Discovering Damaskinia Kalivi (Kalivi means cottage) in an area known locally as Potami, is a magical experience, set in a hidden stream valley (Potamos means stream or river in Greek) and surrounded by so many different fruit trees that naming them all would take up far too much space. The setting is so idyllic and peaceful that it’s hard to believe that the harbour of Skopelos Town or the beaches of Agnondas and Panormos are only ten to fifteen minutes drive away.

Greek farmers traditionally lived in villages and small communities, ‘commuting’ to their fields on a daily basis except at the busier times of the year, such as harvest, when the whole family would move out to their land and stay in the small purpose built cottages. No longer used for farming purposes the Damaskinia has a private swimming pool and completely modernised yet still retaining many of the original features and much of the atmosphere. It now provides the perfect location for an idyllic retreat.

Damaskinia or “Plum Tree” is a perfect example of one of these seasonal family dwellings. Approached by a quiet lane (the other two cottages are hidden away amongst trees further up the hillside), the cottage is surrounded by mature trees including the plum tree from which the house gets its name. The ground falls away in front of the house, providing an idyllic view over the treetops and across the valley to a tiny whitewashed chapel on the far side.

The swimming pool sits to one side and the main entrance to the house is off a vine-covered terrace to the front. Open the door into the small but cool living room and it is like stepping back in time, but without any of the austerity or discomfort of a bygone age. Steps lead up to a traditional kitchen with modern fittings yet still one can find the original cooker hood. The bathroom is next to the kitchen which leads out to a covered barbecue and a cleverly concealed washing machine. Upstairs the bedroom still has its original sleeping mezzanine, that the entire family would have shared, but now truly spacious with a comfortable double bed.

It is hard to imagine how a large, extended Greek family could have squeezed into this delightful cottage for weeks, if not months, on end. Today, Damaskinia Kalivi is one of the most peaceful and romantic retreats that we have come across.