Villa Creta

High in the hills above Heraklion, 2 self-catering villas in the grounds of an organic farm, perfect for young families

What do you get if you cross a Cretan working farm with a luxury villa? Answer: delicious organic food, animals to feed and air-conditioned bedrooms to retreat to at night. This unique combination is what makes Villa Creta so appealing. Perched in the hills above Heraklion, its 3 stone villas are set amidst gnarled olive trees and aromatic gardens. Two are for hire (Despoina sleeps 5, Stella sleeps 9), and the third is the family home and communal guest space. Inside they're homely and comfortably furnished, but it’s the views that blow you away. Poolside terraces and wraparound balconies overlook the rolling plains around Knossos and the rocky foothills of Mt. Ida - a breathtaking setting for al fresco dinners.

The best thing about these dinners is you don't have to cook them yourself. Owners Miltos and Stella serve up delicious Cretan home cooking on request (the first meal comes free, to whet your appetite), or they'll fill your kitchen with fresh farm produce if you prefer. They have created a wonderfully peaceful environment and will do everything to help you enjoy it.

Highs

• The hilltop location has to-die-for views, yet it's just 15 minutes' drive from the buzzing bars and beaches of Heraklion, and 20 minutes from Minoan Knossos
• The food is straight from the farm and totally organic: it doesn’t get fresher than this. Stella prepares a welcome meal for visitors on their first day and can cook additional meals on request
• The farm has 50 acres of tranquil grounds, with boar, ducks, geese, fruit orchards and a (road-going) miniature train. Kids are welcome to feed the animals
• Both villas are set in lovely leafy gardens planted with lemon trees, bougainvillea, lavender and mint, with several outdoor seating areas plus a pool and barbecue
• The villas are tranquil and totally self-contained; you really start to feel as if you live and belong here, as opposed to being a tourist

Lows

• The attic mezzanine in Villa Stella has low ceilings, so it's more suited to children
• Public transport doesn't come this far, so you need to hire a car - and be prepared for some steep winding tracks!
• There's a hint of Disney about the miniature train, but young kids will love it
• There's a 5-night minimum stay - but you really need this time to settle in and unwind, and most people stay one or 2 weeks