Spectacular patrician villa with garden near port

Xelidonia is an exceptional house for rent in Hydra town on the idyllic Greek island of Hydra. Offering simple and elegant accommodation over two floors with 2 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom, for 6 people to share with plenty of outside terraces, close to the port (hardly any steps to climb!) and featuring a stunning roofed loggia (outdoor living room) with sea and harbour views. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN HIGH SEASON (EASTER AND FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER) XELIDONIA IS RENTED ON A WEEKLY BASIS - FROM SATURDAY TO SATURDAY. On other dates we are more flexible. Tucked away yet conveniently central, this most charming 19th century manor offers stunning views over the port of Hydra and the deep blue Saronic Gulf. Louise and Elmar restored the house very carefully to its former glory, maintaining its original features while providing for up-to-date utilities. Xelidonia is a self-catering property with an official rental license by the Ministry of Tourism (EOT License). Three airconditioned bedrooms sleeping six, internet throughout the house, airy large rooms with high ceilings in white colours. In the neighborhood the vegetable market and the Port an easy five minutes walk away, simple greek tavernas but also a few sophisticated restaurants near the seaside. One of the best sites for swimming off the rocks into deep blue water is at the end of the harbour, more or less 10 minutes away. There are no cars on the tiny island of Hydra (length: 23 km, width: 2 to 3 km) which means everyone walks a lot or takes little "taxi" boats to the various beaches, starting from the port. Or fancy a donkey? GARDEN To enter the property one has to pass through antique iron gates featuring winged sphinxes. The garden itself gets shadow through mulberry trees, is stocked with flowering and scented shrubs. At the far end a long marble table and a barbeque, making it a perfect area for entertaining. Coming back from the beach it is a pleasure to wash off sand and salt under the refreshing garden shower. INTERIOR GROUND FLOOR The entrance hall with its family portraits, old drawer chest, rack of straw hats, dark red floor tiles preserves very much the original atmosphere of the 19th century. The dining room & kitchen with the original bread oven and a battery of coffee pots is much appreciated on cooler days, can easily seat 8 to 10 people. Master bedroom with four-poster bed and comfortable armchairs offer an excellent place for an intimate breakfast for two. Comfortable marble bathroom with double in shower. FIRST FLOOR The loggia A flight of worn old marble stairs lead from the entrance hall to the loggia. This is the real heart of the house, a magnificent wide space, open on two sides, where the fresh summer breeze sweeps gently through. The red tiled floor and the high, traditional carved wooden ceiling make this the ideal place for reading, listening to music or receiving 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. Next to the loggia lies the small winter sitting room with fireplace, television and library. The second bedroom is minimalistic in white, with a large, comfortable double bed. The room opens onto a very private terrace overgrown with Bougainvillia, which makes 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 an equally old wooden ceiling has two traditional cast iron single beds plus some spare mattresses in case of temporary need. You will have the entire house and garden to yourself. Xelidonia is looked after by Despina, who knows the house for many years, makes the end cleaning, can babysit for small children if need be and will be pleased to be helpful if any problem arises. You can reach her on her mobile phone. Mona is the house manager and will welcome guests upon arrival at the port. She arranges for donkeys or mules to carry the luggage if you judge necessary (approximately €15/donkey). Mona speaks good English. For any problems you can also contact Matthias.. Tucked away a 3 minute walk from the village centre our neighborhood is quiet and residential. Neighbours are locals and the atmosphere is serene and calm. Xelidonia is unique in that it is close to the harbour and village but secluded and high enough to offer amazing views and tranquility.