Stonemasons House

Stonemason's House

Category B - sleeps 2/4

Just west of Lake Kournas is the picturesque village of Embrosnero (or 'First Rains') - a haven of greenery during the hot summer months due to its natural outlet of mineral water.

Embrosnero is only 10 minutes from the lovely village of Vrisses - famous for its fresh sheep's yoghurt, tavernas and watermill. Here, standing on the side of the valley, is the house of Yannis, a traditional stonemason who has painstakingly renovated this delightful property. He and his wife Maria have furnished the house using antique furniture and handsewn curtains and throws. The house stands on one side of a valley overlooking hills, mountains and a small white church.

Downstairs leads into a bedroom with double bed, small stone sink and shower room. The original steep and narrow staircase (unsuitable for elderly, infirm or young children) goes up into large living room/traditional double bedroom with kitchen and shower room. The house has an open plan design in its traditional layout. There is a large wooden balcony with stunning views.

Maria and Yannis live close by and are happy to offer their visitors a chance to enjoy Cretan cooking with them, including dishes cooked in their clay wood-burning oven (also made by Yannis). Maria's homecooking is available on request when visitors do not want to drive the ten minutes to Vrisses, or to Georgiopolis (below left) famous for its Blue Flag beaches. The village of Embrosnero also has a small taverna/cafe offering simple fare.

REVIEWS

'Returned home yesterday from Stonemason's and thought I'd drop you a quick line to say WOW! Amazing holiday. Loved Maria and her wonderful family. Wanted pure Crete, absolutely got pure Crete! Fanatastic.' Eve & Scott Murray, August 2008

'This was a marvellous holiday. Maria's hospitality at the Stonemasons must be ledgendary by now. Her warmth and cooking made this more like staying with an old friend than in a holiday let.' Mr Thomson, Sept 2009

'Stonemasons is a gem - as is Maria' Mrs L Powell 11 May 2010

' Maria and her lovely garden with many heavily perfumed flowers were delightful. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the sun go down over the mountains listening to the kestrels being fed and breathing in the fantastic perfume of the evergreen and white jasmine climbing up the balcony steps' Mrs R Palmer 27 April 2010

' Stonemasons House is indeed "Pure Crete" and its owners, Maria and Yannis, absolute treasures' Mr J Ashby 29 June 2010

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email: info@purecrete.com

Call 0845 070 1571 (local rate) or 01444 881402 for further information

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Pure Crete,
Bolney Place,
Cowfold Road,
Haywards Heath,
West Sussex
RH17 5QT

Tel: ++44 (0)1444 881 402

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