Experience true Greek authenticity and hospitality, surrounded by a majestic mountainous décor with the sea in the horizon. Views can be enjoyed from one of three balconies.
We believe it’s the ultimate location to really kick back and relax. Be it at the sounds of crickets/cicadas in the summer or the calm of winter.
There is a beautiful garden with a stone oven. Wonderful if you need to get your culinary talents going.
All in all, guaranteed enjoyment and relaxation. All day long.
The space
Live the authentic Greek village experience in a beautifully refurbished traditional house. You literally will be submerged in history.
Perfectly suitable for all-season getaways or longer stays, while listening to nightingales and gazing at the amazing views.
We supply you with:
- A kitchen fully stocked with some essentials!
- Premium Toiletries from a Greek natural holistic products company,
- Free use of our 2 mountain bikes (upon request),
- Picnik kit (the stylish hamper and the checkered linen seen in the pictures),
- Beach kit: umbrella, 2 chairs and beach towels (upon request),
- WIFI
- Linen,
- Towels,
- Baby cot (upon request)
Furthermore, the house's thick stone walls and wooden doors provide a quiet environment. Together with the mountain air this means guaranteed deep sleep. On top of that, it also helps keep the heat away.
Here is a little backstory on the house (we are proud!):
The house was built in 1840 by my mother’s great -great- (2 times!) grandfather, Argyrios Oikonomopoulos, who was the area’s Mayor and exporter of Corinthian raisins. His father was a cleric in the Royal Court of Catherine the Great of Russia (), the family name in Russia being Oikonomou. This house was commonly called "Mayor's House" in the historical references to the neighbourhood.
Full refurbishment started in 1983 with all of its original features restored. It is full of vintage furniture, embroidery and other articles of that old era. The majestic platanus (plane tree) in front of the house was planted by my mother’s great- great- grandfather and now stands 25 meters tall and with a trunk 3.5 meters in circumference. It is said that King Otto and Queen Amalia of Greece once sat below its mighty branches on a Royal excursion to the area.
Guest access
The house will be at your full disposal, no sharing, no disturbances. Treat it like you would treat your own sweet home.
Interaction with guests
I have hand-picked great recommendations for my guests, to guarantee the best experiences in this beautiful environment. I provide these after every booking.
Amongst the activities are:
- hiking,
- walking,
- swimming at nearby beaches (summer),
- skiing (winter),
- visiting a astounding lake,
- visiting antiquities,
- monasteries (for religious tourism),
- visiting museums, and more.
See the picture gallery I have put together for hints!
Wine Festival in August: every year a major wine festival is held by the Cultural Association of the village with live folk music, local delicacies and free wine. A beautiful and authentic Greek experience!
Loads to do for all tastes, from outdoors adventures for enterprising nature lovers to total isolation for those who prefer homely, comfy and cosy!
The neighbourhood
The house is located in a scenic mountain village (at 700m altitude) which produces Corinthian raisins, wine, olive oil and grapes since the ancient times.
“Ampeli” in Greek is the vine tree, and “kipi” are the gardens, thus the name Ampelokipi (Αμπελόκηποι) which means "gardens of vine trees". There is an abundance of them on the surrounding slopes.
The local climate is very smooth year-round because of its dryness; the humidity is low.
Other things to note
There is table tennis available on the lower ground floor with quality rackets and balls.
Also, please feel free to use our 2 mountain bikes. Just give us a heads-up to have them ready for you, free of charge!
The traditional open fireplace (inside the house) and the wood-burning stone oven (in the garden) can be used after previous notice to the host, to ensure that logs are available at the property.
Local Services:
- Nearest tavern & small supermarket at the village square (3 minutes by car)
- Nearest petrol stations and ATMs are only 9.5 kms away in Aigira (nearby town of 2000 inhabitants, with all the local services and necessities, like banks, car garages, pet shops, doctors, etc.)
Transportation:
The house is a 2 hrs drive from the centre of Athens (160kms) or from Athens International Airport (190km). Alternatively, it is 1hr & 20 mins drive from Patras (89kms), if you plan to arrive by Ferry from Italy.
Upon booking we provide guests with detailed instructions on how to easily reach the house. This way we guarantee a smooth trip towards our beautiful villa.
We will happily arrange transportation from Patras or Athens, recommend a good rental company, or provide information on how to arrive using public transport.
The villa is ideal to enjoy a truly quiet and homely atmosphere. You will get some much-needed rest, sleep deeper than ever before whilst being surrounded by some wonderful Greek nature. All in all, a quiet and exclusive retreat.
Contact me today for a fabulously comfortable rural getaway!
