Villa Barozzi

The villa

Staying at the magical Villa Barozzi gives you the chance to stay in a property classified as a historical monument by the Greek Archaeological authorities. This fascinating building dates back to 1426 and is brimming with ancient charm. It has been brilliantly restored to offer luxurious accommodation for up to eleven guests in five bedrooms. It comes with wonderful living spaces, a furnished roof terrace with a sea view, a dreamy courtyard with a pool and plenty of little snug corners where you can settle down with your holiday books.

Villa Barozzi is located in the charming, pretty village of Maroulas, just 8km from the beautiful Rethymno and just minutes from the lively village of Platanias whose gorgeous sandy beach is only 3km from the villa. The tranquil Venetian village of Maroulas sits above Rethymno surrounded by lush greenery. It enjoys a few friendly tavernas and cafes. In 1980 Maroulas was listed for its historical monuments and Villa Barozzi was included in this. When strolling through the village, you will discover two fabulous Venetian towers, a Byzantine church and a small chapel in the the charming village square. In the past, the houses of Maroulas were used as second homes by the nobility of Rethymno. Rethymno is roughly fifteen minutes away with its sandy beaches, Venetian and Ottoman architecture, Byzantine churches, picturesque port, charming narrow cobbled streets lined with unique boutiques and shops and its wonderful dining scene. As well as Platanias Beach, guests staying at Villa Barozzi enjoy the beautiful beach resorts of Bali, Agia Galini and Plakias.

Villa Barozzi offers wonderful nods to its glorious past. The restoration has been completed sympathetically and brilliantly so that guests also enjoy luxurious modern comforts and striking contemporary flair such as the gorgeous black edged doors and windows. The villa is perfect for large groups of family or friends. It comes with an atmospheric wine cellar, old traditional wooden doors to the inner courtyard and high walls that enclose the grounds so that guests enjoy total privacy. There are plenty of vintage furnishings to complement the historical charm of the building together with top notch technology including a projector and screen and Wi - Fi throughout. The attention to detail is incredible with so many little touches that will bring a smile to your faces.  

When arriving at Barozzi you will enjoy the warm welcome of the mellow stone and enter through the old traditional doors to the inner courtyard. Access to the ground floor is through the conservatory where you will discover a fabulous open plan living space surrounded by arches. The main living area enjoys an impressive 3.6 metre high ceiling and a gorgeous marble floor. Cheery rattan sofas and chairs with plush cream cushions sit beside an open fire which is fabulous in cooler months. The adjacent characterful vaulted ceiling space is home to a television room and a hi - tech office. An overhead projector and giant screen are provided so that you can watch your favourite movies. For younger guests, there is a children’s play area, well stocked with games, books and activities. The dining area is beautiful, surrounded by these charming snug areas and with a gorgeous view out to the terrace and courtyard. The black framed windows and doors look totally amazing against the mellow stone and natural walls. The kitchen is charming in pale yellow. It offers all the appliances you need for your self catering break including the obligatory Nespresso coffee machine. It is very sociable with stools lined up at a small breakfast bar.

Two of the villa’s bedrooms are on the ground floor. The first enjoys a comfy double bed and direct access to the courtyard garden. There is a shower room just along the corridor. The second room has its own separate entrance. It boasts a beautifully dressed double bed, an ensuite bathroom and step access to the pool courtyard. The remaining three bedrooms are upstairs. The master boasts a comfy double bed, an original fireplace, an ensuite bathroom with a bath and gorgeous sea views from its many windows. Another of the bedrooms enjoys twin beds which are ideal for children and a double bed and the last offers a small double bed. These two bedrooms share a family bathroom.

Villa Barozzi enjoys wonderful outdoor spaces. The swimming pool is in the main courtyard surrounded by climbers, colourful plants and flowers in pots as well as cushioned wooden sun loungers and shady parasols. Numerous intimate bistro tables and chairs and iron benches are scattered around, perfect for your morning cups of coffee or perhaps a glass or two of chilled wine. Just outside the interior dining area is a wonderful alfresco dining space with plenty of space to prepare a meal. There is also another smaller courtyard where you can disappear with your holiday book, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this special spot.The piece de resistance is the villa’s roof terrace which is furnished with alfresco lounge furniture, wooden sun loungers and another table and chairs. It is a dreamy place to sip cocktails at sunset while mesmerised by the views or dine alfresco under the stars.

Villa Barozzi is located in the quiet, pretty Venetian village of Maroulas. It sits on the hillside above Rethymno surrounded by lush greenery and numerous attractive valleys. It boasts narrow lanes lined with beautiful buildings and a central square. Visitors enjoy strolling through its warren of alleys and eating in the village’s friendly tavernas.

The lively village of Platanias is close by with its stunning sandy Blue Flag beach, cafes, bars and tavernas. The beach is well organised. Close to Platanias is Sfakaki, a lovely resort which is very friendly and enjoys some good shops, a bakery, tavernas, cafes, bars and restaurants. The beach is wonderful with a long sweep of sand and lots of sun loungers and parasols. The beach is home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles that you might see if you are lucky. If you stick around for sunset you will be rewarded with brilliant sunsets that cast a dazzling red and orange glow across the sea.

These villages are surrounded by countryside and narrow roads leading up to Maroulas. Ancient villages perch along the winding rural roads wrapped in vines and colourful flowers and Mount Ida stands majestically on the horizon. Charmed by the fragrant combination of wild herbs, oregano, oleanders, hollies and eucalyptus trees, you can visit the amazing Monastery Arsaniou. You can also visit the Monastery of Preveli or the 16th century Arkadi Monastery which stands alone on a plateau showcasing Baroque, Renaissance and Roman themes. The monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the Saints Constantine and Helen. The Ideon Cave, on the east side of Mount Ida, is also fascinating as according to mythology it is where Zeus grew up.  

Rethymno is a wonderful city with beautiful architecture, much charm, a lively port and plenty of tourist amenities. You will pass by a fabulous helping of interesting shops and delicious restaurants to reach the Old Town that is crammed with ancient buildings. Whilst offering much to tourists, Rethymno has maintained its authentic Greek feel. You can head for the Venetian Fortezza to admire this amazing sand coloured citadel perched high above the shoreline and stroll among the fragrant pine trees that lead you past ornate chapels and churches. The architecture throughout Rethymno is very elegant and the port is bustling, lined with restaurants and bars. There are many boat trips that you can take.

Plakias is another wonderfully popular resort. You can pass through the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge arriving at the idyllic stunning bay of Plakias with its brilliant blue sea. Plakias is a former fishing village and now offers some wonderful tavernas, restaurants and bars.

The Palace of Knossos is where according to legend, the foundations of the Bronze Age city were filled with an inescapable labyrinth that was guarded by a vicious minotaur. The master craftsman Daedalus built the labyrinth for the mythical King Minos. His son, Theseus, slew the minotaur and found his way out of the labyrinth with the help of Minos’ daughter, Ariadne, according to legend. The palace flourished during the Minoan period as the religious centre of Crete. Thanks to the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans’ excavation and careful restoration, the Palace of Knossos is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece.