Villa Marianthe

[johnr]

We have been visiting Halki long enough now to remember when the last building on the left on the brow of the hill as you walk down to Pondamos was a down-at-heel farmyard shed. When Number One son was a toddler, we used to stop to say hello to an assortment of chickens, and the odd mule or donkey that would sometimes give us the time of day. Then on down to the beach.
A few years ago, we noticed that the place had been transformed into a couple of villas, with very pretty garden with two big substantial gazebos for sitting out. This year we stayed in "Marianthe 1", booking through the good offices of Jane at Zifos travel.
The villa itself is perfectly adequate without being outstanding; a large sitting area/kitchen diner has the familiar all-in-one kitchen, plus a seperate fridge. there is a Z-bed so you could potentially have an extra person in here, though I always find such arrangements a bit of a pain. Electrics are usual Greek standard. The two twin bedrroms are spacious and airy and have air conditioning. In other words, all you need for a brilliant holiday!
However, two things really set the Marianthe apart; the garden and the location. the garden was looking a bit parched when we visited in September; it has a complex watering system which wasn't used while we were there, but you can only fight nature so far, especially on Halki. Earlier in the year I am sure it would look magnificent. Even in September, it was very pleasant to sit out under the pergola and look out over the bay. There are sun beds on the patio and some slightly rickety plastic chairs for sitting under the pergola.
The other huge advantage lies in being able to nip down to Pondamos for a quick dip without it being a major trek.
Of course, the downside of this location is the drag back from town, and I admit to resorting to bus and taxi a few times. Nick's at Pondamos was open on Friday nights, so this was an excellent place to dine on those evenings.
In short, I would give it an adequate three stars for the house- but five stars for the garden and the location!

[johnr]

Here are some pix;

[Liz]

Thanks for the review John ... Had all things gone to plan for us this year we would have been your neighbours :-o

[daisy]

Must admit always thought this property had potential ;D

[kalliopi]

It looks fab

[carol]

Stunning location, have always admired the garden when we have been out and about taking photos, thanks for the review it is very helpful ;D