This family property dates back more than 100 years. It is in a reserved location in several hectares of land overlooking the Palace of Knossos. It is famed to be the location (Gypsadhes Hill) of the sanctuary of Demeter - the goddess of crops and fertility of the earth. In the early 1900's, my great grandfather, Emmanuel Akoumianakis, built what became the villa as a barn to hold sheep and accommodate shepherds. 'Manoli' worked for Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist who discovered and excavated the Minoan palace, and was eventually promoted to be curator of the Minoan Museum in Heraklion. He died during the Battle of Crete, just a few yards from a Byzantine church he had unearthed following a revelation (see photos). The property has remained in the family and the present descendent is the grandson of Phyllia Akoumianakis and John Houseman, an S.O.E. agent who operated in the Heraklion area during the WW2 occupation. Please note, the villa is quite unique but not luxurious. ~In fact it is pretty basic and the tariff reflects this. So if you are looking for luxury this is not for you. However this off-grid villa has great soul and vibe; is refreshed by near constant breeze and although close to the main town and airport, is apart from the tourist melee.

Oliver has Cretan, English and Basque roots. He gained a first class degree in Classics and is an accomplished guitarist and composer. He speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Swahili. Oliver has long family ties with Knossos and is happy to share this knowledge with you.

Villa Phyllia is in a prime location, nestling in a substantial olive grove and overlooking the Palace of Knossos. The hillside is known by archaeologists as Gypsadhes - the site of the Sanctuary of Demeter, goddess of the earth and fertility. A constant breeze refreshes even on the hottest days. Nearby, a short walk across the olive grove, is a Τσικουδιά (raki) distillery where Nikko offers hands-on workshops starting in October. This is as traditional as you can get, with the production and consumption thoroughly covered, and the opportunity to engage in dancing, eating and general fun-making in which Cretans are past masters.