Villa Oniero

One dictionary definition for the word dream reads, ‘something that somebody hopes or longs for, usually something difficult to attain or far removed from present.’  If that dream is a house set on a Greek island hillside surrounded by olives and overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Inner Ionian Sea then far from being difficult to attain it can easily become a reality at the delightful Villa Oniero which translates as The House of Dreams.

Naturally this lovely holiday home comes with a broad paved terrace complete with swimming pool, a shady gazebo for al fresco dining and a BBQ close by, all designed to make the most of the view out across the water to the misty hills of the mainland.

The house itself, built using the two timeless elements of Paxos - wood and stone - has a spacious and comfortable interior. The open plan living and dining area combines the best of modern design and fittings with traditional features such as the dressed limestone fireplace and the wood lined ceiling.  The theme is repeated in the three bedrooms, a double master suite with its own shower room and two twin bedded rooms with a second family shower room.

Situated at the centre of the island, close to the old hamlet of Kagkatika, the villa is equidistant between the wild and unspoilt west coast famous for its dramatic cliffs and spectacular sunsets and the sheltered wooded bays and beaches of the east coast. Loggos, the smallest and possibly prettiest of the three main villages on the island, with its quayside tavernas and mini-markets, is a short drive away. The village is also close to many quiet shingle beaches, where kayaks and boats can be hired to explore further afield. Ancient mule tracks and paths lead in all directions. Getting lost in the cool of the early evening can be a delight, especially in the knowledge that nowhere on this small island is more than a few minutes from everywhere.

Perhaps in the end Villa Oniero is not so much a house of dreams but more the perfect place to enjoy a very real sense of relaxation.