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Beautiful Traditional House In Authentic Village local walks and great base

Photo gallery for Beautiful Traditional House In Authentic Village local walks and great base

Upper patio and dichori or sitting room on the left
Outdoor dining
Entrance and bedrooms middle and left
Outdoor dining
Bedroom balconies
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 460 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Lythrodontas, Nicosia
  • Popular LocationLedra Street33 min drive
  • Popular LocationFinikoudes Beach40 min drive
  • Popular LocationMackenzie Beach42 min drive
  • AirportPaphos (PFO-Paphos Intl.)95 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Garden bedroom

2 Single Beds

Village bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Garden room

Toilet · Shower only

Living area

Toilet · Shower only

Village room

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Beautiful Traditional House In Authentic Village local walks and great base

Elaia is a beautifully restored and extended, traditional house set around a delightful courtyard, just a hundred metres from the centre of the village with its leafy charming square, yet tucked away to offer a secluded peaceful and relaxing environment . The courtyard has the upper and lower patios, quality patio furniture potted colourful flowers, scented jasmines and other Mediterranean plants.

All our guests have been highly enthusiastic about Elaia. They said (as per reviews) it is a top class property, idyllic and authentic, a refuge for the soul, very spacious, wonderful traditional house with all modcons, a private haven, gorgeous secluded yard, full of traditional charm and atmosphere, Cyprus' best kept secret!

Guests also commented about Elaia
that it is charming, colourful and spotless clean throughout and
that everything works properly.
It has plenty of space inside and in the private courtyard, and
it is close to the centre of the village and amenities.
It is an ideal location for sightseeing the island by car and it is 'Cyprus' far from the tourists.

They very much enjoy breakfast outdoors and sipping wine late into evenings under the stars..(warm weather much of the year!)
They also appreciate the personal and friendly welcome by family member and our 'food pack'!

We invite you to book with us and come to enjoy all this and more!

Elaia is in the Nicosia district, in the village of Lythrodontas, a picturesque village on the eastern edge of Troodos with a backdrop of hills and mountains with pine trees, olive trees and aromatic wild herbs.

The village has a lovely central square with traditional cafes just a minute’s walk from Elaia. There is a well stocked supermarket, several restaurants and bakers. There is a doctor, chemist and petrol station.

THE HOUSE
The house which isis set around the courtyard comprises:

A large sitting room – a restored room with original features of high ceiling and stone arch. Comfortable lounge suite and cable TV.
A selection of dvds, books and children's toys areavailable. Open fireplace.

A fully-fitted and very well equipped modern kitchen and spacious dining area.

A utility room with washing machine and ironing facilities and hairdryer.

Two spacious air-conditioned bedrooms each with en suite - the Village room is upstairs with balconies and a double bed, the Garden room is also upstairs with balconies and two single beds. Bed linen and towels are provided.

The courtyard has an large upper patio, a smaller lower patio and a shaded entrance lobby where children can play safely. The courtyard, a real sun trap, offers absolute privacy and has trees and flowers such as citrus, olive and pomegranate and jasmine, bougainvillea, roses, herbs and other plants. Quality garden furniture for relaxing and dining and a large parasol are on the upper patio. Barbeque equipment is available.

The balconies offer another spot to retreat and relax with mountain views.

Accommodation is spacious and is ideal for groups of friends as well as families. Children can have lots of fun with supervision as the house is exciting and so different for them. Please note there are balconies and stairs around the property so children need to be supervised.

Wi Fi is accessible from all rooms.

The bedrooms and kitchen can be heated with 'split units', (which in the summer provide the air conditioning). We do not charge for gas or electricity. Firewood can be provided for the lounge fireplace at 10 euros for a container.

LOCAL AMENITIES
Numerous paths for walks through pine woods and olive groves, hills and valleys are minutes away from the front door. The European path E4 passes by the village and attracts serious walkers/ramblers.

There are also many tracks for cycling outside the village and a new mountain bike trail Vikles has been constructed. The Cyprus Sunshine Cup race, Afxentia stage, takes place in the local area every year in February/March.

Elaia is ideal for friends and family holidays, breaks, weekends and an ideal base for exploring the island from Nicosia’s old city to places of interest and historic sites such as Kourion amphitheatre near Limassol, the Paphos castle and mosaics, the pine-clad mountains with their picturesque villages, the beautiful beaches and other parts of the island.

There is a summer Swimming pool at Ktima Alexiou, within 5km open June, July and August.
Beaches: Larnaca 40mins drive, Governors Beach 50mins, Protaras 60mins.

FURTHER DETAILS
Welcome grocery pack on arrival. English speaking representative on hand to welcome and answer any questions.

Welcome folder with useful information about the house and the area. Maps, guides and leaflets of places to visit are also provided.

VILLAGE AMENITIES
The leafy village square with its traditional cafes is a wonderful feature of the village which many guests enjoy.

The kiosk “periptero”, small shop by the village square sells milk, cans of drink bread and a limited range of food, newspapers and magazines.

The main supermarket is 400 metres from the village square. This stocks a large range of food and household goods, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Opening hours are: Every day: 6h00 to 21h00 (subject to change). Fresh bread and local pastries are also available at the supermarket. There's also a cake shop and local bread bakery.

There is a vegetable and fruit market on Tuesdays 100m from the village square on the main road.

There are several restaurants which also offer takeaway food within walking distance. They serve the popular local dish “souvlaki” – small cubes of grilled meat / kebab, served in pitta bread with salad as well as a variety of other dishes.

Between Lythrodontas and Mathiatis village is Aliotiko restaurant with an excellent local chef, Giorgos. His speciality is “meze” – a succession of perhaps 15 small dishes so you need to go hungry...

The village of Kapedes is a 15 minute drive north west of Lythrodontas. There's quite a large nice restaurant, the Acropolis, with lovely views towards Nicosia.

Nicosia Old Town (inside the old city walls) is an interesting place to visit. Nicosia is about 30 minutes away but contains a number of good restaurants in the old town. Some of these are on and around Onasagorou Street which runs parallel to the well known shopping Ledra Street.

Activities in and from the village:

Explore the village and meet the friendly local people.

Go for countryside walks, many paths around including on the European long-distance path E4 (eg. the Lefkothea nature trail a couple of miles outside the village on the road to Lefkara.

Visit the old and new church with its hand-painted murals and icons in the village.

Have a drink and watch the world go by in the traditional 'Kaffeneion'(cafe) in the charming village square.

Go horse-riding (by arrangement).

Make day trips to the beach, nearest Larnaca, 35km, for swimming and watersports. Ayia Napa and Protaras are only an hour's drive away.

Visit other places of interest on the island (we have plenty of guides at the house).

Many guests have told us that staying at Lythrodontas is ideal for visits to the whole island.

In summary, Lythrodontas is a busy and authentic Cypriot village with friendly local people – the charming, leafy village square is a truly unhurried and relaxing place to enjoy sun and shade, chatting and gazing, sip a beer, coffee or have an ice-cream. At the side is the small older church, and close by a corner shop, banks, and good takeaways – very good souvlaki! A well stocked supermarket is only 5 minutes walk from the square.The new church with its extensive hand painted wall and ceiling murals a few minutes walk from the square is worth visiting.

We hope you will come and enjoy this beautiful place.

Property manager

Thecla Perkins

Languages

English, French, Greek

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 21
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 0000547

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lythrodontas

Located in Lythrodontas, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Stavrovouni Monastery and Cyprus Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Zygi Marina and Pattichion Amphitheatre. Travelling with kids? Consider Fatsa Wax Museum, or check out an event or a game at GSP Stadium. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, cycling and horse riding nearby.
Map
Lythrodontas, Nicosia

What's nearby

  • Machairas Monastery - 20 min drive
  • Fatsa Wax Museum - 24 min drive
  • Ledra Street - 33 min drive
  • Finikoudes Beach - 40 min drive
  • Mackenzie Beach - 42 min drive

Getting around

  • Larnaca (LCA-Larnaca Intl.) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Το στέκκι του Μαρίνου - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Coffee Yard - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Στου Ρουσιά - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Lefkara Tourist Pavillon - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Το Καφενείο της Παρέας - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Traditional House In Authentic Village local walks and great base pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Beautiful Traditional House In Authentic Village local walks and great base located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Agia Varvara Monastery, Fatsa Wax Museum and Troodos Mountains. Machairas Monastery is 9.7 mi (15.6 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay at Elaia!
We thoroughly enjoyed our month at Elaia and came to think of it as a home away from home. The house provides very comfortable accommodation that has been renovated very nicely. Chris and Stavroula warmly welcomed us to Elaia and Lythrodontas, and Thecla and Simon are delightful hosts! We look forward to staying at Elaia again!
Stayed 31 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
patrick et Aléca Lucy
excellent, can't say more really , super acceuillant, tres beau gite, lost of space , very clean, a little paradise et the Island of Cyprus is absolutely beautifull, we love it and many thanks for the owners of the place we stayed, extremely efficient, nice and welcoming. 5 stars. We will definitively come back . P&ALUCY
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming, well kept antique home.
This renovated property is so charming and is located in a vibrant village. It's quiet, beautiful, and the fragrance of the jasmine in the courtyard permeates the air. Just lovely. The reception was warm, the directions were excellent. We can't say enough good about this home. We highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Lorraine B., Abu Dhabi U.A.E

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Relaxing comfortable home
We enjoyed our stay here, the lounge and court yard are so beautiful! The directions were so helpful and Chris was ready with any help we needed. A stunning drive through the woods, great trip to Lefkara Dam. Everything you might need in the kitchen, fabulous power showers in the bedrooms. Walking distance to a coffee shop. Plenty of parking in the car park, this can get full but we never had a problem with parking. We would return…
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marion B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wunderbar!
Dieses Haus ist wirklich ein Traum. Es beginnt schon damit, dass man von den Vermietern nachBuchung ausführliche und sehr hilfreiche Informationen erhält. Bei Ankunft waren dann im Kühlschrank einige Lebensmittel vorhanden, was ebenfalls hervorragend war, da wir erst relativ spät angekommen sind.Die Begrüßung erfolgt durch Chris udn seine Frau, ebenfalls sehr herzlich und freundlich. Das Haus selbst ist in einem hervorragendem Zustand, sehr sauber, gut eingerichtet und ausgestattet. Man merkt udn sieht, dass es für die Vermieter selbst eingerichtet wurde und nicht nur für die Vermietung. So finden sich im Haus Familienfotos, die auch dazu beitragen, dass man sich gleich wohl und willkommen fühlt. Ein Traum ist der Innenhof mit den Blumen. Einfach wunderbar! Alles in allem kann ich nur sagen, dass es sich um ein super Haus handelt, die Vermieter sind sehr zuvorkommend, hilfsbereit und stets erreichbar. Auch der Kontakt vor Ort mit dem Schwager der Vermieterin ist einfach perfekt. Im Ort selbst findet man diverse Restaurants, einen Supermarkt, Bäckerei etc. Dort ist somit alles vorhanden, um entweder selbst zu kochen oder sich auswärts zu versorgen. Die Menschen in diesem Ort sind von einer Herzlichkeit, Gastfreundlichkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft, die seines gleichen sucht. Alles in allem einfach ein super Urlaub in einem wunderschönen Haus in einem Ort mit herzlichen und sehr hilfsbereiten Menschen. Vielen Dank Thecla und Chris für alles!
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Colin M., Glasgow

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cypriot Tranquility
We had a lovely break at this beautiful house. We loved spending time in the courtyard and the fabulous scents from the vegetation. We had a lovely welcome even at the late arrival time and the items in the fridge were so helpful to get started. The house was very clean with many items in the kitchen to use. The village tabernas and restaurants are all close for walking to. We will come back some time and our friends have all remarked on our photos of Elaia. Colin & Ann
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Yeriel E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A refuge for the soul
The House Elaia offers the ambiance needed to relax in an atmosphere connected to generations of Cypriot family life. Chris welcomed us as family and that's how we were respected. Nothing was missing in the beautiful home and everything worked properly. We thoroughly appreciated our time here; and we WILL come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Annedore R.

Traumhaftes Feriendomizil, übertrifft alle Erwartu
Das Haus war in einem fantastischen Zustand, nicht nur sauber sondern liebvoll und geschmackvoll eingerichtet. Der Vermieter kontaktierte mich persönlich telefonisch, ob ich alle Information erhalten hatte und vor Ort war ich durch den Schwager sehr gut betreut. Ich würde das Haus jeder Zeit Freunden emphehlen. Als Single Lady war mir der Ort zu Männer lastig. Deswegen war ich nicht so viel in Restaurants. die Wanderwege waren enttäuschend, die Zeiegnrouten aber wundervoll abenteuerlich.

10/10 Excellent

Florian J.

Wunderschönes Ferienhaus im idyllischen und traditionellen Dorf
Unseren einwöchigen Aufenthalt in dem großen Haus mit sehr geräumigen Innenhof haben wir sehr genoßen! Fernab der touristischen Zentren lässt es sich hier wunderbar entspannen und das traditionelle Leben in einem zyprischen Dorf erleben. Frühstück und Abendessen haben wir stets in der Sonne oder im Schatten im großen Innenhof genoßen. Auch im Haus war alles vorhanden, was das Herz für einen schönen Aufenthalt begehrt. Bank, großer Supermarkt und ein paar Restaurants finden sich im Dorf. Das Dorf ist auch ein idealer Ausgangspunkt zur Erkundung der Insel (am besten mit Mietwagen), also für die Strände, die Städte (Nikosia 30 Min.; Larnaca, 40 Min.) und besonders auch zum Wandern. Wir hatten sogar das große Vergnügen, die sehr netten und sehr gassfreundlichen Eigentümer Thecla und Simon an unserem letzten Tag kennenzulernen und uns noch ein bisschen auszutauschen! Sehr empfehlenswert; wir würden jederzeit wiederkommen!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Liam T.

A home from home
A top class property, all as photographed. Charming, colourful, spotlessly clean throughout. Just a few yards from the village centre. An idyllic stay far from the madding crowd. Fresh bread, milk, fruit & home-made honey made a well appreciated welcome pack. A special word of thanks to Chris who found us driving aimlessly around the village in the dark after a delayed flight. A very helpful gentleman who also gave us a guided tour of the local church when he came mid-week to water the plants. 10 out 10 property.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ian C.

Lovely house in a traditional village
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The house had everything we needed for one weeks stay including plenty of space inside and in the private courtyard. We enjoyed breakfast outside everyday, a rare treat coming from Scotland and other meals when we ate “in”. Thecla and her family were great hosts in the period before we arrived and during our stay. The house is located close to the centre of the village, supermarket, bakers etc and the village square. We would be happy to stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Chris O.

Perfect location for a relaxed week away - superb accommodation with friendly owners.
We really enjoyed our week here. The home has an interesting history and it's located within easy access of local amenities. It was great to be able to take breakfast in the courtyard and also to sit out there reading or chatting over a bottle of wine late into the evening. The central location in the island is ideal for sightseeing by car.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jolanda V.

Idyllic, authentic and comfortable
We had a lovely relaxing holiday in a very spacious house, comfortable, fully equipped (air con!). It is just behind the village square of a small village in the heart of South Cyprus. We met the very hospitable owners for a few days and then had the house for ourselves. The village is not touristy, has several restaurants, a big and a small supermarket, a few shops, 2 banks and a post office. On the village square next to the old church there are 2 cafes where it is always busy on the terraces. The village meets for a cup of Cypriot coffee or a beer, a game of backgammon or cards. Around the village you can walk in the fields with olive trees or in the hills. Good motorways. A (rent) car is necessary. In 30 minutes you are in Nicosia, in 45 minutes in Larnaca with the airport and the sea. In the same time you drive to the Troodos Mountains (the village is in its foothills). So many beautiful old churches and monasteries with frescoes and old icons. Beautiful museums in Nicosia eg. to help you understand the history, culture and geology of Cyprus. We were there in June, then it is already quite hot (around 30 degrees) but the mornings and evenings are lovely.
Stayed 19 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ray I.

Rest and relaxation
The property is spacious and quite grand in the large arched living room. A delightful courtyard gives a very country, yet private feel to the property. Decorated and furnished to a high standard, it is a very comfortable property to stay in. Situated in a working non-tourist location it gives an appreciation of an authentic Cypriot town. A hire car is essential and you are central to visit the beaches or hills, and there are some great walks nearby. The owners Thekla and Simon make you feel very welcome and give helpful advice on the area. its history and where to visit. We found the breakfast a particular treat which was a great start to the day. There are a number of restaurants in the town or you an use the facilities at the place. A large supermarket nearby as well as local shops provide all you need. We stayed for a week with our twenty year old daughter and really enjoyed the peace, tranquillity, and sedate pace of life at the house, which was why we chose it and we were not disappointed (and the sun shone all week). We all really enjoyed it and left feeling relaxed and refreshed. A tribute to Thekla and Simon and their lovely home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Natalie v.

A beautiful and tranquil home away from home
Great location for hiking in the mountains on the easily accessible trails, or point from which to visit different beaches. Lovely village with great weekly market for fresh produce and a fully stocked supermarket.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

David S.

Wonderful traditional house, with all mod cons
We stayed for a week in late May, parents and two adult children. We found everything we needed at the house and more besides. We all enjoyed lazy breakfasts in the courtyard and the wifi was absolutely reliable. Being within a few minutes walk of a very well stocked supermarket meant we never had to worry about forgetting something we needed for dinner. We didn't spend any time in the village itself as we had always intended to explore the wider island from the base of the house. We were welcomed in very friendly fashion and have nothing negative to say at all about the house. A really lovely week.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carmela S.

Most beautiful, authentic village house
We stayed with children and grandchildren at beautiful Elaia for 4 days. Everything was there for us, even toys for the small ones, and being warmly welcomed by mail from Thecla, and in person by Chris, we felt immediately at home. Lemon for the salad was waiting just outside on the tree in the garden, and the bells from the nearby church accompanied as while sitting in the spacious yard. The house is beautifully renovated, and very well equipped with everything needed for a relaxing holiday. It's not just a holiday rental, it is a real home, full of atmosphere, and we would be very happy to come again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

DJ W.

Restored house restores the spirit
The olive is presumably the hook on which the economy hangs in this rural village in the foothills of Troodos. The house is a triumph: a lovingly restored family home with huge rooms, high ceilings and décor sourced from traditional craftspeople. The experience starts when you turn the key in the big arched front doors into the wide courtyard: the sense of nurture that you feel with your whole being in this building is a far cry from the frenetic construction of tourist villas on the coast. If you want mountain hikes on your doorstep and good road links to Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, with scenic, second-gear routes straight into the mountains (hire a four-wheel-drive if you want to divert along non-metalled roads), then this place is perfect. There’s no shiny nightlife or manicured backstreets in Lythrodontas; things happen in slow time in the village and the more closely you explore the more insight you gain. The 92-year-old white-bearded village priest rides around on his vintage tractors (has eight children, I’m told). Like others, the village has two churches, one vast new one dominating the landscape and one historic basilica, and the week is demarcated by the bells (hand-rung in the old church and electronic in the new). Peer inside the old church for the spiritual beating heart of the village. A short drive along the road to Lefkara is the nearest of the way-marked walking/mountain-biking trails. Large-scale maps are elusive but you can work out your own route (the summit of a hill and back, say). I’d recommend as much drinking water as you can carry, and good hiking boots as there’s loose shingle on the inclines. I found the heat punishing on the upward journeys, but the views and sights and scents are well worth it. We returned several evenings to I-Food Café, just off the village square (opening a new taverna soon opposite, I’m told), for souvlakia, where the proprietor spoiled us with extra dishes of village cheese, yogurt and preserved fruit/walnuts. You can sit outside and watch the various minor goings-on. My last tip is, in the morning when you are making yourself beautiful, spend a moment also making yourself repellent: to mosquitoes. I saw hardly any little beasts at the house and, thanks to Boots body spray, I was bite-free. Final note: the house is clean and organised and the kitchen well equipped (decent-sized sharp vegetable knife and even grease-proof paper). Very many thanks to Thekla and Simon and their family.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Janet P.

A private haven
Lovely property with gorgeous secluded courtyard,the ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist towns. Ideally situated for visiting North Cyprus and the southern coastal resorts. Definately the ideal hideaway, we thoroughly enjoyed our week at this well equipped property.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Penny G.

Cyprus's best kept secret
I wanted to rest. Its an old fashioned concept but one I believe is more relevant in 2015 than it has ever been. I had read the reviews, looked at the photos and the price was good. I received excellent directions/instructions about the house from the owner before I left. I arrived late at night to be met by the owner. My first impressions that night was that the whole place was so much bigger than I had expected. The living room in the house has a very high ceiling and is so spacious too. My next impression was of how clean and well kept everything was. The next morning revealed the true extent of this remarkable house. Opening the shutters from my bedroom on the first floor (there is another bedroom on the ground floor and another bedroom also on the first floor) was the view across the hills. I love the Troodos hills and the view was almost like a 3D picture. Then I looked at the garden/patio area. Full of terracotta pots holding colourful blooms, herbs and small trees. The oversized parasol above the rustic garden table was already providing shade so that I could enjoy with my first breakfast. As I walked around the house and garden I was delighted to find that my first impressions were correct - big, big rooms, beautifully filled with family antique furniture, and local artwork. There are photographs around the house of family members back across the generations, which I found truly interesting and I did manage to find out the stories behind some of them. Another fascination for me was the construction of the original house, which although some of the "brickwork" has now been strengthened and rendered, is still very visible. The house was built in or around 1914 using a sort of dry wall method. I've attached a couple of photos to illustrate the painstaking and back breaking work it must have been. The owners have extended the house sympathetically by re-creating the same brick patchwork on the new building. I spent two glorious weeks enjoying the house, the garden, the village, the locals, the hills, the food and the wine. I was invited to a typical Cypriot Sunday lunch by the family who own the house and it was something to behold and which I will always remember. The house is about 30-40 minutes drive from the seaside so its very well located for a day at the beach. Nicosia is also an easy drive away. I intend to return - this place is too much of a hidden gem not to.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Paul A.

Cypriot village property
Elaia is a beautifully restored traditional Cypriot house, set close to the centre of a village. This is a place to enjoy Cypriot life away from the typical tourist trail. However it is only 40 minutes from the capital, Nicosia and near to some delightful mountain villages. We particularly enjoyed visiting Lefkara with its amazing views and shops selling lace and jewellery. The house is extremely well furnished and equipped. Arriving late in the evening it was nice to receive a warm welcome from the owner's family and also to find all the necessities for breakfast (including a jar of homemade marmalade) thoughfully provided. The accommodation is also very flexibly organised with all the bedrooms having en-suite facilties and therefore very suitable for different family groupings. We would recommend this property very highly.

About the host

Hosted by Thecla Perkins

Host profile image
I’m Thekla, a Greek Cypriot who grew up in Lythrodontas but left about 30 years ago when I married Simon. I knew I would always come back to the village because I love it and the people; fortunately Simon does too! We now live in England but have visited Cyprus at least once every year since and even more now we have our own place, Elaia, to enjoy.

Simon is from the UK and loves the village. He does quite a bit of cycling and we both like walking so we find the local countryside amazing for both. Walk out in any direction from the village and you will lovely country side to walk or ride a bike. Fresh air, sun the smell of mountain herbs and trees.

Why they chose this property

We wanted to have a place in the middle of the village rather than outside so we would be able to enjoy being part of village life. The property belonged to my grandparents and we bought it from the family when it was abandoned and in great need of repair. We restored and extended it, adding a new bedroom block, but keeping the traditional style, with all the rooms set around a central courtyard. We are delighted with it!
The village itself is tucked away among olive and pine trees with the horizon lined by the hills and mountains of the Troodos range. It’s easily accessible from the motorway network. Many villagers commute to Nicosia, 20 miles away, but are still home every night, which means the village continues to thrive.

What makes this property unique

The property is very spacious, indoors and out and offers complete privacy despite being in the middle of the village. The secluded courtyard with its lovely scented jasmins and citrus trees is ideal for relaxing and outdoor dining.
Elaia is only 100 metres from the leafy village square, an excellent restaurant and other shops. Guests are always made to feel welcome with the opportunity to meet friendly local people. There are walking paths nearby and villages and mountains to explose. Exploring the meandering streets of the old city of Nicosia is one of our favourite pastimes, and many of our guests have used Elaia as a base for exploring further afield – Whatever your plans Elaia is a delight to come back from a day out, a true oasis, a hideaway to relax and be refreshed.

Languages:

English, French, Greek
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