A Quiet Corner of Paradise

Guest: D&D (Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/19/11

We first stayed at Elaine's cottage several years ago, giving ourselves the retirement gift of a long sojourn on a Greek island--one of our cherished dreams. We fumbled around on the Internet, which as we all know usually promises much more than it delivers, and found VRBO listing 55773. Since we lived in the DC area at the time, at Elaine's suggestion we took the bus up to New York City and had a wonderful lunch with her and her very dear son Peter. We all approved of each other and sealed the deal. Some months later, as we rolled our luggage down what Elaine's photo web site describes as "the unimpressive entrance to Exambela Village," our trepidation mounted. What had we done? What we had done was get very very lucky. When we went through the big green gate, we were stunned that this was where we had been led and that this was where we would be living for the next month. It's not often in life that you get better than you expected. I won't repeat all the other reviewers' litany of the charms of the cottage and the island (all true). Suffice it to say that two years later, when we were feeling very down in the midst of a relocation, and in need of a sense of home again, we booked another month's stay in Kayto's house. It is such a beautiful, unique place (and such a deal!). In our hearts, it will always be our Greek home--one of our most beloved former homes, where life was just about as good as it can be. Euxaristoume, Eleni.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.

My two months stay in Sifnos

Guest: Walter (TRIEST, ITALY)
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 11/04/10

Last summer I decided to rent some houses in Greece on the Ciclades Islands. I booked four accomodations by internet hoping that they would agree with the pictures and the description I got from the owners. Three of them were a disaster: dust and dirtiness everywhere, careless furniture with broken chairs and no view to the sea. When I came to Sifnos I was very sceptic and it was a real surprise to verify that the house I rented was much more amazing than the sensation I got from the pictures. Everything was perfect and tastefully. I felt like at home and I enjoyed very much the beautiful garden and the amazing view to the sea. The house has a peculiar charm that houses to rent usually don't have. I appreciated also the enchanting situation of the cottage . Cars cannot go along a narrow path which leds to the house and I felt every day of my 2 months stay a pleasant sensation of peace. It is difficult to explain with few words the amazing atmosphere of the place.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+.

Restful relaxation

Guest: Sailor (Long Beach, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10 Review Submitted: 10/31/10

My wife and I stayed here at the end of the 2010 season and could not have wished for a better place to ease away the tensions of a life lived at an all-too-hectic pace. We absolutely doted on Kayto, the live-in cat, who is so affectionate that he started to bring "gifts" to us! The gardens have an idyllic lookout over the eastern seas of the Cyclades and the light was different at each moment of our day, affording us the opportunity to see the view in so many delightful ways. The village stores at Exembla, the town of Appollonia with its museum and fascinating history, and the many many walks available to us gave us the chance we needed for much rest and relaxation. The delightful churches, one for each day of the year, the ancient walls and towers, the unspoiled hillsides, the acropoli, the beaches, cafes and restaurants - they all combined to make our stay even more pleasant than we had originally hoped. My wife took the opportunity to prepare some colored pencil art and studied the insects of the island, while I took great delight in photographing at every turn of the walks among the roads and harbors. We were enabled to read, cook for ourselves when we wanted and eat healthy foods when we went out for a meal, rise and sleep at an hour that suited our varying needs (nap-time is SO necessary and welcome!), stroll the lanes and by-ways and still have connectivity when we absolutely had to have it. This was a perfect get-away for us although, being late-season, the ferry service was perhaps a little sketchy yet still available and fast. The stone Thimonia had been restored and so were we - our restoration has been wonderful for us both, individually and together. If you want to relax in restorative surroundings, take as much time as you can here - you will not regret a single day!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Charming House and Beautiful Island

Guest: Jack & Laura (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

The house and island exceeded expectations. It's prettier than the photos, which cannot really capture the atmosphere of the place. A beautiful stone walkway takes you to a private gate and upon entering a gasp as you realize that you've entered a very charming realm. The house is perched on the side of a hill overlooking terraced fields and the sea. Steps lead down to the stone terrace, olive groves and herb garden (you've already passed the tomato garden). The house itself is lovingly decorated and very comfortable. I especially loved the traditonal stone floors, and whitewashed plaster walls. It even has a good collection of books. We ate at the stone table overlooking the sea almost every evening, and especially enjoyed the outdoor shower with the panoramic view - so refreshing! It is indeed very convenient to walk to the local store in the village, and not much farther to take in the interesting shops and sites of the larger town of Apollonia, which is a delight in itself. The bus stop is a short (5 minute) walk away, and will get you transportation to a couple of beaches, by a 10 minute scenic drive through mountainous terrain with views of ancient terraced fields and the deep blue sea beyond.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Beyond our expectations in every way

Guest: Pamela & Gary (Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

I really don't know where to begin except to say that everything is more beautiful than we ever could have imagined...if that is possible The design and decor of Thimonia, the beautiful gardens and terraces...you must be truly an artist extrordinaire. We are also enjoying your music library...seems to complement the environment. Edvokia and her mother Voula are very charming friendly and helpful...we may have Easter dinner at their hotel tomorrow. Kayto came around last night while I was watering the geraniums with my bath water...I tried to coax him to come in but just as I gained his confidence, 2 o3 firecrackers went off in the distance ( Easter celebrations ) and he ran off...we noticed on one of our BR runs during the night that he was in his basket...this morning he was gone again. After having coffee with Edvokia this morning and getting the internet connection going we walked to Apollonia enjoying the poeple, finding the Bakery and grocery. Had lunch on the patio and kept pinching ourselves to be sure that the view was not a dream. In the afternoon we walked across the valley to Kastro then back along a hiking trail towards Faros connecting to the main road bringing us back to Exambela. An outdoor shower followed by a glass of wine while listening to Pavarotti and reading a nice book has filled in time while waiting to have dinner. We could not be more pleased with this little piece of heaven.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Christine Sinclair-Rowe (Sunnyside, NY)
Date of Stay: 11/08/09 Review Submitted: 11/08/09

What a wonderful time we had in you're lovely house in Sifnos. Everything was perfect, from the house, the beaches, the weather and the sweet and loving Kayto, who we became quite attached to. It was truly a vacation to remember for our 25th wedding anniversary. The house is lovely, rustic and warm, with everything you need. The views are astounding, watching the sun rise in the morning, and the chorus of animals waking will be something we will always remember. We will also always remember the ever entertaining Kayto, who caught a mouse and brought us a bird on our last day there. We miss him, and your very special place.

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Guest: S.Wood & P. MacLaren (Georgetown, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

We have just returned home after a month at Thimonia. What an idyllic little piece of heaven! The cottage is very well equipped, the setting very peaceful, and the view spectacular, overlooking Kastro and the sea! The location is perfect. There is very easy access to bus service and it is within easy walking distance to several villages. There are many wonderful trails to hike, several of which begin close to Exembela. We hiked several trails,and, while not all are well marked,the directions available at Thimonia were excellent. After a day out hiking, sightseeing, or at the beach, it was always wonderful to come back "home"and be welcomed by Kayto. The best part of the day was relaxing on the terrace before dinner, Kayto cuddling on one of our laps, and looking out over the hills and the sea. Absolute heaven. We found Elaine extremely helpful. She responded to our questions and her advice was excellent. Evdokia, the manager/caretaker, was very kind and always available to help us if needed. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. Thimonia,Sifnos, and Kayto, are firmly embedded in our hearts. Highly recommended.

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Guest: MONTSE REUS (Barcelona/Catalonia/Spain)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09 Review Submitted: 08/16/09

We have just arrived from our stay for two weeks in the Thimonia and we are already missing it. It was such a lovely and prefect place. This are just some of the items I would liket to highlight: sunrise was astonishing from the house, the lovely veranda, the nicely furnished house, the confortable bedroom (really fresh, not AC needed). Evdokia, the house manager was really nice and helpful. The views to the sea, the olive field, the fields embroidered with dried stones walls. The perfect pedestrian area around the house, but just 5 minutes from the house you can always park the car (even in the middle of august). The conveniently located market in the next village (but just a 10 minutes away with a lovely walk through pedestrian paths). The 15 minute location of Appolonia's city center where all the people in the island go in the evening to have dinner al fresco, to have a drink, etc. The lovely beaches of the island, all of them with pristine waters, great for snorkeling and relaxing, in most of them you can park the car almost in the sand and have a lovely lunch also in the sand, just 2 meters away from the water. And Kayto, I could write a lot about this lovely cat, great companion with really good behaviour. If I had to mention a negative point is that we had quite a lot of very windy days which could be a little annoying but appart from this little thing the rest, and specially the house, was perfect.

Owner response:This young Spanish couple's English is not perfect, but there comments are. EMH

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/05/09 Review Submitted: 08/05/09

Bravo Elaine and Peter! Your Sifnos Island property,with its stunning Exambela location is truly superb. We are so happy to have been able to call your home "our home", well, for at least the month of July. The listing on VRBO, with its photos and features, no matter how well presented, can never do full justice to your wonderful place. One has to be there to truly experience the serene and calming effect of your magical spot. In forty years of visiting Europe this was our first time in Greece. And our first time, thank God, without needing to rent a car. Your place is so ideally located to easily explore all the island has to offer. The local bus service is frequent, on schedule, and offers breathtaking, panoramic rides through the mountainous countryside to some of the most beautiful beaches : Vathy,,Chrysopiggi,Cheronosis,, and Platys Gialos, , to name a few. And It's easy to see why Sifnos is such a magnet for avid walkers and hikers, with its network of paths and stone paved walkways throughout the island. The locals are very warm and friendly, whether at the markets, shops, tavernas, or the neighborhood in Exambela. And your property manager,Evdokia is a great asset and very helpful. Last, but by no means least, we have to mention Kayto, the resident therapist. Had we not met him, we are sure that we would have still immensely enjoyed your Sifnos home as much as we did. But now having got to know this wonderful creature we cannot imagine the place without him. He was always there waiting to greet us (to be fed ?) when we returned from our day trips. A great companion at all times, always constant, Kayto truly sets the rhythm of your Sifnos home. Again many thanks for giving us this wonderful holiday experience. Cheers and All Our Best! Eryk and Olga Hudson,Quebec Canada

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Guest: Veronica Watkins (Fort Worth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/25/09 Review Submitted: 06/25/09

I had the opportunity to stay at this wonderful, cozy, beautiful house in June 2009. The accommodations were amazing and exceeded my expectations beyond belief! You feel like you are entering into another world has you walk down the narrow paths to the house and enter through the front gate. The first thing you see is the garden and side walk path that leads to you the large sitting area. The views take your breath away. You are so secluded. It was my first time to visit Greece and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I chose this house and island to visit. If you are looking for a Greek island experience that feels like it takes you back in time about 50 years, this is the place for you. It is absolutely unforgettable. Elaine and the House Manager were a pleasure to deal will as well. The entire trip was great. I would highly recommend staying at this house. I hope to visit it again in the near future! PS…Kayto is a sweetheart as well!

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