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, horses to ride, 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 three 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. They're beautifully furnished inside, 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 frescodinners.

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 location: a hilltop with to-die-for views, yet just 15 mins' drive from the buzzing bars and beaches of Heraklion, and 20 mins from Minoan Knossos
• The food: straight from the farm and totally organic, it doesn’t get fresher than this
• The farm: 50 acres of tranquil grounds, with boar, ducks, geese and fruit orchards
• Their miniature train (summer only): it collects you on arrival and transports you to dinner!
• Brand-new tennis court

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 train, but young kids will love it
• Reports of hard beds