Kiaffa Cottage  on Island of Hydra, Greece

  Keywords:   Romantic getaway. Home away from it all. Private holiday let. Affordable  family     rental accomodation. Authentic, traditional, mediterranean vacation townhouse. Cozy. Summer.  Sun.  Sea.

    Highlights: 
    Tastefully renovated
    Traditional townhouse with many unique and rare original features. 
    Both floors are self contained. 
    Great floorplan. 
    Private courtyard.
    Roof terrace providing gorgeous sea views. 
    Cost is from 700+ Euros per week.  Depending on season & number of persons staying.
   

Welcome & Thank you Danke Tack Merci Grazie for visiting.
 
A simple townhouse, beautifully renovated and maintained, above hydra town.  You can separate the two floors, and treat them like 2 apartments since they have their own private entrance, kitchen & bathroom.  Upstairs, a one bedroom apartment and Downstairs a large studio.  Perfect for couples, small families and small groups of friends wanting to holiday together but retain that sense of privacy.  Both floors  access the courtyard and roof terrace independent of each other.  You can dine al fresco, or simply watch the sunsets over the harbour with an ouzo or a lovely Greek wine.  The house is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood on a cobblestone corner and all it takes to get to the port or the beach is a lazy 10 minutes.

With room to accommodate 3, Kiaffa Cottage also provides an ideal home for the artistically inclined.  Be it music, painting, writing, or learning parts for a film or play.  It is available for both long and short term accomodation, to immerse yourself in a project.  The house prides itself in having been able to play host to so many working in the arts today.

What's particularly unique is that both floors feel like 2 totally different spaces.  Each with their own charm and appeal.  The top floor is light, bright & airy.  White ceilings, white walls, beautifully and simply decorated.  Downstairs is rustic, earthy with it's thick walls, fireplace and stone tiles.  You get a feeling you've stepped back in time.    

Outdoor spaces-Courtyard & Roof Terrace  accessable from both floors

A wooden door from the street enters into a private, walled-in courtyard—an intimate, serene space for eating and sitting.  A siesta can also be taken on the daybed /couch, or a lie down at night, stargazing...

From the courtyard, a staircase leads to the roof terrace.   Enjoy the stunning views of Hydra at your feet from the comfort of the custom built seating. 

*Click to enlarge                                                                                    the views from the roof terrace

Living Room (below).

The upstairs floor can accommodate up to three people.  It consists of a master bedroom with a double bed, and a large living/dining room with a single bed, that doubles as a couch by day. There is a stereo system with a turntable, radio and cd player with inputs for mp3 players available.  There's also a plasma TV with dvd/divx player, so feel free to bring along your favourite movies.

KITCHEN (above)

Off the living room you'll find the kitchen which has plenty of workspace, a stainless steel sink, a half-sized electric oven and hob and a bar fridge/freezer. The cupboards are stocked with all the cooking utensils, serving plates, dishes, glasses, and so forth that you could possibly need to cook dinner in the comfort of your own home.

The shower room/WC.  (above)

GROUND FLOOR  STUDIO. 
The walls are thick and the room is nice and cool even in the height of summer. Guests can escape the heat of the day to relax or take a siesta on the couches.

The large open-plan living room accessed from the street, provides a step leading to an L-shaped sitting area with a stereo in the recessed cupboard of the wall.  Opposite the sitting area is the dining table and the internal wooden staircase.  This leads to the upstairs landing.  It has a trap door, which when closed, completely isolates the ground from the upper floor.

There is a cozy, traditional wood-burning fireplace in the corner.   If you prefer not to have to light a fire during the winter months, electric fin radiator heaters are provided.

The dining area comfortably seats four people. 

A traditional external stone staircase provides independent access from the kitchen to the courtyard and sun-drenched roof terrace. 

The kitchen is compact, providing everything necessary to prepare full meals at home

Services

 Kiaffa Cottage guests will be met at the port by the cottage's housekeeper, an Hydra resident, who will take you to the house. Donkey transport of luggage to the house can be arranged in advance. This is an additional cost of 15-20 euros, per horse, one way. (Price depends on time of year).   Although you will have complete privacy during your stay, the housekeeper will only be a phone call away to help you.  In the house, you will find a folder full of information about the cottage.

There will be tea, coffee and bottled water to help unwind from the journey to Hydra.
Please note that the house is self catering.  There are a couple of supermarkets near the port, which make home deliveries, free of charge :)

If you should require a cleaner during your stay, this can be arranged at an additional cost of 10 euros per hour.  Minimum 3 hours call out.

Conditions:
Max 3 persons.  Minimum stay 1 week.  50% deposit required to secure booking with balance of payment due no later than 8 weeks prior to arrival.

As a general policy, it is not advisable to come with small children (under age 12) unless they will be very carefully looked after. Parents are responsible for their safety, especially around the roof terrace, as the drop from the wall surrounding the terrace is quite steep, Similarly, people with mobility issues, are not suited, because of the climb.
Animals are welcome as long as they are very well trained. 
Check in after 2:00pm - check out by 10:00am. 
Visitors are respectfully requested to leave the house as it was found.

                            
Property amenities:

Furnishings: Roof terrace, Beach Access, Fireplace, Heating, Housekeeper, Linens Provided, Mountain & Sea Views, Wood Floors, Dining table (x2) seats 4-6.  Lounge Area (x2) seats 4-6.  Daybed/sofa for Courtyard.

Sleeping:  2  upstairs. + 1  downstairs
Bedroom 1:  Double Bed sleeps 2.  Notes:  Upstairs living room can sleep 1 on the couch. 
Bedroom2:  1 adult size single mattress downstairs.  Doubles as couch by day.

Appliances: Washing Machine, Vacuum cleaner,  Ceiling fans upstairs, portable fan, Electric fin radiators, Hair Dryer, Iron, Ironing Board, Plasma TV and dvd/dvix player

Electronics:   Wireless Internet Access, Stereo (x2) with tape/cd/aux input for mp3/ipod.  Turntable (upstairs). Telephone (free national & local calls and accepting all incoming calls).

Kitchen:  2 & 3 hob cooker, oven, bar fridges, electric kettle, toaster, plenty of pots, pans, cutlery, crockery & glassware, Electric juicer, blender & processor, espresso coffee makers

Other amenities:  Flippers and goggles, backgammon, Playing cards, books, cd & vinyl collection.

Recreation/Activities:  Boating, Hiking Nearby, Restaurants Nearby, Shopping, Swimming. 

Location on Map

*Click to enlarge map
      & click again to zoom some more

Guest Book:




Review   -"Kiaffa cottage was a great hideaway,  perched in a quiet street overlooking the whole town.  It felt lika a home-from-home.  Interesting decorations, great books, amazing views.  Favourite thing:  early morning coffee on the terrace, whatching the harbour wake up.  Thank you.  We had a wonderful time!  Would like to return!!!"  Summer 2011 - Stephen & Vera

Review   -"The cottage is our Hydra Haven-an ideal retreat after a long, sweaty hike to the monastery, a relaxing place to lunch and nap after hours at the beach and sea;  the perfect venue for late night stargazing and a welcome home for creativity-we did much writing, drawing and music playing here.  Thank you for sharing this space with us.  We never thought we'd feel so comfortable and at home on a vacation. We're already wondering when we can make it back.  Thank you."    Summer 2011 - Tom & Sarah

Review  -  "We had a brilliant holiday at Kiaffa Cottage, we can't recommend it highly enough!  To be able to return 'home' after a days reading on the beach and to be welcomed by a magnificent roof top sunset view (that never failed to deliver), was the ultimate in relaxation therapy.  The cute winding stairways to the top just added to the intrigue, and every day we tried to find a different way up and by doing so, discovered loads of other interesting nooks and crannies, as well as other great views of the harbour.  The flat itself was exactly how it was described on the internet, very clean, romantic, and with plenty of homely, rustic bits and bobs, helping to create a welcoming and homely feel.  Because of the steep staircases in the house itself, you have to be extremely careful with small children, I would imagine.  The beaches, although not pristine white sand beaches, were all nice in their own way, the water crystal clear and refreshing, and were all in closeish walking distance, easy to find.  The walk over (or around) Vlychos beach and back home while the sun is setting was superb.  The further away beaches, Bisti, for example, were by far the nicest, although the price for a return ticket by boat (12 euro p.p.) is not the cheapest, (especially if you wanted to go every day!)  There are plenty of good restaurants and bars in Hydra and the surrounding Kamini and Vlychos areas, couldn't really fault any of the ones we went to, and even an interesting live music venue, halfway along the walking track between the Hydra and Kamini ports.  We'd love to come back, when the island is greener, in spring, and do some of the longer walking tracks, which also sound fantastic.  We can't wait!"  Summer 2011- Leona  Berlin  

Review   -"After banging around from pillar to post the first five weeks, your dear, delightful house gave me my stillness and sanity."    Autumn 2010 - Mandy

Review   -"Your cottage was perfect for our lazy week here on Hydra.  We even figured out how to get "home" after five days.  Loved the walks, the fabulous tavernas, and the gorgeous Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion.  Thank you for a great week".   Autumn 2010 - Judith

Review   -"Wonderful to wake up to bird song.  Thank you".   Summer 2010 - Liz & Carl

Review  - "So much character!" 
"Having stayed in many Greek villas over the years, this one definately has the most character!  I soon got used to the clip-clopping of the mules going past the window every morning, which just heightened our sense of the romantic!  All facilities worked perfectly and the sun terrace comes into its own in the morning for a yoga session, although it has the sun all day.  I will certainly be back!"  Spring 2010 -  Ali - U.K.  

Review  "Peace & Relaxation in Traditional Hydra House"   
"My partner & cousin spent an idyllic week in this traditional hydra house in early May 2010.  The house has just had the kitchen & bathroom updated.  The house is on 2 levels: downstairs can be a separate apartment if you wish with own kitchen, bathroom & separate access; we tended to live on the upper floor using the kitchen & bathroom there.  There is a small roof terrrace where you can sit and take in a panorama of the greek mainland & hydra harbour.  From here the sunsets are beautiful.
The best part is the peace & tranquility.  Hydra of course only has the mule/donkey as its form of transportation.  Spending time away frrom the omnipresent sound of the combustion engine is a delight!  Listening to the occasional clip-clop of donkey hooves on the cobbled steps from the comfort of your bed is wonderful.  As with most houses, this house is a bit of a climb up from the harbour but only takes about 10 minutes.  It does mean that it is conveniently located for all beaches (a short stroll away) and has 2 supermarkets 5 mins walk away".  Spring 2010 - Marcus.  Paris.  

Review -   "Stayed in this delightful cottage in June 2009, before the renovations took place!  We loved it then and it's probably even nicer now it's been upgraded!  Great location with a good little 'supermarket' down the road and a short amble to Leonard Cohen's house (a bonus for me!).  The cottage was well equipped with all one would need for a holiday let, no shortage of kitchen implements, great little dvd player and even a selection of books to read on those lazy days!   This really is an authentic Greek cottage not too far from beach or port and i will be back to stay again very soon!"  Chrissie.  Jersey, Channel Islands.  Summer, 2009

Sent via email - 
"Hi, I just wanted to email & say how fantastic your cottage is and thank you so much for the opportunity to stay there, we had a perfect week where we did some painting, ate a lot of figs and yogurt, swam and snorkelled alot, we took a boat to Bisti which was lovely.  Went for a big walk into the hills, so feel rather fit from the steps!  The house has a wonderful feel and we would love to return.  The record collection brought back many memories for us, the children enjoyed it too,  so thank you."   Nicola,  AUSTRALIA

Rental Cost:

The house is available all year round - minimum stay is 1 week for a maximum of 4 adults.
50% (non refundable) deposit required to secure booking with 50% balance of payment due no later than 8 weeks prior to arrival.  
All pricing is in Euros.   Payment by bank transfer.

Rates above are for 2 persons.  For additional persons, it's an extra 10 euros per night, per person.  3 persons MAXIMUM.

Please note, a bond of 100 euros will be required during Spring, Summer and Autumn months.  For any loss of keys, or damages or items missing, or excessive cleanup during your stay, this will be taken out of the bond. 

During the winter months, a bond of 500 euros will be required.  All electricity usuage during your winter stay, will be calculated and deducted from the bond, before refunding.

Please forward all questions and enquiries to:
Phone or SMS:   +61 (0)44 958 3486.   Email at the following address.  

kiaffacottage@gmail.com