The Apple House in Milies, Pelion

Scenic house in Milies, one of the most charismatic villages of Pelion. The Apple House is very spacious : ideal for families, couples and friends! The house is of traditional design and covered with a stone roof. It has two storeys that have been built to give access to the garden from both floors. The garden is 1800sq m. Half of the area is terraced on different levels where you can have meals or enjoy the sun. The rest, which is very steep, has been left largely wild. Most of the terraces have a magnificent view of the forest. The setting of the house on the steep mountainside, with the different terraces, makes it so special. However, the disadvantage is that it is not suitable for wheelchair access, and small children should be closely supervised. On the lower floor are the kitchen, WC, and a spacious living-dining room which leads to the largest of the seven open patio/terraces. The living room has a single bed for additional accommodation. On the upper floor there are two double bedrooms, one bathroom and another living room (which you can use as a third bedroom as its sofa-beds easily accommodate a couple with one or two children). The whole place is furnished in a traditional, but extremely comfortable style, with many period pieces and some true antiques. As far as equipment is concerned, the kitchen has a double sink, small cooker with two electric rings, large fridge-freezer, small electric oven, large micro-wave oven, coffee machine, toaster, griller, kettle and enough cooking utensils and cutlery for at least 15 people! You also have a washing machine. Accommodation in numbers: 6-7 adults or 4-5 adults and 3-4 children. The Apple House would be ideal for one big family or for two or three couples who would like to explore this unspoiled, wild, green mountain lying in the middle of the Aegean (Centaurs lived here - according to Greek mythology). There is a public parking very close by but you can park easily just in front of the house entrance. You can contact me by email or by phone during your stay as I won't be in Milies. The Apple House is set peacefully on the edge of the village of Milies. Milies, which means Apple-trees in Greek, is a large village, spreading out over the mountainside, 450m above sea level, overlooking the Pagasitikos Gulf. The traditional style of the village and its old houses are protected by Greek law. There are only two narrow asphalt roads and the rest are traditional cobbles. Beautiful Milies is anchored by a shady square and a plethora of fountains. The central plateia (square), with the old church under the huge plane-trees, is surrounded by the traditional taverns, kafenions, and small shops - including a small supermarket, a chemist and a post office - which provide everything a visitor would need. The Apple House is located 500m beyond the plateia, in the edge of the forest, below the asphalt road. Milies is the start/end point for scenic rail "To Trenaki". The walk down to the old rail station is very pretty and well worth doing (note: there are many steps). Milies is also the trailhead for a marvelous three-hour, 11km circular hike to coastal Kala Nera and back, mostly following the old kalderimia (mule paths). Longer hikes and horse riding are also possible. The Pelion Peninsula lies to the east and south of Volos. It's formed by a dramatic mountain range, combining superb views of sea and nature. The peninsula is a green wonderland where trees heavy with fruit vie with wild olive groves and forests of horse chestnut, oak, walnut, fir and beech to reach the light of day. The villages tucked away in this profuse foliage are characterised by whitewashed, half-timbered houses with overhanging balconies, grey slate roofs and old winding monopati (footpaths) and cobbled kalderimia (mule paths). In Greek mythology, the Pelion was the summer home of the 12 gods of Mt Olympus. Exploring Pelion: From the Apple House it is easy to explore the area because, geographically, Milies is the centre of Pelion and this is one of the reasons that the last station of the miniature railway is here. In days gone by, all goods and people would come here from Volos and then, with mules and donkeys, would travel through the tracks and cobbles to all other mountain villages. Swimming is superb in Pelion which is famous for many of the best beaches of Greece. The nearest beaches of Kala Nera (7km) and Koropi (9km) are easily accessible by bus. Those beaches are on Pagasitikos gulf which usually offers calm waters. Not far from Milies, you can also drive to the beaches of the Aegean, which are wilder, and more dramatic. At least for a few days we recommend that visitors have a car to explore the farther traditional villages of Pelion and the beaches on both the Aegean and the Gulf. Longer trips: There are daily ferry connections to the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, or trips to the monasteries of Meteora-rocks. Pelion is also an ideal place for walking along the old tracks, up the mountain to the neighbouring villages of Vyzitsa (2km) Pinakates (4km) or Ag. Georgios (6km), and down the valleys along the old traditional cobbles or the narrow railroad to the sea. It is beautiful in spring and autumn with the flowers and birds - the nightingales can be a problem keeping you awake in spring! How to come: There are few direct charter flights to Almyros-Volos airport. If you can't use them then you have to flight to Thessaloniki or Athens and then to use the train, the bus or rent a car. This is our holiday house and when we have it on Airbnb it's because we can't be there. We love it and take care of it --we are sure it will be the same for our guests! A friend who leaves in the village takes care of it while we are away and will be there to help. We will be in touch via email and phone for any information you may need. Please don't hesitate to ask! We are very happy to help with your planning.