*** As featured in The Sunday Telegraph Travel Section.
Prices in 2025 range between €700 per Week and €1750 per week, dependent upon the time of year.
1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom
Private swimming pool (8m x 5m & depth 0.80m to 1.50m)
Free Unlimited WIFI Internet Access
Sleeps a Maximum of 5 Persons
Maza 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, Maza Cottage is a delightful stone retreat with glorious sweeping views across the verdant Cretan landscape to the magnificent White Mountains. A property with character and allure, Maza Cottage, and its 3 sister villas (including Horseshoe Cottage with 3 bedrooms which we also handle) has been lovingly built and furnished by its incredibly friendly and charming owner, Giorgos, on land passed down to him by his grandfather. 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. A stables, paddock, and a hennery are set on one side of the plot and horse/pony riding excursions can be arranged.
A reindeer, sheep, horse, and goat are unlikely best friends who live harmoniously together at the stables and roam together in one of the fields. Cretan hospitality is world famous and Giorgos is a prime example of this. He grows a vast variety of organic fruit and vegetables and always gifts whatever is in season to our guests, along with his potent homemade wine and raki. We are proud that both Giorgos and Maza Cottage feature prominently in the following article in the Sunday Telegraph: Click Here To Read
On entering the house 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. Maza 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, a stone archway, 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: free WIFI internet access; a beautiful tiled modern bathroom, 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 for the cooler nights early and late season. There is solar powered hot water with a back-up immersion heater, and a private, gated parking area.
The majority of your holiday time will undoubtedly be spent relaxing in the restful Mediterranean garden which features colourful rose bushes, and is flanked by an olive grove on one side, and a small vineyard on the other. Taking centre stage is the good sized swimming pool which is surrounded by a well kept lawn. A large pergola over the 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. The garden really is the perfect spot to relax, particularly at sunset when the majestic mountains take on pink, crimson and golden hues.
To make this even more idyllic you just need a cool glass of wine from the local winery and fresh local produce sizzling away on the traditional barbeque that has been built since the photos were taken. The scenery and comfortable garden furniture invite 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.
EOT (Greek Tourist Board) License Number: MHTE 1042K 12 2K 02701 11
As difficult as it may be to stray from the peace and beauty at Maza 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 which has a fantastic atmosphere (particularly at night), and serves 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.
Villa Maza is an ideal choice for a small family or a 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 Maza Cottage will be unforgettable.
