Prices in 2025 range between €840 per Week and €2100 per week, dependent upon the time of year.
1 double bedroom, 2 twin bedrooms.
Private swimming pool (10m x 5m & depth 0.80m to 1.50m)
Free Unlimited WIFI Internet Access.
Sleeps a Maximum of 7 persons.
EOT (Greek Tourist Board) License Number: MHTE 1042K 12 2K 02701 00
Horseshoe Cottage enjoys a privileged and peaceful location in the heart of the countryside, yet only 2kms from the many amenities in the pretty riverside village of Vrisses, and 7kms from the dune-backed sandy beaches near the seaside resort of Georgioupolis which stretch as far as the eye can see. Located on the outskirts of the sleepy hamlet of Maza, Horseshoe Cottage is a delightful stone retreat with glorious sweeping views across the verdant Cretan landscape to the magnificent White Mountains. A property with immense character and allure, Horseshoe Cottage, and its sister villas, has been lovingly built and furnished by its incredibly friendly and charming owner, Giorgos, on land passed down to him by his grandfather, and are prominently featured in an excellent article in the Sunday Telegraph.
The 5500m2 plot has been creatively landscaped so that all 5 villas harmonise with the enchanting natural landscape, and each villa enjoys a high standard of privacy and comfort. As the name of the cottage suggests, a stables and paddock are set on one side of the plot and horse/pony riding excursions can be arranged. In addition to the horses, housed at the stables in what is fast becoming a mini petting zoo are Romeo the Reindeer, Katsika the goat, and Elpida (Hope) the sheep - all of whom love to be fed apples and vegetables by the cottage guests - especially Artemis the brown horse!. For larger families or groups who like to holiday together but still value their privacy, Horseshoe Cottage can be booked in conjunction with Maza Cottage which has 2 bedrooms.
On entering the house through the solid wood doors, a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere is immediately evident. Thoughtful touches see authentic Cretan styling fuse seamlessly with modern amenities. Giorgos has blended traditional furniture made locally by skilled craftsmen, with a selection of hand-picked family heirlooms such as a tapestry wall hanging, a shepherd's crook and hand woven bag, and an ancient iron. Horseshoe Cottage boasts many original features made from locally sourced commodities such as open-faced stonework, beamed ceilings which infuse the air with the delicate scent of cypress wood, stone arches, a stone fireplace, and thick stone walls which keep the cottage pleasingly cool when the outside summer temperatures are at their highest. To ensure a restful holiday many modern comforts have been supplied including: a computer with unlimited WIFI internet access; beautiful tiled modern bathrooms, satellite TV, a DVD player, a stereo system with CD player, a fridge/freezer, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a kettle, a coffee maker, a toaster and sandwich toaster, and air conditioning units in the bedrooms and living area. The a/c units also double up as heaters, and there is a fireplace for the cooler nights early and late season. There is solar powered hot water with a back-up immersion heater, and a private parking area.
The majority of your holiday time will undoubtedly spent relaxing in the restful Mediterranean garden which features vibrant flowerbeds, cypress trees, and a gravelled area at the rear of the cottage that is planted with fruit trees. Taking centre stage is the good sized swimming pool which is flanked by brightly coloured flowers and surrounded by a well kept lawn. Vying for your attention are the different seating areas including the well equipped barbeque corner and adjacent table and benches, and the swing seat on the south side of the cottage which is the perfect spot to relax with a cool glass of wine from the local winery, particularly at sunset when the majestic mountains take on pink, crimson and golden hues. A large pergola over the main dining terrace provides shade from the hot sun and is an ideal place from which to watch the younger members of the family playing happily on the lawn or in the pool. An array of comfortable garden furniture invites you to do nothing more taxing than sitting back and taking in the panoramic views, either in the brilliant sunshine during the day, or under the breathtakingly clear star filled night sky.
As difficult as it may be to stray from the peace and beauty at Horseshoe Cottage, the central location means that you are wonderfully placed for exploring an area which remains unspoilt by mass marketed tourism. The quaint village square is only 4 minutes walk from the cottage, and features a bougainvillea covered kafenion run by Kostas (highly recommended in the Sunday Telegraph) which serves fantastic appetizing local cuisine and overlooks the Agios Nikolaos chapel, where the interior walls are covered in 15th Century frescoes. The Dourakis Winery, Lake Kournas, and the waterfalls and Roman tombs at Argiroupolis are within 20 minutes drive, the spectacular Imbros gorge and the south coast are less than an hour away, and the Venetian towns of Rethymnon and Chania , with their fishing harbours and weekly street markets, are just 30 and 40 minutes drive to the east and west.
Horseshoe Cottage is an ideal choice for a family or romantic couple seeking a peaceful holiday in an attractive and private rural setting. We are not sure whether it will be the breathtaking scenery, the comfort and privacy at the villa, or the massive welcome from Giorgos and the Maza locals, that you will remember the most, but we are certain that your holiday at Horseshoe Cottage will be unforgettable.
