Lydia's House Luxurious cavehouse Villa

Description from the owner

“Lydia” house, 93 m2, is in the amazing village of Oia, among the last row of houses on the cliff.

It used to be an old bioclimatic cave-house which Emmanouil Vasilakis, architect and owner, renovated in 2010, using high quality materials combined with the traditional methods of Santorini’s technicians. The outcome is obviously a dream house, completely adapted to the unique scenery of Santorini island, with excellent minimal aesthetic and fully functional interior spaces.

Sitting on the small front yard or on the terrace above, there’s an amazing and anobstructed panoramic view towards the traditional village of Oia, t...he Caldera (the cliffs of the volcano), the Aegean sea and the other cliff-edge villages. Those two outdoor private spaces are connected with a traditional stairway. The terrace is adjacent to the main pedestrian path (with shops, restaurants, market, galleries) on the back side of “Lydia” house, which gives you the privacy that you need but also the easy accessibility to the central square (3 min walk) where you can find bus and taxi terminal. You can also take a walk at the “Goulas” area (1 min walk), which is famous for Oia’s sunset view.

The living room with the built sitting area, that can also be used as a bed, and a wooden monasterial dining table, is a comfortable and sunny space with an amazing view. A cavity shaped in the colored wall accommodates the television set. The white wooden ceiling is actually a cozy loft bedroom shaped in the dome (with a Japanese futon bed and a beautiful view to the sea), reached through a wooden stair next to the built sitting area.

An arched doorway, that divides the living room from the rest of the house, leads you to a small, heated, shallow pool with a built sofa bed, which is one of the most relaxing spots of “Lydia” house. Next to the pool, simplicity and extreme elegance characterize the elevated open space master bedroom. A cavity in the wall, on one side of the built bed, is used as a walking closet and on the other side, a big cave with three cavities, form a luxurious bathroom consisted of a walk-in rain shower with white pebbles on the floor, a separated toilette and a marble basin, taken from an old Turkish hamam. Finally, considering the issue of privacy, a portable Chinese folding screen can be used to block the visual contact whith the rest of the house, when needed.

Between the living room and the master bedroom, on the right side, there’s a fully equipped kitchen, a secondary bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, a dressing room and an engine room for the pool. On the left side, a cavity leads you to a stairway, descending to the old systern at a lower level, which is now used as a bedroom with two single beds.

The house is designed as an open space so that you can enjoy the astonishing view almost from every corner but also to create a visual contact between the two main areas of the interior. The lights placed on the white and colored dome shaped walls as well as the lights in the pool and the floor cavities, create a unique atmosphere.

Visiting “Lydia” house, where every little detail has been handled with great taste and attention, you will experience a familiar warmth and serenity that will make you feel like home.

Taxes and housekeeping included in the price.

Pricing is for 2 people.

For every additional person plus: €60 from April-October / €40 from November-March

Deposit: 50%

Balance due: 21 days before arrival.

Prices exclude exchange rates or bank tranfer fees.

Cancellation Policy:

- No penalty for cancellations 60 days or more before confirmed arrival.

- 59-21 days prior to arrival, results in 100% of cost of deposit.

- 0-20 days prior to arrival, results in 100% of cost of stay.

If the cancellation derives fr?m my part, for any reason, the deposit is refunded in full.

The above rate includes

1) Bottled mineral and sparkling water, wine, juice/sweet upon arrival.

2) Breakfast provisions: honey, butter, marmalade, wheat rusks, cereals, 3 kinds of coffee and tea, cocktail of herbs etc.

3) Daily (April-October), twice a week (Nov-Mar) maid service, change sheet, bath and beach towels every three days.

4) Sattelite tv, Wi-Fi and Aircondition

5) By showing our card you have discounts or free deserts to most restaurants in Oia!

6) You will be offered a bottle of Santorini wine with your meal at the OCHRE Wine Bistro which serves excellent food. Please look it up: www.ochre-bistro.com. I recommend you to go there 30 minutes before the sunset, in order to have the best table and enjoy the famous sunset of Oia. (It is 5 minutes walking distance from the villa).

HONEYMOON WELCOME

Sweets, flowers and special offers for the Honeymooners!!!

Keywords: traditional, bioclimatic, cave house, Santorini, Oia, Caldera, ocean view, Aegean, Mediterranean, patio, village, romantic, getaway, honeymoonRead more

Additional Location Information

Santorini is a volcanic island located in Cyclades in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (130 mi) southeast from Greek mainland.
The island is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera.
It is also officially called Thera or Thira and it is the largest of a complex of 5 islands which share the same name (Thirasia and Aspronisi which are parts of the ancient Strogili and the two volcanic islands Palea Kammeni and Nea Kammeni). It has a total area of 70 km2 and it is populated by 13,670 local people. During the summer the island is visited by an average of 60,000 tourists per day while during the wintertime Santorini is preferred by nature lovers.
The island is connected to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and all the major Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Tinos, Syros) by boat as well as to Athens and many countries direct by airplane.
Many reasons made this island famous worldwide. There is a myth connecting Thira and lost Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is really the mysterious island where the volcano rules The caldera view is breathtaking !
The reputation of the Santorini Caldera View is based on the 85 meter (300 feet) high cliff that many of the island's villages are built to perch on top of, offering a sea view as far as the eye can see. The cliff is the wall of the submerged volcano crater caused by the cataclysmic eruption around 3000 BC.
There are many exotic places to go swimming, sandy or with volcanic rocks, all over the island. One could go to Ammoudi, a very picturesque beach near Oia by going down a number of steps but the few little picturesque taverns compensate you.
You can take a boat trip around the volcano, explore an archaeological excavation of a 3600 year-old civilization, or perhaps visit some cultural museums. You can tour ancient Byzantine churches and charming wineries, or go trekking along the rim of the Caldera and discover its traditional villages and stunning scenery. You can also ride on a donkey to the old port where you can go on an excursion to the volcano and swim in its hot springs! There is so much to do and this is the ideal place to enjoy doing it.
Oia ,the Village of the fascinating sunsets
The traditional settlement of Oia is located on the northern top of the island, high on the cliff-top. Oia hosts the most magnificent view of Santorini and a picturesque road, with cliffs on one side and the sea on the other, leads to this attractive little town. The old ruined Castle overlooks the Caldera and visitors use to gather there to enjoy the idyllic sunset.
Directly below is the beach of Ammoudi and across the bay are the Burnt Islands. Ammoudi, accessible by car as well, is 214 steps below, and Armeni beach is 286 steps below. The architecture of Oia is typical Cycladic with houses dug deep into the volcanic soil, their whitewashed walls and blue domes sparkling in the sunlight. Oia today also hosts a cultural centre, a central art gallery and many other greek art galleries. Many shops sell handicrafts, souvenir and jewelry. Oia is the ideal spot to enjoy a peaceful vacation surrounded by unique natural beauty.
It was at the middle of 16th century b.C. when the island faced a catastrophe. But cause of this tragedy it has this incomparable beauty.
Santorini has a pleasant climate and rather cool summers due to northeast winds that blow through the region.
Santorini soil is fertile and despite the lack of water it produces (small quantities but exceptionally tasty) tomatoes, barley, cucumbers and yellow peas. Among the most prized products are also its unique variety of vines.
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If you are after the caldera view have a look at Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori and Akrotiri.
For the best beaches check Perissa, Kamari, Perivolos, Vlihada and Red beach.
The unique caldera, the energy and the beauty of the island are the most important reasons for being ranked as the top island in Europe and one of the once in a life time must see destinations of the world.

Steeped in history, Santorini has plenty of archaeological sites to visit including the ruins of Ancient Thira, Akrotiri and the Caldera, seen also from the sea Venetian fortress at Pirgos.
Santorini also offers unique accommodation, inspired by the distinct Santorinian-style, and on the south side of the island there are beautiful beaches with many beach sports and activities available. On the highest peak of Santorini is a monastery of the Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias), where there is a picturesque religious feast on 20 July each year.

Location Type Resort, Village, Waterfront

Additional notes from owner

Pricing is for 2 people.
For each additional person: €60 from April-October / €40 from November-March

Taxes and housekeeping included.
Deposit 50%
Balance due: 21 days before arrival.
Prices exclude exchange rates or bank transfer fees.

Cancellation Policy
- No penalty for cancellations 21 days or more before confirmed arrival.
- 0-20 days prior to arrival, results in 100% of cost of stay.

The above rate includes taxes, and:

1) Bottled mineral and sparkling water, wine, juice upon arrival.
2) Breakfast provisions: honey, butter, marmalade, wheat rusks, cereals, 3 kinds of coffee and tea, cocktail of herbs.
3) Maid service: daily (April-October), Maid service: twice a week (Nov-Mar), change sheet, bath and beach towels every three days.
4) Satellite TV, Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning.
5) You will be offered a bottle of Santorini wine with your meal at the OCHRE Wine Bistro (May – October) (or at another nice restaurant which serves excellent food). Please look it up: www.ochre-bistro.com. I recommend you to go there 30 minutes before the sunset, in order to have the best table and enjoy the famous sunset of Oia. (It is 5 minutes walking distance from the villa).
6) With our card you have discounts or free deserts to most restaurants in Oia!

HONEYMOON WELCOME
Sweets, flowers and special offers for the Honeymooners!!!

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• iantgagnon
  

  Perfect

  Left on 01/14/2013 for a stay in September 2012
  
  

  It has been a few months since my wife and I stayed in the Lydia house in Oia, and needed to let others know it was a perfect stay. My wife and I enjoyed our time here and had no complaints. Maria was fantastic in helping us get settled in and wish we had more time to spend with her. Stay here with significant other, family, it doesn't matter, its perfect. get hit with the sunrise in morning and take a two minute walk to see the perfect sunset right around the corner. When my wife and I go back, i hope to stay here again.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Groups, Families w children

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• LisaMCarp
  Danbury, Connecticut

  If you found this place, book it, you just found paradise!

  Left on 10/29/2012 for a stay in October 2012
  
  

  We just returned from the trip of our lives! We decided on the Lydia house after a ton of research because we wanted the perfect honeymoon. We were not disappointed! This house was so much more affordable than any of the hotels with a view, but we got so much more than we ever could have staying anywhere else! Maria was fantastic, she gave us an orientation to the island and sent us to all of the best local spots. Using her name worked magic, we got free dessert or wine everywhere we went! I expected just bread or something for the free breakfast, but we were surprised with delicious spinach and cheese rolls, omelets and fresh fruit! The house was cleaned daily, the pool was clean and we couldn't have asked for anything more. There were a few times when we caught tourists on our terrace taking pictures, but I think that just shows how perfectly located this house is. We didnt have to fight any crowds, because we had the perfect view to ourselves. We were very glad that we didnt bring too much luggage with us, because it was a bit difficult to get through the small walkways and steps with our luggage and the crowds. We loved staying here and we really hope we get to go back one day! If you found this place and it's available, book it! Trust us!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Groups

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• Spokalulu
  Spokane, WA USA

  A Corner of Heaven

  Left on 09/20/2012 for a stay in September 2012
  
  

  Just checked out and felt like we were leaving home. House was some steps below the heart of the village and close to the Castle where people gather for sunset. Even so, it was private, quiet, clean, and oh so cool on days we came in from exploring the village. Maria's orientation with us was very helpful--she used a map to show us Santorini beaches and restaurants. Her name in those restaurants worked magic: complimentary wine and desserts, and excellent food, too. Different breakfasts were delivered to us each morning--heavenly to sit on the patio with nothing between us and the aegean. One bedroom was upstairs (could be warm) and one in basement, but three would sleep on main floor. Hands down, we three would go back in a minute!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Luxury, Families

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• Peter D
  Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

  Heaven on year

  Left on 09/18/2012 for a stay in May 2012
  
  

  Our first time in Greece and the Greek isles, stayed in Oia for 5 days .One of the most beautiful places on earth ,and I can't think of a better place to soak it all in than ,Lydia. Great location ,fantastic setting,breathtaking views. Thank you Maria for making an incredible vacation ,that much better.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Families w children

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• creatingjoy
  

  Heaven!

  Left on 04/15/2012 for a stay in April 2012
  
  

  A dream to go to Santorini finally fulfilled and
  Lydia house exceeded my expectations. Well-placed in a quiet end of the cave houses, very private, absolutely beautiful aesthetically inside with all my needs met. Maria was completely responsive, warm and friendly and made sure all was well. The pool/spa was warmed to just the right temperature for long soaks and the views, incredible. I am planning to go back again.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Families w children

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• AshaP_12
  60763

  Wonderful experience and an amazing host!

  Left on 01/23/2012 for a stay in July 2011
  
  

  This was our first time in Greece and not knowing much about Santorini, how lucky were to have come across such an amazing, knowledgable and friendly host. Maria was always helpful in anything we needed - be it internet service, tavernas, beaches, things to do. She was a great host, even when we saw her at the beach she bought us some delicious traditional food to try! She was also very understanding and patient with our woes.
  The cave house is in a great location and a car is not needed! It is near everything you could ever want! The house was well kept and maintained - very luxurious. It was clean and comfortable. The view was incredible. Even now my kids remember sitting outside in the evening to play board games and eat locally baked greek pastries.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Families w children

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  Was this review helpful? Yes