Sophie\'s House (slps 2-5)

This slightly smaller house has two bedrooms (plus a sofa in the sitting room), sleeping 4-5 max. We loved our stay, and thought it equally perfect for a compact family or a honeymoon couple wanting a secluded, walled oasis on hectic Santorini.

From the courtyard you step into a cool sitting room with a 4-metre vaulted ceiling, shuttered windows and polished wooden floors. It feels almost monastic - though in fact it's history is far more decadent, being the former home of a wealthy wine merchant. You'll find a sofa and chairs, a coffee table made from an old stable door, a pretty ceiling light of coiled olive branches and a dining table for 4 (though we took all our meals outside). On the (extremely rare) rainy days, a media player with movies and a fully primed Sonos audio system should keep you amused.

Off this room, one on each side, are the master bedroom with its vast four-poster stacked with pillows; and a smaller double (or twin, at a pinch) ideal for kids. They share a small bathroom with a cymbal-sized (but curtainless) shower, complimentary Korres toiletries and pebbled floors.

By comparison with the other rooms, the diminutive kitchen feels a bit of an afterthought, with a tiny worktop-sink area tucked into the original hearth - mind your head on the arch! Appliances are limited to a Smeg fridge-freezer, an electric oven, kettle, coffee machine (espresso and filter), sandwich maker and basic cutlery and crockery: just enough to whip up supper. The best feature is the secret little courtyard dining area, where a table for 6 sits beneath a poppy-red bougainvillea bush.

Cyan House (slps 4-8)

The larger house has an unusual layout, with three semi-independent bedroom suites sleeping 6 in comfort, or 7-8 if you use the additional sofas. Each bedroom suite comes with a double bed, a bathroom and its own entrance; two of them have private kitchenettes. We thought it ideal for 2-3 couples travelling together, or a group of friends.

You enter into a large courtyard, laid with the same black pebbles and with a raised plunge pool at the end. Behind are some wind-sheltered sit-outs tucked amid part-ruined walls. This house is all about outdoor living: we loved the raised dining terrace with its views of the whitewashed village, and the raised pool with its soft LED lighting echoing the illuminated church at dusk. Note that communal indoor spaces are limited to a small top-floor living-room and adjacent dining table.

The coolest suite is downstairs: a huge white canava vault reminiscent of a Cycladic chapel, with a groovily curved bed base in grey polished cement, and a huge tub in its adjoining bathroom (there's a shower, too). Its kitchenette comes with ceramic hob, fridge-freezer, coffee machine, sink, kettle, toaster and basic cutlery-crockery. The other downstairs suite is lighter, with a smaller bedroom (also queensize) and a large, rustic bathroom (stones have some sharp edges). It's the only one without a kitchenette.

Head upstairs, past the dining terrace, to the third suite. This has its own sitting/TV room with a kitchenette (no oven) hidden behind a bar counter. The queen bedroom and bathroom lead off it. There's another of those huge bath vats, an indoor dining room, more olive branches, white walls and the odd piece of simple art - all quite comfy and charming but lacking, we thought, the chic cohesive design of Santorini's top end hotels.

Activities

• The pretty, tranquil village of Megalochori is a great base, with its pedestrianised centre, outdoor tavernas and friendly wineries (Gavalas, next door to Cyan, is worth a tour)
  
• Being in the centre of the island, nowhere is more than 30 mins' drive away: the caldera rim is 15 mins' walk, the port and airport are 10 mins' drive, and two beaches are within 12 mins
  
• A boat trip to the lava islands in the caldera is a must - even though you will by far from alone - for their lunar rocks and still smouldering crater, plus the chance to swim in geothermally heated (if metallic smelling) seas. Book in advance, and allow time for the steep walk or cable car down to the departure quay
  
• Pyrgos (3km) is the highest and prettiest village on the island, with a ruined castle, an outdoor cafe under the church tower, and instagrammable views at every corner
  
• For the best caldera views, hike from Imerovigli down to the dramatic plug of rock called Skaros: small paths lead round the left to a hidden chapel (Theoskepasti) with stunning views over the sea-filled crater
  
• Take the obligatory sunset stroll through Oia, the oh-so-pretty, couply village in the north: the caldera views are truly amazing, and there's some tempting shopping too
  
• Swim or snorkel at one of Santorini's black-sand beaches: Perissa and Kamari are the busiest, with organised watersports; Red Beach and Vlyhada more secluded (all are 12-20 mins' drive)
  
• From Kamari, drive up to the hilltop ruins of ancient Thira for stunning views and an insight into the island's classical past; older still are the ash-preserved streets and houses of Minoan Akrotiri

Kids

Children are welcome, and Sophie's House in particular works well for a family with 1 or 2 children. In both houses, the secluded courtyard and private plunge pool are a real blessing - you don't need to worry about disturbing neighbours - and there's no traffic outside.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Of the 2 houses, Sophie's is best, sleeping 2-4. The children's bedroom is quite narrow, so if set up as a twin the beds will be close together; alternatively you could use the sitting room sofa bed as the 2nd child bed.

Cyan would be ok for a family with older children who are happy in their own separate suites. All 3 bedrooms are double, not twin, and have their own ensuite bathrooms.

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 10 minutes
• Hospital: 10 minutes
• Nearest shop: 3 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The houses are in the village of Megalochori, in the middle of Santorini island, close to the airport and the port of Athinios. You'll need a hire car for exploration and shopping. There's a car park on the edge of the village: be prepared to walk a few minutes to the house.

By Air
Santorini (7km) or Athens (daily domestic flights to Santorini).

By Boat
Fom Athens' port Piraeus, and also from Crete and neighbouring Cycladic islands, there are regular ferries and hydrofoils to Santorini. Most vessels leave Piraeus in the early morning or mid afternoon; ferries take 6-8 hours while hydrofoils take only 4-5 hours but cost more. It is a superb way to arrive, cruising into the caldera and looking up at the volcanic cliffs around you. If arriving by sea, we advise that you check boat timetables before confirming your accommodation.

From the Airport/Port
The hotel is about 15 mins drive from both Santorini airport and Santorini (Athinios) port. Staff can help you to arrange car rental, or see our car rental recommendations. If you're really not keen on hiring a car, airport/port transfers are available on request.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.