To let for holidays: a fascinating old stone Cypriot house, large and converted, for privacy and paradise. Located in the centre of Psematismenos village, less than 30 km from the main airport at Larnaca, 30km to Limassol, and just 5 minutes drive to the sea. Psematismenos is a lovely traditional village with a first class restaurant and a small shop. A traditional Cypriot house but unusually generous in scale and beauty. Fully furnished with three double bedrooms, each with its own modern bathroom, also one single bedroom with a Cypriot sofa bed. Three further single beds could be used by children. Built on the hillside, the house is on two levels. On the upper level, accessed from a quiet village street, is the main part of the house with large, well-equipped kitchen, arched dining area, bathroom and the glory of the house – a huge living room spanned by a beautiful carved stone arch. This room also serves as a double bedroom, as is the Cypriot tradition. It leads onto a balcony and roof terrace of 20 square metres (with barbeque and outdoor dining table) and has lovely views down the valley to the sea. On the lower level, accessed from the street through the shady garden planted with lemons, pomegranates and frangipani, or by an outdoor staircase for the garden from the upper balcony, is another huge double bedroom, also spanned by a great stone arch, with its own bathroom. The third double bedroom is in a delightful stone cottage in the garden, converted
from what was originally the donkey house. It has its own bathroom and kitchenette. The single bedroom is also accessed from the garden and has a kitchenette. There is a stone table in the garden for meals or just reading. There are many books in the house including an excellent collection of works covering Cypriot history and culture, birds, flowers, maps and guidebooks. An electronic keyboard gives opportunity for music making. The donkey house has air-conditioning. Other rooms can be cooled by fans. Gas heaters provide warmth for winter evenings.
Rent: £120 per person, per week, regardless of season. Longer term rental possible by arrangement. Cyprus is a perfect place to rest and holiday. With its long season it’s possible to swim even until Christmas; and February/March is warm enough to be a perfect pick-me-up after a draining Northern winter. A paradise for artists, writers, musicians, thinkers, families, friends, birdwatchers.... and foodies. Cyprus food markets are a wonderful experience, find huge piles of herbs, fruits, luscious vegetables and treats like the famous Cypriot honey, the sublime Greek yoghurt, farm-fresh halloumi and the freshest of bread and pastries at the crossroads, 5 minutes drive from the house. Swimming pool: it is usually possible to use the neighbouring swimming pool immediately below the Donkey House cottage, by arrangement in advance, and there is a connecting door.
The neighbourhood – around the village These photographs were all taken within easy walking or driving distance from the house and show the richness of the area.
Some local amenities and attractions Necessities: The crossroads: a line of shops including excellent chemist/pharmacist, baker, butcher, food market, charcoal for the barbeque, gas canisters for the fires if required in winter. Banking: the village centre has the Co-Op bank (English spoken). The nearest cash-point is in Maroni village (5 minutes drive). There are also cash-points at the crossroads and in all the main towns. Diversions: The village Greek Orthodox Church is ancient, although altered in the 19-20 Century; the whole village attends. Visitors always welcome on Sundays; you can arrive any time after you hear the first bells but don’t leave once you’re in!) Lord Kitchener’s Tavern, excellent restaurant 2 minutes walk from the house. Numerous other tavernas within 5 km radius. Chirokitia Neolithic settlement 10 minutes drive Ayios Minas, small and delightful convent 15 minutes drive Lefkara, beautiful hill village where silver and lace are made 25 minutes drive
Kiti Byzantine church, Sultan Tekke Mosque and the salt lake with flamingos 20 kms Mountains: 20 minutes drive away the mountains begin behind the house, perfect for seeing the Unesco World Heritage painted churches and for cooling down for a day or two in the hottest days in August Larnaca: restaurants, shops, famous ceramic workshops such as Studio Ceramics (www.studioceramicscyprus.com) with lovely stoneware for sale, some of which you will find in the house. Limassol with great covered market open daily and the castle, now a good museum, where Richard Lionheart married Berengaria Vouni donkey sanctuary “Home of the Cyprus Donkey” in the mountains approx 1.5 hour drive Transport: Airlines include EasyJet and Monarch from Gatwick; BA and Cyprus Airways from Heathrow. Direct flights from the UK take approx 4.5 hours (Cyprus is much nearer to the Middle East than is commonly realised – hence the lovely long warm season). Family-owned firm Theodolou Cars will meet you at the airport and are an excellent alternative to the big brands. Contact Maria at theocars@spidernet.com.cy (fluent English and Greek) Parking: There is an alcove next to the house at top, on the hill, with space enough for one car. There is free parking in the village centre which is 1 minute on foot to the house.
In short, Mary’s House is a home-from-home for the adventurous with guidebook in hand, for walkers and birdwatchers, or for those who simply want to retreat to a light and airy old stone house/citrus garden paradise where they can read, think, swim and sunbathe in glorious surroundings and cook with the freshest of ingredients. The house is very Cypriot: it has its quirks and idiosyncrasies. But those who appreciate the experience of living in a different culture will find this house a doorway to another world. The house, being old, sometimes needs a little attention but an English-speaking local handyman is available to help fix things if necessary. The house is not really suitable for children under 10 nor the very elderly, nor is it wheelchair accessible. Please ask if in any doubt.
For more information contact: Flora Smith on 07916 062 451 or fs_confidential@hotmail.com