The Villa is situated at the edge of the traditional and graphic location of Chromonastiri, within the protected area of the NATURA network. Just 10 km from the old town of Rethymno, 7 km from the beach and the central axis road which runs through Northern Crete that links together the towns of Chania and Heraklion.

The Villa Palladio, comprises of a ground floor area and upper floor in total 303 sqm and can easily accommodate from 8 to 10 persons. There is 190 sqm of courtyard offering a 30 sqm swimming pool and hydromassage.

On opening the courtyard door, before you lies a majestic view of the Mount "Vryssinas" with its widespread thick vegetation and buzzing of insects and birds songs.

The high stone built walls in combination with the courtyards, swimming pool and BBQ area secure moments of complete relaxation, enjoyment, and meditation in privacy that harmonizes perfectly with the rich and natural structural environment of the area.

On the ground floor there are three areas.

A detached 36 sqm apartment complete with one bedroom boasting a wrought iron double bed of that era, sitting room and bathroom. The old stone floors, with the wooden ceiling made from Cretan cypress trees give this area its own identity, although the rocky foundations are quite visible. Altogether guests feel as though they have gone back in time to another century but with all the comforts of modern day hospitality. This ground floor area is where the parents of the household used to stay and very often they all lived together in the same house.

An arched room for various uses.

The kitchen is unique area and offers all modern equipment and suppositions for hygiene. All the materials used are from wood, stone and iron. The small islet and kitchen work benches are metal, Inox, as are all the electrical appliances:

-gas cooker

-electric oven

-microwave oven

-large refrigerator

-dish washer

-washing machine.

There is a full set of dishes and cooking utensils. In this open plan area you can make your own or have your breakfast and meals cooked for you enjoying them whilst sitting at the long wooden monastery type table of that era, with enough space for 10 place settings just as it used to be in the 16th century.

At the top of the stone steps is a small veranda with a wonderful view of two old entrances that take you to the "EROTOKRITOS" and "ARETOUSA" apartments. These apartments are interconnected so that guests have an open plan style use.

The "EROTOKRITOS" apartment was used as a "Master" room and is today the master bedroom complete with fireplace, Hamam, veranda and bathroom. These entire areas total 40 sqm and is complete with a 21 sqm main bedroom complete with double bed and four (4) windows with unique breathtaking views of the mountains. This room is connected to a small sitting room with fireplace. Next to the fireplace is an old Turkish Hamam that has been restored and although small offers a historical area with hydrotherapy, steam bath and hydromassage.

The apartment to the west has a small veranda and an old outside WC that has been renovated and is again in operation. The view from the veranda is majestic with distant sounds from the shepherds herding their flocks high up on the mountainside.

The "ARETOUSA" apartment, once the main area also used for socializing has also been carefully renovated and offers modern luxury:

The large high ceiling 28 sqm sitting room still has the same use with modern appliances such as comfortable sofas, dining room table, satellite TV, the wall paintings, music, DVD and a small refrigerator for soft drinks and beverages.

A spacious 15,5 sqm bedroom with has two separate beds that can be joined together, a piece of furniture with matching mirror and direct telephone line next to it. The two fashionable windows that look out onto the courtyard are made from wood and stone.

A smaller bedroom with two beds able to be joined together has a stone book shelf and small courtyard.

A modern bathroom with running hot water all day long is made from selected materials that have created an essential hygienic bathroom, sensational yet with a design harmoniously blending with the rest of the building.

The wood and stone floors of this apartment have under floor heating or cooling alike according to temperatures.

For the owners of the VILLA PALLADIO it is a courageous dream, a search for new quality tourism and is directed at small groups, friends, families, or colleagues etc. who wish to enjoy a quiet yet interesting holiday. It is directed to all those who know how to choose, to innovatively rest themselves in an atmosphere of comfort and endless luxury which will remain unforgettable.

Upon request in this large arched independent kitchen, there is the opportunity to take some cooking lessons or demonstrated with the preparing and cooking traditional food.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all modern appliances and is used only by you, as an area where you can be taught how to cook and present Cretan cuisine. The products used are mostly bought locally from the villagers. Old traditional recipes from the Cretan cuisine based on pure olive oil are also available upon request. The simple taste of healthy food cooked in the village can be enjoyed and served next to the BBQ or pool or taken in the kitchen.

SERVICES

· Under floor heating and air condition throughout

· Pool with hydro massage

· Bath towels

· Sun loungers

· Hammam and hydro massage

· Solar heated water

· Satellite TV, DVD and two mini stereo players

· Washing Machine

· Dishwasher

· Electric oven

· Microwave oven

· Gas cooker

· A large refrigerator as well as a separate small fridge

· Large BBQ and wood oven

· Safety deposit box

· First aid box

· Hairdryers

· Electric iron and ironing board

· Fire extinguishers

· Cleaning service and care of the area twice a week

Service upon request:

-healthy body treatment and beauty treatment with steam bath (Hammam)

-Food and lessons on getting to know the traditional Cretan cuisine.

-A guide for lovers of nature and to cultural events and travels

-Daily cleaning and washing of clothes

The Villa Palladio was renovated and completed within a period of five years, in order to once again offer the ideal holiday choice for those who know and value quality, simple luxury and comfort together with fond memories of traditional Crete.

Delving through the past we dug up from the ruins a forgotten Venetian noble residence which was a Venetian dignitary's home in the city of Rethymnon.  The whole restoration is the result of love and support to save the building with its historical monumental preservation that was decided by the Ministry of Culture. Specifically "it is a characterized sample of architecture that characterizes the latter Venetian and Turkish dominions on Crete"

Selected materials of stone, iron and wood were used for the repair work which began in the summer of 2000 under special supervision that demanded respect according to the tradition in this field.  This 16th century rural villa today comprises of a prominent architectural sample of Cretan renaissance with simple characteristic evidence borrowed from the rural residences of Venice.  Today in Western Crete two other rural residential ruins with similar characteristic evidence are being rescued as well as a palazzo in Rhodes. 

Resources from the characterizations of these buildings drew us to the revitalized suggestions from the Italian architect A. Palladio, after whom we named the building. Also simply for economical reasons, efforts were made to keep the characteristics of the Cretan architecture by the unchanged century old skills used by local masters.

Chania airport is a mere 1 hour drive (70 klm) whilst Heraklion is 1 ½ hours drive (80 klm). Geographically the residence is situated in the center of northern Crete facing the sea and the mountains at a height of 380 meters, unique evidence for a healthy stay and holiday

From the Palladio villa in Chromonastiri, Rethymnon (Rethymno), Crete, you can easily reach the following places:

• Rethymnon Port & Town : 10,5 km
• Chania Airport : 70 km
• Heraklion Airport: 80 km
• Beach: 7 km