Owners overview
AMETHYST
AMETHYST is a village house, in the heart of the village of Thanos, on the island of Limnos. We have renovated and decorated it in a style combining the simplicity of a village house with the comforts of a fine hotel. The metre thick walls, the pine floors, the exposed roof timbers, the stone fireplace, the white washed stone walls, are all typical of the local architecture. From the windows, and from the terrace the views sweep across the fields down to the beach and the sea. Inside you will find every home comfort. A small but fully equipped kitchen. A dining/living room with a large convivial table surrounded by ancient taverna chairs and a large sofa covered with soft multicoloured cushions facing the fireplace and shelves of books to browse through. Upstairs a large bedroom with a lounge area with flat screen TV, and a soft king-sized double bed, just like in a five star hotel. The bathroom is small but well equipped with a large tiled shower, and a washing machine. In short all the advantages of a cosy hotel hidden in the middle of a quiet Greek island village. The house is best suited for two people. But a foldaway sofa bed can accomodate two more people. (The sister house, Isatis, in the same style, is larger with two bedrooms). We always meet our guests on arrival at the airport or harbour. We will show you the way to the house and give you the "keys" to the island. The cupboards and fridge will be stocked with all the basics, and also some local specialities to taste. Our housekeeper ensures cleaning and laundry changes twice per week.
THANOS
THANOS is a small mountainside village with magnificent views across country to the sea. It’s a pretty village, with surprises at each street corner for those who explore. It is quiet. Most of the streets are too narrow and steep to allow cars to pass. You will hear the church bells calling, the cocks crowing, and the lambs bleating in the surrounding fields. And at sunset you can hear a calm silence descend on the island. This is not a tourist venue, but a real Greek village. Your neighbours will be on one side Meni and her husband Odysseus, the local builder, and on the other side Mrs Kula, a retired seamstress. All of the villagers will welcome you with a simple sincere hospitality. The village has several little bars, the taverna run by Catherina, and several local shops. Down the hill, fifteen minutes walk across the fields is the beach…the best on the island.
LIMNOS
LIMNOS is the eighth largest Greek island, but one of the least well known, rarely mentionned in the guide books. It sits near to the entrance of the Dardanelles, in the north east Aegean. The scenery is gentle. In winter and spring the island is green like Ireland, and covered with fattening sheep. In summer the cornfields are burnt gold by the sun. But all year round there is a quiet peaceful atmosphere that will beguile you. We went to the island for the first time twelve years ago and have returned every year since, like many other people that we have met, who have fallen in love with the simple beauty, the tranquil charm, and the gentle welcome. This is not, though, a desert island. There are sixteen thousand Limniots, many of whom live in the main town of Myrina which sits around a delightful harbour offering a big choice of tavernas and shops. This is Greece. You will hear other languages spoken, but the island has not been spoilt by mass tourism. History and legend offer places to visit. Europe’s oldest known town is on the island’s east coast. Haephestos was exiled here by Zeus. If you are looking for a quiet holiday of books, beaches, and gentle walks, then Limnos is for you. This is also an island of fisherman and farmers. The food is generally local, fresh, varied, simple, wholesome and excellent. The local wine is good too, and the beach side tavernas are ready to welcome you with a cheerful Yassas! Cheers!