The Offbeat Goat Collection
Kamares Houses
Crete, Greece
A scattering of tastefully restored Provence-style villas nestled in the cobblestone streets of a sleepy Cretan mountain village
Sitting snug alongside a windy mountain road connecting the Apokoronas villages, these delightful village houses are expressed in the lingua franca of Provence (with a Cretan twist): refined simplicity, natural materials, warm terracotta hues, and weathered-yet-chic charm.
An aquamarine pool surrounded by fig trees and dreamy rambling gardens crammed with old grinding stones and oversized terracotta pots surround the villas — a genuinely lovable space with warmth, elegance, and a strong sense of place.
“In Kamares, the buildings and their decoration are harmoniously combined with both the anthropogenic and natural environments of the area.”
—Kamares Houses
the look.
The interiors build on the existing patina with rooms with a soothing palette of warm ochres and creamy whites decorated with a Provence-like flair. Cozy beds draped in crisp white linens are surrounded by eclectic antique pieces, bric-a-brac, and ceramic vases spewing wildflowers. Old wooden balconies overhang terracotta-walled courtyards draped in flowering jasmine and defined by graceful Venetian arches.
the experience.
slow living + hiking
Fritter away the day, lounging poolside under a mulberry tree overlooking the Cretan hillsides. Or enjoy access to beautiful hiking trails to lower Milia and the circuit of Milia. The staff is happy to send you off with trail recommendations, a map, and snacks for a day of hiking. We loved trekking up the hill to the monastery overlooking the fertile planes of Apokoronas and getting lost meandering around the farm plots and vineyards surrounding the village.
savory local treats
Savor tasty breakfasts prepared by Jenny and served under the flowering pergola amidst the olive trees. You will love creamy mizithra, locally-sourced honey, and fig jams served on dakos (barley rusks). And be sure to join Jenny or Roula in the farmhouse kitchen to learn the art of farm-to-table Cretan cooking.
community
Mingle with other guests during festive communal home-cooked dinners under the stars and olive trees.
Eco-design
The Venetian house and adjoining villas in Kostas’s ancestral village of Maheri have been lovingly restored by local craftsmen who combine traditional architecture and locally sourced materials with a modern touch. Individual pieces of furniture designed by owner Roula (and influenced by the patterns of the Folklore Museum of Vorron) were all built by local craftsmen out of local cypress wood.
Culinary sustainability
All produce, and ingredients used in their kitchens are seasonal and grown or sourced locally.
Waste, water, and energy management
Cross ventilation, thick stone walls, double glazing, and meticulously insulated roofs help to keep the place cool without air conditioning.
the impact.
at a glance.
$$
good to know
There are 5 apartments and 3 villas (one with its own pool). All ages are welcome. It can get a tad hot in July and August (there is no air-con). Fans are provided, but prepare for a few occasional warm evenings.
location
Maheri, Chania, Crete. Kamares is 30 km from Chania airport/ 23 km from the city, 6 km from the ancient city of Aptera, and 5 km from the coast of Kalyves. Airport transfers can be arranged.
Stays in Greece
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