ID: PLZOU02070 Cretan chalet in Zourva, Chania, Crete

The mountainous landscape of Crete always pleasantly astonishes us with its unique natural beauties and the picturesque villages perched at the foot of the Cretan Alps, the "White Mountains."

The imposing landscapes with steep mountain peaks and green slopes with tall cypress trees fascinate us every time we visit them.

In such an environment, a pure natural refuge, we find the secluded, enchanting settlement of Zourva of Chania.

A grandeur set of traditional cottages is built here. The extraordinary complex consists of three handsome houses, well-laid out, two of 85sqm each, one bedroom and one of 120sqm of two bedrooms, all with well-equipped kitchenettes and bathrooms.

There is also a one-bay garage on the ground floor, with a storage room, boiler room, and a large lobby.

While petite in size, these houses create lovely friendly, warm spaces by integrating the charm of this country house with the fascinating natural landscape.

They are constructed with sensitivity and respect to the authentic local Cretan architectural design, offering high wooden ceilings, stone walls, custom-made wooden openings, wood-burning energy-efficient fireplaces/stoves, and large sitting areas with built-in shelving.

Superb views from each cottage's rooms to the high mountains and the landscape ahead.

The cottages' volumes intertwist with one another, thus creating a seamless interplay between living in a pleasant, cozy interior and relaxing at the spacious elevated terraces, enjoying the breeze blowing from the ridges and stunning views of the serene scenery.

This gem is nestled in a virgin location amidst the tranquility of nature, in a lovely setting on the outskirts of the "Paradise" forest, as the locals call it, the most spectacular forest in western Crete. A forest of centuries-old high-cypress creates a vast panorama of high peaks above you.

Through this forest, a hiking trail goes up to "Tromarissa" springs and climbs further up to the "Madara" high mountains. A great natural ecosystem, with abundant flora and fauna, is readily accessible for enjoying.

The area has many good tavernas and small villages, but you won't find any sprawling "development" construction projects yet, and you are within two hours of Chania city.

This may be the right spot for you.