From €3,750/week Spacious, tastefully decorated, old-world charm, no climb, sea and mountain views, outdoor garden, close to Hydra Port, shops, tavernas, and swimming

Built in the early nineteenth century, Xelidonia House is full of character and old-world charm, yet comfortable and well equipped with all modern conveniences. With just a short flight of steps to negotiate, this patrician home is nevertheless high enough to provide magnificent views of the mountains and sea.

Around the corner from several tavernas and a gentle five-minute stroll from Hydra’s bustling port, cafes, shops, and swimming areas, Xelidonia is tucked away in a quiet, residential neighborhood, ideal for those seeking a house rental where privacy is paramount.

Xelidonia is approached by a short flight of steps. The paved garden, to the right of the house, is replete with flowering and scented shrubs, trees, and climbing plants. A large marble table and barbeque at the far end provide a delightful seating area, perfect area for entertaining with the fountain gently murmuring in the background. Coming back from the beach it is a pleasure to wash off sand and salt under the refreshing garden shower.

On entering the house, one is struck by the cool and serene atmosphere that pervades the villa, with its high ceilings, dark red floor tiles, arches, and white walls. The dining room and kitchen feature many of the original nineteenth-century facilities, including the original bread oven, shallow marble sinks, and tiling. Present as well, of course, are the modern conveniences of a full-sized electric oven and hob as well as a large fridge/freezer. The dining table, comfortably seats eight, and glass doors from the kitchen allow access to a small terrace.

The master bedroom, off the entrance hall, has a large, wrought iron four-poster bed hung. A round table and two comfortable armchairs below the front-facing window provide a lovely spot for an intimate breakfast for two.

A flight of worn marble stairs lead from the entrance hall to the loggia, the real heart of the house, a wide space, open on two sides, through which the fresh summer breeze sweeps gently. The red tiled floor and the high wooden ceiling, together with comfortable furniture, make this the ideal place for reading, relaxing, or entertaining friends for drinks in the afternoon after a long day at the sea. The views from the loggia towards the mountains and the sea are quite spectacular.

A cozy winter sitting room with a traditional wood-burning fireplaces looks towards the second double bedroom. It is a lovely spot to spend off-season mornings and evenings. There are plenty of books, board games, and cards that you are welcome to use during your stay.

The second bedroom is minimalist in white, with a large, comfortable double bed. The room opens onto a very private terrace overgrown with bougainvillea, making it ideal for a couple who want a bit of time together on their own. There is a shower off the terrace for this bedroom.

The third bedroom, with its high, ancient wooden ceiling, has two traditional single cast-iron beds plus some spare mattresses in case of a temporary need to make sleeping arrangements more flexible.

The main bathroom is a large room with marble surfaces and gray unpolished marble floor tiles. There is a double-sized shower unit, two hand-basins, and a huge mirror quaintly mottled with age. There is a second shower room off the upstairs double bedroom. The house has two independent toilets.

This house has been featured in Living in Greece published by Taschen Verlag, Munich, and in Prima Maison (July 2007).

Note: Maid service available as extra (please enquire for rates); maximum occupancy is six persons

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