Grape Seed

The mighty capital city of Heraklion sits on Crete's north coast, with palaces, cathedrals, and fortresses to show off to visitors. While history buffs can check out the Archaeological Museum, foodies might feel more at home in a waterside taverna. Either way, just a fifteen-minute drive from its city centre, this grand villa does its best to rival the imposing architecture of the city.

Set over huge grounds, among lush fields of fruit trees and native shrubs, this home is truly majestic in size. Its main courtyard features a modern swimming pool, lawns, and loungers, with a large shaded dining terrace and a barbecue in the outhouse. With so much space to roam, you might not even notice hidden delights like the swing set or the private gym.

While most of your sunny days will be spent outdoors, head inside for elegant interiors. Despite the ancient surroundings of the island, it's a place of 21st-century ideals. A sleek, black marble fireplace sits in the lounge, and an abstract mirrored wall glimmers in the dining space. And after the kids have gone to bed, you might fancy soaking in the luxe bathtub with a glass of Greek wine in hand.

Home truths:
*Included in your stay, you'll get linen and towel changes twice a week, pool maintenance, and a concierge service
*A cot is available upon request in advance if you're bringing a little one
*The entrance is private to your home
*At full capacity, two guests will be sleeping on a bunk bed (this might be suited to kids)
*Private parking is available (and we do recommend bringing a car to get around)
*There's no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots
*You'll need to navigate a few steps as the home is set over three floors – one of which is a lower-ground floor