The Courtyard House is nestled in the heart of Hydra town. Its great advantage is that it's in a quiet area but is very close to the picturesque harbour where all the restaurants, cafes and shops are. You don't have to climb any steps to get to it. It's a pretty 18th century stone house which retains its original character but has all the advantages of clean, modern living. It has been decorated in a traditional style.
Hydra is one of Greece's most picturesque islands. Due to its status as a national historic landmark, the island's architecture has been beautifully preserved. Visitors can wander the tiny cobblestone lanes in the town surrounded by small traditional dwellings and lovely old stone houses. During the 18th and 19th century, wealthy merchants and ship owners built beautiful Venetian-style mansions on the island. Donkeys and boats are the only mode of transport as cars and mopeds have been banned.
The lovely harbour is filled with shops, restaurants, and quayside cafes where one can sip a leisurely cup of coffee and people-watch. Hydra is popular with artists, writers and wealthy Athenians, but it also preserves a traditional way of life that is becoming increasingly hard to find on other Greek islands.
The entire island has been preserved as a national monument and Hydra's role in the Greek War of Independence is something the islanders are very proud of. The island contributed one of the largest fleets to fighting the Turks at sea and was home to several national heroes. Many sights and exhibits around town illustrate the island's past, and several festivals commemorate its heroes.
There are plenty of opportunities for lovely walks, either through the historic architecture of Hydra town, or to the sleepy fishing village of Kamini, or along the pretty coastline.
For those who are keen on night life, there are a number of popular bars and nightclubs.
The islands of Spetses, Poros, and Aegina are nearby, and can be visited from Hydra in a day trip,
Visitors can reach Hydra from the Athens port of Pireaus by sea (90 minutes by hydrofoil).
Further details
Two nights minimum duration of stay. Easter 4 nights minimum duration of stay.
Further details indoors
With three bedrooms and three bathrooms (1 with a bath tub and 2 with showers), the Courtyard House comfortably sleeps eight. However, there is also a sofa bed in one of the sitting rooms for two extra guests. A travel cot is also available.
Decorated in a traditional style, the house has retained its original character, while at the same time has all the comforts of clean, modern living. The kitchen and all the bathrooms have been newly renovated in 2010. The bathrooms have been completely renovated with classic Villeroy & Boch tiles and fittings. The house contains two living rooms, a large kitchen, a master bedroom and bathroom, and two guest bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. All the rooms have lovely high wooden ceilings and wooden floorboards. The home is perfect for a couple's romantic getaway, a group of friends' holiday or a family's (or two families') summer vacation.
On the first floor, the master bedroom has a double bed and a single bed and use of the main bathroom with bath tub. The master bedroom opens out onto a pretty secluded terrace where one can have quiet cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine surrounded by the smell of jasmine.
The other large bedroom on this level has a double bed and its own balcony. It also has its own en suite bathroom.
The third bedroom is on the ground floor. It has a double bed and a single bed and it also has an en suite bathroom.
The kitchen is large with a family breakfast table and is fully equipped with a toaster, kettle, oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, cutlery and crockery, etc.
Some of the comforts of the Courtyard House include: a DVD player with a 42-inch flat TV screen, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dishwasher, a washing machine, air-conditioning, proximity to the harbour and weekly maid service.
Further details outdoors
The house has a large secluded courtyard with a lovely lemon tree. This pretty courtyard is surrounded by wisteria and jasmine and is an ideal place for a tranquil breakfast.
There is a very high stone wall surrounding the courtyard which contributes to your sense of seclusion within the little town.