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Villa Francesca
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| "We came to Crete in early June seeking both relaxation and fun and we were not disappointed. Villa Francesca is up a hill as is most of Crete and a car is essential unless you have the stamina of a mountain goat or want to use taxis. We chose to hire a jeep which easily negotiated the climb and boy is the view worth it! Standing on the terrace overlooking the oh so inviting pool you can see the sea to your left and the mountains straight ahead. There is nothing to block your view. In the early afternoons we saw a pair of birds of prey (? buzzards or eagles) floating on the thermals. They were so free and elegant, we could have watched them all week but that would have meant not getting in the unoverlooked pool and and sunbathing for the rest of the day - what a choice! Talking of the terrace, we had some lovely breakfasts out there, gazing out over the valley. The American fridge freezer is big enough to store food and booze for an army and had you wanted to cook all week you would only need to do one big shop. Ice on demand for the poolside refreshments! But why cook when there are so many friendly, good value tavernas within easy reach (by car/cab)? We rate the one in Pigi run by Ann Marie (English) and her Cretan partner (who's name I can't pronounce). The spicy pork dish and the Cretan salad are a must. We were new to Crete but after a few chats with Tony and Margaret who manage the villa we felt like we were amongst old friends and had the confidence to try new foods and experiences. They keep the villa, gardens and pool in excellent condition and clearly love their work. We have rented houses in France before and this villa is definitely geared towards the English market (dishwasher, big towels, good cooker and shade around the pool). Will we be back - you bet!" D & B, Shropshire, UK, June 2007. "Villa Francesca was a real gem for our week stay, the stunning views and setting was better than we expected. A short 10 min drive to the busy resorts and beaches or the choice to stay in at the villa with everything you could wish for, with Tony and Margaret on hand with local know how it was a great week." R & N, UK, July 2007. "We had a great time at Villa Francesca, it was a haven up in the hills and would definitely recommend staying there. Margaret & Tony were both really helpful and even holidaying with a toddler, we had everything we needed." S & G, UK, July 2007. Our brief was to find a relaxing, "away from the madding crowds" resort and accomodation. Villa Francesca was perfect, the location of the villa allowed for some of the most stunning views of both the sea and mountains, it is a perfect retreat for those looking to get away from it all in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, a car is very useful although there are local taxis available. The villa is very well equipped and very nicely furnished, clean, bright and airy. The local village about 10 mins drive has plenty of tavernas and bars and the town of Rethymnon is only 9 kilometers away and well worth a visit, there are plenty of small shops to meander around offering Cretian goods like fine linens, leather goods olive oils and lots more, as well as the old Fort built on the edge of the town, which is definately worth a visit. Margaret and Tony are a very friendly and helpful couple and will make sure your comfort comes first, they are on hand if you need anything and take great care of the Villa and gardens, and they SING...the Karaoke at the White Lady Taverna was great fun on Wednesday or Sunday nights, with very good food and Greek dancing too! We loved our stay in Villa Francesca and would highly recomend it, we hope to return for another vacation there one day. Crete is one of the most beautiful of islands and still retains quite a lot of "unspoilt" places to visit, with very friendly people, good food and plenty of things to do and see. K & T Blackmon, South Carolina, USA. May 2008 Villa Francesca was a wonderful place to spend a holiday. We had been to the other side of Crete last year and fell in love with the island. Staying at Villa Francesca proved to be a better choice. Margaret and Tony couldn't have been more helpfull. The Villa had everything we needed and had a beautiful pool surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. The nearest resort of Platanes is just a short drive away. Here you will find the 'White lady'. We can thoroughly recommend it for excellent food and an entertaining evening. The service and hospitality was 1st Class. Antonia, Yiannis, Billy and all the staff really made us feel like part of their family, and if your lucky you can see Margaret and Tony sing! About a 15 minutes drive away is the town of Rethymnon, which is well worth a visit. It has a historic old harbour with numerous shops and restaurants and a very impressive ruined fortress. T & P, Luton, UK, June 2008. Villa Francesca, Agia Triada, Rethymo, Crete We have just returned from a wonderful, totally relaxing holiday in Crete. We had the privilege of staying at Villa Francesca, a well appointed villa set in a wonderful, peaceful location. Perched up on the side of a rural valley the views were tremendous across to the village of Agia Triada and all the way to the sea. Two weeks of lounging around the villa's private and secluded pool, relaxing with a cool drink on the shaded patio whilst enjoying the beautiful rural landscape. It was wonderful and I would recommend this villa without hesitation. TW & MB, Grimsby, UK. July 2008. The location of the villa has stunning views of both a side sea view and mountains to all other sides, it is a perfect retreat for those looking to get away from it all in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Many thanks to you both for you kind assistance. Z & J L, North Lincolnshire, UK, September 2008 We visited Crete and Villa Francesca in September 2008 and have recommended it to all our friends and family. The villa itself is very clean and has everything you need for your stay. It is a very good size with different levels so you can have breakfast on the terrace in the morning then down to the secluded pool and gardens in the afternoon sun and then up onto the roof terrace for drinks to watch the sun setting whilst looking out over the stunning views of the valley and the sea. We never tired of looking over the views. The location for the villa is perfect, far enough away from the local town to be very peaceful but close enough to visit all the local taverns in the evening where there is a great choice of food and drink and where you are made to feel very welcome. If you feel like staying in at night then the kitchen is fully equipment to rustle up a meal with a bottle of wine or two and settle down to watch some DVD’s. Car hire is a must to get to see the beautiful island and to reach the local town but also to get to villa Francesca as it is on a very steep incline, if there was no incline there would not be those wonderful views! Also recommended is the air conditioning in the villa as the nights were very warm. Visit Kourna Lake while you are there you will not be disappointed. Margaret and Tony made sure our stay was pleasurable and were always close at hand if we needed anything. Heather, Manchester, UK, September 2008 It was spotlessly clean, well equipped, comfortable and spacious. The villa, including patio, pool and garden areas was well screened and maintained to a high standard. The location was peaceful with views across the countryside to the mountains and sea. A very laid-back and friendly taverna was within walking distance. A good range of other facilities was within easy reach by car. Margaret and Tony were a couple of minutes away to provide a ready source of help and advice. We can recommend Villa Francesca as an ‘away from it all’ destination, yet a short drive away from a wide range of places to visit. P & W, Enfield, UK, May 2009 P & S, Swansea, Wales, July 2009. J & M, August 2009. |
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