The Dome House Retreat: on the Caldera of Santorini

Simply one of the best located properties on the Caldera [the volcanic rim] and set in a large Mediterranean garden complete with swimming pool, pond, squash court and unobstructed stunning views of the volcano and islands beyond. Available for groups of up to 12 but not for weddings/events.

The property is situated on the edge of the working village of Megalochori and within walking distance of its shops and restaurants. The location affords privacy but also provides easy access to the island's facilities when desired. It is one of the few properties on the volcanic rim where you can drive right up to the front door and not have to trudge hundreds of steep steps in the beating sun as in most of the other Caldera settlements here.

We built this villa as a Retreat for family and friends and it is made available for occasional renting as we are unable to visit it as often as we would like. The location affords privacy but also provides easy access to the island's facilities when desired. It is one of the few properties on the Caldera that have unobstructed views of the volcano and islands beyond. It is accessed through a discreet electric gate and private driveway. The house is surrounded by vineyards on 2 sides and there are only 2 adjacent properties both of which are set back from the house. Please note that this is a real home and available as a retreat ideal for friends and family to gather and that weddings and events cannot be hosted here.

Uniquely for homes on the volcanic rim where space is inevitably very limited, this house boasts a 3,000 sq. meter garden full of Mediterranean herbs, bushes, trees, and a pond, with water lilies buzzed by dragonflies. Tranquil and not visible from the main road, the Villa has shaded balconies and a serene setting awaits those seeking a rest & re-charge; whilst a squash court, the only one on the island, awaits the active. The property is located on the edge of the working village of Megalochori which boasts many restaurants, shops and 2 bakeries. Megalochori [literally translated as "Big Village"] lies halfway between Fira [the capital) and the sheltered beaches of the south of the island at Vlychada, Perivolos and Perissa. The nearest beach [Caldera Beach] is visible from the terrace and a short drive away. The two main inland villages of Pyrgos and Emborio are also a short drive away. Car rental/point to point transport services are strongly recommended.

The villa location gives you the best ringside seat for the famed sunsets- choose from one of the many terraces and see the glistening lights of Oia and Akrotiri from your cliff edge perch. At night, the clear sky leads you to behold star clusters and galaxies and the meteor showers that occur in July/August.

The villa was built specifically to induce calm, it has an intentionally pared down decorative design in terms of a small colour palette. Much of the furniture, from beds to chairs and stools was custom made either locally or in Athens and is based on ancient Greek designs from over 2,500 years ago; yet other is from modern flat pack assembly; its a question of what works together. Walls are adorned with artwork depicting pre-classical Minoan frescoes from before 1600 BCE discovered in the nearby buried city of Akrotiri. The domed and barrel shaped roofs echo the ancient designs of Cycladic architecture and cave dwellings as well as the many Orthodox churches that dot the island.

The villa creates most of its own electricity and water is heated naturally from the abundant sunlight. Rainwater is also harvested from the November and February rains. For those staying in winter, the house has 2 log fireplaces and a modern eco heating system. Heating and Cooling is via air source heat pumps. All electricity cables on the property are buried underground and there are no overhead cables to spoil any view in a garden which has pines, olive, pomegranate, dragon blood and many other trees and bushes.

The villa has 6 double bedrooms -all with double beds [4 in the main house and 2 in the attached guest house]. There are three living rooms and two kitchens and a washing machine room and a small 'office' area for those who are truly unfortunate in holiday time. For those requiring modern/electronic accessories: TV with DVD player and music docks are also supplied as are hair dryers and iron/board - and most importantly: shower and beach towels.

Pool cleaning is every 2nd day and house cleaning is provided mid-stay for those staying 6 nights. A local lady from the village can be booked to cook traditional Greek meals in the kitchen utilising herbs that grow in the garden.

This Retreat is for you if you want pleasant surprises and something different from the 'Western' norm. It is for you if you like stone walls sprouting wild herbs and for nature to enter the realm of your senses whilst you commune with your near and dear ones in the stunning setting. Its a peaceful retreat in the heart of a bustling island.

On more mundane but important issues: Please note that the pool is not heated. Check in is after 1600 though bag drops can be accommodated after 1200. Such early arrivals can rest by the pool area or walk into the nearby village for lunch whilst the cleaning team apply their finishing touches. Checkout is by 1200.
When applying to rent this property please let us know in brief a little bit about yourselves and the main purpose of your trip and the age profile of the party.