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 historic venetian quarter of rethymno, aerope is a restored townhouse that balances the architectural character of the old town with a calm and contemporary approach to living. hidden behind a discreet façade, the residence unfolds around a private internal courtyard, following the inward-facing arrangement typical of the area’s historic homes. original stonework, traditional proportions and period architectural elements have been carefully preserved, while the restoration introduces a more restrained aesthetic that allows the building itself to remain the focus.
the house is organised around the central courtyard, which forms the heart of the property and creates a natural transition between interior and exterior spaces. surrounded by textured plaster walls and historic architectural details, this enclosed space enhances the sense of privacy while allowing natural light to move throughout the residence. the arrangement reflects the traditional urban architecture of crete, where homes were designed to create shelter and tranquillity within the dense fabric of the city.
on the ground floor, the principal living spaces retain the character of the original structure through exposed stone walls, curved openings and high timber ceilings. the interiors combine historic features with contemporary functionality, creating rooms that feel authentic to the building without appearing overly restored. a restrained palette of natural materials, soft tones and clean lines reinforces the simplicity of the architecture, while the generous ceiling heights contribute to a sense of openness rarely found within the old town.
the residence extends across three levels connected by an internal staircase that follows the original geometry of the house. two en-suite bedrooms occupy the first floor, maintaining the same material continuity and architectural language seen throughout the property. the proportions remain balanced and understated, with carefully preserved details contributing to the character of each room.
the principal suite occupies the upper floor beneath pitched ceilings and exposed beams, creating a more secluded atmosphere within the house. elevated above the surrounding streets, this level benefits from views across the rooftops of the historic quarter towards the venetian fortezza. the thickness of the original masonry walls and the inward orientation of the building contribute to a remarkable sense of calm despite the property′s central position.
above the main residence, a rooftop terrace provides an additional outdoor space with open views across rethymno′s old town. from this elevated position, the layered roofscape of the venetian quarter, church bell towers and the outline of the fortezza reinforce the property′s connection to the historic city. the terrace extends the living spaces outdoors while remaining closely integrated with the architecture of the house.
situated within walking distance of the venetian harbour, the fortezza and the cultural life of the old town, aerope combines a central location with a level of privacy rarely associated with historic urban properties. the restoration respects the architectural heritage of the building while creating a residence that feels both timeless and entirely suited to contemporary living. as evening settles over the city, the surrounding rooftops and stone streets take on a softer character, reinforcing the quiet atmosphere that defines the house.
