House/Mansion Hatzimichali, Metaxochori, Agia

Metaxohori (altitude 300 meters) is one of the most beautiful villages in Thessaly and is situated at the foot of Mount Kissavos (altitude 1978m). The Hatzimichalis mansion is one of the most dominant buildings in the village and is situated 50 meters away from the central square, possibly the most picturesque square in the coastal region of the Larisa Prefecture. The Hatzimichalis house is a restored neoclassical masterpiece of unique architecture, built before 1810, and named after the family. The family Hatzimichalis, with British ancestors from Kerkyra - practitioners and benefactors of the Agia region, were silk merchants as well as scholars with Theodore and Alcibiades Hatzimichalis their main representatives. The former was considered to be the greatest scholar of the Province. This mansion is a preserved two-story house in which I reside permanently and my wife resides at times. The upper floor has 2 bedrooms and 2 large living rooms. In two of the bedrooms there are 2 double beds and there is the possibility to add a single bed to each bedroom. In each living room there is a single bed There is also the potential for guests to sleep in either of the 2 lounges. The lower floor has two bedrooms; one with a double bed and the other with a single bed and sofa-bed. In the living room of the lower floor there is a fireplace for the winter months with 2 sofas which can be used as beds, one indeed as comfortable bed. The kitchen is located on the lower floor,where you can have coffee or tea for free. The house has central heating and a fireplace on the lower floor while the upper floor has individual heating in two bedrooms and the bathroom. The house has 3 full bathrooms - one on the top and two on the lower floor. The house also has a large yard that is appropriate for breakfast/lunch/dinner and evening relaxation in spring, summer and autumn months. In Hatzimichalis house there exists, since 1850, a candle making workshop that, since being renovated, has become a small museum for art candle manufacturing. The sea is 12 km away, about 15 minutes by car. The road is very good and access to the sea very easy. The coast is 10 km long with diverse scenery: picturesque beaches, forested hills, fantastic sea views. The Aegean sea is very clean and has a blue flag. There are several organized beaches with umbrellas, coffee bars, beach parties with internationally renowned d.j's, volleyball, tennis, ouzo, pizza, pasta. (July to September). Sea boat trips are available (July-September) EXCURSIONS Meteora, 1 ½ hours away. A formation of immense monolithic pillars and hills like huge rounded boulders which dominate the local area. It is also associated with one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second in importance only to Mount Athos. It is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Dion, 1 hour away. Best known for the great, ancient Macedonian sanctuary of Zeus (Dion). Vale of Tempe, ½ hour away. An impressive canyon between the mountains of Olympos and Ossa (Kissavos) The Platamon Castle, ¾ hour away. A Crusader castle (built between 1204 and 1222), located southeast of Mount Olympus, in a strategic position which controls the exit of the Tempe valley, through which the main road connecting Macedonia with Thessaly and southern Greece passes. The tower (donjon) which overlooks the highway is an imposing medieval fortress City of Volos, x kms away. One of the largest and most attractive cities in Greece which is also one of the country's most prominent ports with connection by ferry and hydrofoil to the nearby Sporades Islands, which include Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. There are also connections to Limnos, Lesvos, Chios and Skyros. Pelion, 85 kms away. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece and a popular tourist attraction throughout the year: hiking trails and stone paths offer access to springs, coves and numerous beaches, sandy or pebbly, set amongst lusciously green slopes. Mount Olympos, 100 kms away. The highest mountain in Greece and second highest mountain in the Balkans with 52 peaks, deep gorges, and exceptional biodiversity. Olympus was notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods and is also noted for its several species of flora. It has been a National Park, the first in Greece, since 1938. It is also a World's Biosphere Reserve. Metaxohori was a silk trade centre from medieval times until the mid 20th century whose wealth is reflected in the beautiful aesthetics and architecture of its mansions. In modern times it has become an inspiring refuge for many artists, actors, writers, composers, painters and photographers, who reside there during holidays. Other Several Byzantium churches and the Byzantine monastery of Saint Panteleimon are dotted around Metaxochori village and can be accessed on foot. There is also an aqueduct which was funded by the donations of the Hatzimichali family. Mountain walks There are several organized walks on Olympus and Kissavos. Metaxochori is situated at the foot of Mount Kissavos. NEAREST LARGE URBAN CENTER The city of Larissa, capital of Thessaly and Central Greece, is 36km away. Thessaloniki airport is two hours away from Metaxochori, Athens 3 1/2 hours and there is also an airport called New Anchialos for charter flights which is one hour away. FOOD COFFEE BARS All year round in restaurants, cafes and bars of the Agia region, Metaxohori, the surrounding villages and a few at the beach you can find very tasty local delicacies and dishes, fresh fish, seafood, wild boar, free range chickens, vegetables and fruits from the region which has many such products. FESTIVALS-CELEBRATIONS There is a cherry festival around the end of May each year as Metaxochori is famous for its cherries On August 15, a bank holiday, the village celebrates The Virgin Mary. The apple celebration of Agia takes place between September 1st and 7th. The town of Agia (1km from Metaxochori) is one of the most prominent apple growing regions in Greece. The patron saint of Agia is Saint Anthony.