Villa Ianassa

Set amongst sprawling grounds, crafted from unusual architecture and quirky interiors, Villa Ianassa is a truly unique place to stay. Layers of red, blue and white exteriors rise above two interesting pools, within an enormous manicured lawn. Traditional tiles adorn the roof, while several rooms have their own private balconies.

Enter through the grand burgundy doors and step onto the mosaic-tiled floors to find eclectic interiors that blend a variety of design styles. The result gives the air of staying at a stylish Grecian grandmother's house with elements of surrealism.

There are five glorious bedrooms that can sleep up to 10 guests. Each has contrasting coloured feature walls and double beds with floral or paisley bedspreads. One themed room has pale blue elegant painted wardrobes and buttercup yellow drapes, and another is a like a suite with a living space,with a checkerboard-theme and a deep brown wallpaper feature wall. Bathrooms are a special aspect of this villa, the fun design including patterned tiles, eye-catching Perspex sinks, ornaments and light up mirrors. One has a spacious corner bath, perfect for a relaxing soak.

The rustic living room is the heart of the villa, with the focal point a huge traditional brick fireplace, offset by floral wallpaper and an old-style wooden dining table with spindly chairs and medieval artefacts. Curved patterned sofas provide a space to curl up in and watch a film on the flat-screen television. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for those who like to whip up their own feasts - there are a dishwasher, extractor fan and even a wine basket.

Outside, the villa has one swimming pool shaped like a keyhole, perfect for a quick bath, and another surrounding a hexagonal island with a picnic table on top. The setup really is totally unique. Get active on the house's very own enormous tennis court with equipment ready to use - perfect for working up an appetite for some delicious food at a Greek taverna!

Wind down in the bubbling hot tub with a view over the hillside greenery stretching across the horizon to the sea.

Features

The Villa
Villa Ianassa is a quirky villa located in the outskirts of Kolympia. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and it can host up to 8 people.

Interior

• Open-plan living area and dining area
• Fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar
• Four double bedrooms
• Three bathrooms
• Private gym

Exterior Grounds

• Swimming pool
• Island-like gazebo sitting on larger swimming pool
• Sun beds
• Sun loungers
• Barbecue
• Turf grass
• Outdoors bar and seating area
• Shaded dining area

Additional Facilities

• Fully air-conditioned
• Flat-screen television
• DVD player
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Hair dryer
• Tennis court

Location

You'll find this charming villa in Afantou, on the east coast of Rhodes. The largest and most famous of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes gets 300 days of sunshine a year and has a fantastic, lively atmosphere.

Afantou was founded in the days of Mediterranean pirates - in Greek, the name means 'invisible' as the island cannot be seen from the sea. It was particularly handy for those looking to escape the pirates! In the village square, the Church of Our Lady is spectacular. White with pillars and archways, three layers high, it's a lovely atmospheric church to discover. There is also a permanent folk art exhibition, linked by a tram to the beach in the summertime.

Afantou's beach is perfect for those who like their beaches serene and quiet, with stunning turquoise waters and a 3km stretch of golden sand. On the left side, there are caves and rocks for adventurers to climb and explore. The area is also famous for creating carpets, and the landscape is dotted with olive groves and fruit trees - why not pick up some fragrant olive oil to take home as a souvenir?

Anthony Quinn Bay is just two miles from the area and definitely deserves a visit. This mesmerising beach gets its name from the actor who starred in The Guns of Navarone, a movie partly shot at this beach. He fell in love with Rhodes and ended up purchasing part of it! Dramatic rocky peaks rise from the swirling azure and jade waters - the view from the top is incredible.

Just 11km is the fabled resort of Faliraki, which has been hosting holidaymakers for many years. With a superb beach and plenty of nightlife including Bar Street and Club Street where international DJs play, you certainly won't be short of a cocktail here! In the town, hunt for souvenirs like leather bags and various handicrafts. Faliraki is also famous for its brilliant array of traditional Greek tavernas on the beach.

A lovely day trip is to the famous Seven Springs nature park, a magical landscape wrapped in dense greenery. The clear springs cascade gently into a small lake, where water flows all year round and visitors can swim in the lake. If you don't mind small spaces, you can navigate a narrow tunnel in the park - though the hill route is beautiful - and families can enjoy a gentle walk through the park together surrounded by flocks of peacocks, ducks and geese.

Rhodes is sometimes known as the 'Island of the Knights' as it was occupied by the Roman Empire, then the Byzantine, followed by the Ottomans. Therefore, the island is a melting pot of culture and architecture to this day, especially in the Old Town. Surrounded by fortified walls, the Old Town entrance is guarded through seven gates.

Through the Freedom Gate, you'll discover the Palace of the Grand Master, which also has captivating views and a museum of Rhodian history. The New Town showcases gorgeous Art Deco architecture, particularly the Evangelismos Cathedral, with its intricate frescoes.

The villa is just a 30 minute drive to Lindos, where the narrow winding streets contain handicrafts, jewellers and charming boutiques. The main highlight is the Lindos Acropolis, also known as the ancient citadel, perched high on a clifftop