'Amongst The Olives' invokes all the beauty and lyricism of the long, summer days of life on the islands. From the very first moment, when you glimpse its old stone walls brushed by the passing of time nestled in an ancient olive grove whose mossy floor is starred with delicate pink wild cyclamen, with the emerald green sea just beyond, you will know that you have arrived at a place of indescribable peace and happiness.
The beauty, integrity and artistry is seen throughout the property which comprises of two separate stone houses. The larger of the two houses has a large L-shaped open plan space with comfortable and elegant living area with a dining area at the top end of the room. The thick stone walls and old marble flagged floors which have worn down to a gentle ochre patina lend a coolness and rustic elegance to the scene. An archway from the kitchen leads through to a traditional farm-house style kitchen. The large pine-scrubbed kitchen table redolent of many happy family meals, the original bread oven still in full working order (excellent for home-made pizza!) and the many original touches throughout are delightful and blend perfectly with the full modern kitchen facilities that are to be found in any luxury property. The outside veranda and dining area is a peaceful spot to enjoy balmy, summer days under the shade of its jasmine-scented pergola.
Rustic–cut stone steps lead upstairs to two bedrooms. On the left is a wonderful traditional style ‘platform’ bedroom: This has one separate single mattress, one single mattress next to this with a bunk above. This room could work easily for either 3 children or even a couple. The bathroom with WC and shower is located opposite in the hallway. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower. These two bedrooms have direct access to a long veranda from which you have a magnificent view across the ‘wine-dark sea’ to the island of Ithaka.
A short pathway through the garden leads to the smaller of the stone houses. Upon entering, there is a hallway with kitchenette. To the left of the hallway is a serenely beautiful double bedroom, and to the right is a very pretty bedroom with two single divan beds. There is a separate bathroom with shower. The little cottage is reminiscent of a romantic hideway surrounded by wild flowers.
The garden is on different terraced levels and its natural beauty with its graceful stone walls, hundreds of wild bulbs, meadow flowers and wild herbs has been encouraged alongside plantings of traditional Mediterranean shrubs such as rosemary and lavender. Throughout the garden, there are many hidden spots to discover – a quiet corner for reading, a beautiful old picnic table and benches weathered by time, areas for lounging and enjoying the scents of the garden. Just beyond the smaller house and nestled into the garden is a lovely swimming pool with a beautiful terrace surrounding it made from old-style bricks. From here, there is a gorgeous view over the bay to the island of Ithaka. A gateway from the end of the garden leads into the cypress forest where there is a short walk to the local beach.
The property is ideally located being in a private and quiet spot in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Yet within a 5 minute drive, you can be in the heart of the picturesque fishing village of Fiskardo with its colourful restaurants, cafes and shops that line the quayside. Some of the best beaches of the island are within easy distance including Foki Bay, Myrtios, Assos, Alaties and Emblissi. Boats can be hired locally from Fiskardo.