Rethymno is a 10 minute drive and the long sandy beaches of the northern side of Crete are only a 20-minute drive away, while the local towns of Prines and Atsipopoulo are 5 minutes away.
The 4,100m2 plot includes a vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and Cretan variety grapes (Kotsifali and Romeiko) perfect for wine making as well as rose and green table grape varieties. The meticulously maintained grounds are also home to a small koi pond, an olive grove of 26 mature trees and various nut and fruit trees including apples, plums, quinces, mulberries, carobs, Seville oranges, lemons, almonds, small purple figs and one large hundred-year-old green fig tree.
This unique castle on the hill stands 350 meters above sea level allowing for postcard perfect views. All three floors have large windows and glass balcony doors allowing the interior to be flooded with natural light throughout the day. Each floor has its own separate entrance. The living spaces and balconies have classic Greek gray-veined marble floors with white marble detailing, while the bathrooms are artfully designed with neutral toned Italian ceramic tiles. The top two floors have air conditioning/heating pumps although air conditioning is rarely necessary.
Adjacent to the villa is a 1,500 m2 plot to the south that can be utilized as an extension of the olive grove and vineyard or could be transformed into a source of entertainment in the form of tennis or basketball courts.
Level 1 – Lowest level: 164.89 m2 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, garage, 1 external full bathroom for pool
This floor includes one large garage and a storage room previously used as a wine cellar. The unfinished large open living space has marble floors, electrical outlets and plumbing installed for a kitchen/dining/living area that may alternatively be used as a playroom, home cinema, fitness gym, art studio or bedroom for three or more people. The floor also has one bedroom for two twin beds with a step-out balcony, one internal bathroom and one large external bathroom for a potential large infinity pool, jacuzzi, barbeque and dining space.
Level 2 – Main Level: 143.07 m2 living space and 6.85 m2 external garden storage room, 2-bedrooms 2-full bathrooms
A marble floored atrium, flanked by two pairs of Doric columns serves as the entryway to the main floor. This floor has an open plan living space with a flowing layout ideal for entertaining. The living space has a fully equipped kitchen with an island countertop, a spacious dining room and a common room with a woodburning stove and stone hearth.
The master bedroom suite has an en-suite bathroom and a separate closed-in balcony with north and east views of the sea and the rising sun. There is an additional room with a step out balcony that could be used as a bedroom and/or office space, one additional bathroom and a laundry room.
The best feature of this floor is the sunroom, enclosed on three sides with windows for views of the sea, the White Mountains and the enchanting local villages. The large north balcony offers a panoramic view, following the sun from sunrise to golden sunset.
Level 3 – Upper level: 80.3 m2, 2-bedrooms 1-full bathroom
The top floor has its own master bedroom with a separate private balcony, a second bedroom for two twin beds connected to a large step-out balcony, laundry room and one bathroom. The fully equipped open plan kitchen and living space opens to the large upper balcony allowing for a 360-degree view of the beautiful Cretan landscape. This balcony not only offers breathtaking views during the day but serves as an ideal location to view the starry night sky and the majestic milky way.
Features:
Air-Conditioning/Heating pumps
Solar Panels for hot water
Fast WiFi
Fully furnished including refinished antique furniture from 1930
Space for infinity pool, jacuzzi
Private, peaceful
Panoramic mountain and sea view
Vineyard, Olive grove, Fruit trees
Distance from the sea 4 km (20-minute drive).
Year round home, holiday home
Clever investment/business opportunity – 3 separate apartments and ecotourism
