Cyprus is not just about beaches. It also has a rich hinterland of hilltop villages, wildflower meadows and rolling vineyards; plus there are Crusader castles, Orthodox monasteries and secret waterfalls tucked among the forested Troodos Mts. To explore them all from one easy base, we recommend staying in the largest of the wine villages above Limassol, called Arsos (no sniggering at the back; it comes from the Greek word alsos or grove). Perched at a cooling 900m above sea level, there are long views in all directions, yet it's only half an hour's drive to the beaches of Pissouri and Avdimou, or 50 mins to buzzy Paphos and Limassol.
This house - an architect's fusion of an old tailor's shop and an adjacent village home - is full of Cypriot history. In the walled courtyard, next to the delightful pool and aromatic roses, sit four huge earthenware wine jars, bulbous and ochre-red like props from a Martian sci-fi film. Inside are 500-year-old cypress beams, stone-flagged floors, recycled rocking chairs and pearl-inlaid jewel boxes from its tailor-shop days. Upstairs you'll find three good-sized bedrooms - two doubles (including an antique four poster) and a twin - plus a single in the attic. So you can come with friends, or as a family with older kids (10+), or with two families, or even as a couple - it's a very affordable and flexible retreat.
Highs
- We love the covered outdoor dining-sitting area, perfect for enjoying sociable meals and downtime
- The village has a couple of friendly tavernas for simple home-cooked Cypriot cuisine
- With nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, the pool is a godsend
- The owners have an artistic eye - think prettily painted plates, traditional rugs and doilies, beautifully restored bathroom tiles
- Good value, especially for two families, but quite affordable for one, or even for a couple
Lows
- The internal living area is fairly compact - as befits an old village home - but comfy and functional
- While there is some flexibility on arrival and departure days, Sunday-Sunday is generally preferred in summer
- There's no air-con in the living rooms, just ceiling fans, but it is a few degrees cooler up here
- You'll need a car to explore
Best time to go
The house is open all year, and most popular from May-September thanks to its pool and its elevation (which tempers summer heatwaves a fraction). If you're not tied to school holidays, we think May is ideal for spring flowers and hikes; September for the Palouze wine festival over the last weekend of the month. Otherwise, any of the main holidays - Easter, summer or October half-term - are equally good. And, with central heating plus a toasty fireplace, it's a great winter hideaway or workcation venue too.
Our top tips
Grapes and wine are at the heart of the village: taste ruby-red xynisteri and brandy-like zivania, chew on soutzioukko and epsima biscuits, visit the local wine museum. Or follow trails through vine-covered hills: one starts from near the house; another heads to the stream and stone bridge of Tzelefos for a cooling summer dip.
- House Rental
- 3-4 bedrooms
- Self-catering, restaurants nearby
- Over 10s welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Pool towels
Rooms
The house is a fusion of an old tailor's shop, which is now the ground-floor kitchen-dining area, and an adjacent village house which contains the sitting room and the 3-4 bedrooms upstairs.
The sitting room comes with an original working fireplace (very cosy in winter), ancient wooden beams, cool stone floors and, among other reclaimed pieces, an eye-catching rocking chair. It would be a bit of a squeeze for 7-8 people to sit here, but there's also a covered portico outside, with sofas, a second dining table and views through the arches to the pool.
An external stone staircase leads to the upper floor, with 3 good-sized bedrooms (2 queensize doubles, 1 twin), plus an additional attic bedroom if needed (1 single bed; limited headroom). The owners can provide a camp bed for an 8th guest if needed. Two bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms (one with tub, one with shower), while the third has an external bathroom (shower).
We particularly love the look of the beautifully restored bathroom tiles, and the wrought-iron four-posted bed with its views over the village rooftops.
Features include:
- Fan
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The kitchen is small but well thought out, with oven, ceramic hob, two fridges under the counter, electric kettle, toaster, espresso machine and a butler's sink. We spotted plenty of implements (potato masher, whisk etc), a cheffy knife set, a starter supply of tea and coffee, plus various herbs and spices - including oregano, sage and basil from the garden. There is also a washing machine on the veranda on the bedroom level.
The indoor dining table seats 6 (no more), but chances are you'll eat your meals outside on the covered portico, where there's space for 7-8, plus a ceiling fan for extra cooling, and low seating for post prandial coffees and chats.
If you're feelling lazy, the village has a couple of friendly tavernas including Agora - with outdoor tables under the shade of a plane tree - for home-cooked fare such as sheftalia, loukaniko sausage and juicy salads.
Features include:
- Coffee maker
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
- Basic supplies provided
Activities
- Explore the sleepy, charming village of Arsos (pop. 200): there are two friendly tavernas, a grocer, a baker, a barber, a potter and a dozen churches, including 13th-century St. Philippos
- In nearby Omodos - think Arsos with tourists - the Monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) is worth visiting for its carved wooden screens and icons
- Head down to the beach at Pissouri or Avdimou - two of the island's best in our opinion (both 30 mins' drive); the former has watersports
- Don't miss the lovely ancient theatre of Kourion, which still hosts open-air performances including Shakespeare in June; and the stunning Crusader Castle at Kolossi
- The coastal city of Limassol (or Lemesos, 45 mins) combines an old port, a new marina, a Crusader Castle, a Carob Mill Complex (museum, cultural centre, hip bars & eateries), chic boutiques (with Russian shop assistants), and a buzzy night scene
- 10km east, don't miss the 3,000-year-old ruins of Ancient Amathus - you can make out an agora, acropolis, temple and Byzantine basilicas
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Theatre
- Watersports
Kids
This house would suit a family - or two - with older kids, looking for a quiet, rustic villa with pool in an unexplored Cypriot mountain village. The owners do not normally accept children under 10, due to the steep stairs, rough edges and unprotected pool.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Besides the two double rooms, there's one twin-bedded room (ideal for kids), one single-bedded attic room (best for a teen, we think); and the owners can provide a camp bed (in any room) if needed.
Kids Activities on site:
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villa is in the village of Arsos, 35km northwest of Limassol (Lemessos) in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, in Cyprus.
By Air:
Both Paphos and Larnaca have scheduled and charter flights from UK and Europe. Paphos is slightly nearer, Larnaca has a slightly wider range of flights.
From the Airport:
You will almost certainly need to hire a car - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Paphos 50.0 km PFO
- Larnaca 105.0 km LCA
Other:
- Beach 30.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km