Divine Youth

Perched on a hillside overlooking Crete's picturesque north coast and a short drive from the gorgeous Venetian harbour of Rethymno's old town, this contemporary three-bedroom villa can comfortably accommodate up to six people in three bedrooms, making it ideally suited to a multi-generational family getaway or a Cretan countryside escape with your closest friends.

An open layout on the ground floor allows you to drift effortlessly from one area to the next, creating a wonderfully sociable space where everyone can gather together without feeling claustrophobic. Go with the flow, and you'll find yourself on the picturesque poolside patio, with loungers arranged around the water's edge, an inviting hammock slung in the shade of a couple of trees, and a covered dining area complete with a purpose-built barbecue for outdoor dining at its best.

In addition to a twin room on the ground floor, two further guestrooms upstairs enjoy access to a spacious balcony with jaw-dropping vistas in almost every direction. After brewing your morning drink of choice, we can think of little better than taking a seat out here in the cool morning air – it's an idyllic way to start the day.

The villa is just a short drive from the coast, where you can tuck into seafood lunches in traditional tavernas, top up your tan on the beaches and enjoy refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Head west and uncover one of Crete's best-preserved medieval old towns around Rethymno's lovely harbour. Alternatively, you can continue along the coast to Chania for a chance to explore its labyrinthine backstreets and family-friendly beaches.

Home truths:
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, highchair, tableware, changing table, fire guards, safety gates, books and toys are available on request
*Given the location, a car is a necessity when staying here – there's on-site parking on the driveway for up to two vehicles
*Your host will greet you on arrival and show you around the property
*There's a twin bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor, so the villa may be suitable for guests with more limited mobility