Metohi Kindelis

A tranquil organic farming estate near Chania, offering 3 self-catering apartments (for 2-4) with private pools and beautiful gardens

In western Crete, between the White Mountains and the sea, just 3km inland from the Venetian harbour town of Chania, lies Metohi Kindelis. A world unto its own, in a vast walled garden with towering palms and eucalyptus trees, the ambience is deliciously laidback. Enter through an elegant archway draped with bougainvillea, and you find yourself in a cobbled courtyard, backed by a terracotta farmhouse dating from 1650. This and a neighbouring stone building have been renovated to provide 3 delightful self-catering apartments, each with a private pool and flowered garden. While the style and character of the original farmhouse has been retained, the furnishing and facilities are an attractive blend of antique and modern.

The owner, Manolis, has had the property in his family for several generations, and spends his days looking after the adjoining orchards, which produce award-winning organic fruit. His low-profile approach means that while you stay this is your home as much as his, but he's a great source of recommendations for places to visit or eat out, and his staff are warm and helpful. Couples, friends and families adore the sense of space, privacy and freedom; most stay at least a week and many are return visitors. Expect cats in the courtyard, vases of freshly cut flowers and days spent reading by your private pool - bliss.

Highs

• Your fridge is restocked daily with breakfast ingredients and fresh garden produce - oranges, lemons, strawberries or avocados, depending on the season
• Each apartment has a large plot of garden, an outdoor dining area (with candles for evening), and a lovely pool
• Perfect for a romantic retreat - our garden felt wonderfully private thanks to high walls and the spaciousness of the estate
• Within easy reach of Chania, but away from touristy coastal resorts
• Bi-weekly cooking courses: learn to create delicious Cretan home cooking

Lows

• The proximity to the main road means you can hear the hum of traffic, but thanks to the lush walled gardens, you can’t see it
• Just 3 apartments and many return visitors, so in high season it's often booked
• In July and August you have to stay 4 nights or more
• You're 5km from the nearest beach and town so you'll want to hire a car