This well-proportioned and imaginatively designed villa with private pool spans three floors, including a large, open-plan lower level. This versatile space, complete with a kitchenette, living area, shower room, and twin beds, offers added independence, ideal for families with older children or those traveling with a nanny or childminder.

The villa's décor features colorful modern and abstract artwork, soft pastel shades, and eye-catching ornaments. Plump soft furnishings adorn the living room, while a variety of terraces (one off each bedroom) provide ample space to admire the country or distant sea views, dine al fresco, enjoy a relaxing snooze, or simply unwind with a drink and a book.

Wrought iron gates welcome you to the front entrance, with a separate driveway and garage providing ample parking. The grounds showcase a variety of indigenous shrubs, an herb garden, and a lovely kidney-shaped private pool bordered by a spacious sun terrace of natural sandstone, fringed by mature olive trees offering welcome shade.

The village of Horafakia offers two mini-markets and four tavernas – the closest just 100m from the villa, with others at 200m and 700m. The charming cove of Tersanas, with its popular beachside taverna perched on the rocks, is a 15-minute walk (1.2km).

Kalathas Beach (2.8km), a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline facing a picturesque little island, is also easily accessible and boasts two more tempting tavernas. A short ten-minute drive north brings you to the magnificent beach of Stavros, famous for its appearance in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. Today, several local tavernas offer delicious meals and refreshments, and occasional sirtaki performances, throughout the day. Marathi and Loutraki, two other enticing sandy beaches, are a 20-minute drive away and well worth a visit.

The nearest large town, Kounoupidiana (6.3km), provides comprehensive amenities, including supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, a petrol station, newsagents, a doctor, a dentist, a greengrocer, a bakery, a cake shop, a post office, a pizzeria, and various bars and tavernas.

Chania, Crete's second-largest town, with its beautiful Venetian harbor and some of the island's best restaurants and nightlife, is a 30-minute drive away (20 minutes to the airport).