Lose yourself on Crete, Europe’s southernmost frontier and an island of stark contrasts. From the snow-capped mountains of the interior, looming imposingly over tiny, crumbling villages, to the elegant seafront resorts that fringe the changeable waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is sure to enrapture your soul. The island’s rugged landscape hosts a particularly bountiful crop of herbs, and the heady scents of rosemary, thyme, oregano, chamomile and fennel perfume the air throughout the year. Cretan diet is renown to the world for its longevity effect: It is made of earth’s simplest ingredients such as olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and light fish as well as red wine and poultry yet rich for their healthy benefits and quality of living.
The largest of the Greek islands, measuring 160 miles in length, Crete is a kaleidoscope of towns and villages all with their own unique aura. From Heraklion, the capital and fourth largest city in Greece, to tiny Loutro and its quiet pebble beach, there’s something for everyone on this eclectic island. Every summer, the international jet-set descend on the chic village of Elounda, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mirabello Bay and a favourite of international personalities. Dinner at the Calypso Elounda Peninsula is a unique experience and particular favourite with yacht-owners moored nearby, whilst the more laid-back Lotus Eaters serves fresh, local fare in a luxuriously peaceful location.
The island’s long coastline also offers a range of conditions suited to different water sports, from jet skiing and parasailing to kitesurfing and sailing. iKiTe provides premium, professional kiteboarding in Heraklion, whilst the best surfing is found during the winter at Phalasarna Beach in the Chania region.
behind the rimondi fountain, within the narrow stone streets of rethymno’s old town, aerope brings together the architectural character of the venetian quarter with a restrained contemporary restoration. hidden behind a quiet façade, the house opens inward toward a private courtyard where soft-toned plaster walls, mature planting and carved stone details create an atmosphere that feels both sheltered and deeply connected to the historic fabric of the city. the renovation preserves the original proportions and materials of the residence while introducing clean architectural lines and a calmer, more minimal aesthetic throughout the interiors.
arrival is through the central courtyard, an enclosed outdoor living space that immediately establishes the rhythm of the property. an orange tree and climbing bougainvillea soften the pale walls and stone archways, while the generous seating and dining areas create a natural extension of the house during the warmer months. light moves gradually across the courtyard during the day, reflecting against the textured surfaces and giving the entire residence a warm, muted palette.
inside, the ground floor living spaces retain many of the building’s historic features, including exposed stonework, curved alcoves and high timber ceilings painted in soft neutral tones. the open-plan kitchen and dining area sit comfortably within the original structure, balancing contemporary fittings with the simplicity of traditional cretan architecture. rounded plaster walls, recessed niches and natural materials create interiors that feel understated rather than decorative, allowing the craftsmanship of the building itself to remain the focal point.
the house unfolds across three levels, connected by a simple internal staircase that follows the original geometry of the property. on the first floor, two bedrooms each include en-suite bathrooms and maintain the same restrained material palette seen throughout the home. one bedroom opens onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard below, where the sounds of the old town drift softly through the surrounding streets in the evening.
the principal bedroom occupies the upper level beneath pitched ceilings and exposed beams, creating a quieter and more private atmosphere. from its balcony, views extend across the rooftops and bell towers of the old city toward the venetian fortezza. the upper floors feel calm and secluded despite the property’s central location, benefiting from the thickness of the original walls and the inward-facing design typical of historic townhouses in crete.
above the main residence, a rooftop terrace creates an additional outdoor living space with elevated views across rethymno. shaded seating areas and planted sections soften the architecture, while the surrounding rooftops and church domes reinforce the sense of place within the historic quarter. in the evening, the terrace becomes particularly atmospheric as the city lights begin to appear across the old harbour and surrounding streets.
aerope sits within walking distance of the venetian harbour, the fortezza and the cafés, galleries and tavernas that define the old town, yet its internal courtyard layout gives the property a remarkable sense of privacy and calm. the restoration successfully balances heritage architecture with contemporary living, creating a residence that feels authentic to rethymno while remaining refined, functional and quietly modern.
