West Crete - A Place in the Sun

2023 / West Crete, Jean Johansson on 26 January 2023

West Crete, Jean Johansson

Jean Johansson is on the glorious Greek island of Crete helping Jeanette and Phil, who are dreaming of starting a new, relaxed way of life in the sunshine while spending more quality time together. They’re focusing their search around the beautiful, ancient city of Chania and ideally want a 3-bedroom detached house with a pool. They’ve given Jean a budget of £170,000 and she’s hunted out 5 fantastic properties for them to see, but will any match the couple’s idea of perfection?

About the area

You can fly direct to Crete from the UK in around 4 hours to either of its two international airports, Heraklion in the centre of the island, or Chania in the west – which is where this house-hunt is based. Crete is the largest and most southerly of all the Greek islands, stretching for 160 miles east to west and 37 miles north to south at its widest point, with a population of more than six hundred thousand people. The Cretan air is known for its healing powers, and its crystal clear Mediterranean waters aren’t bad either – the island has no less than 112 blue flag beaches! Chania is Crete’s second city, known for its Venetian harbour and beautiful architecture – and it’s perfect for hanging out on the beach by day then nipping into town for a bite at night?

Property 1

Three-bed House in Plaka

This upside-down house has a wraparound courtyard garden with an outdoor cooking area, one balcony with sea views and another larger balcony with mountain views. Inside on the upper floor there’s a light filled open plan living, dining and kitchen area, along with a bedroom and separate WC. Downstairs there are two more bedrooms, a bathroom and a shower room. See more from the agent.

Valued at £183,333 at the time of filming.

Property 2

Three-bed Traditional Cretan House

This traditional Cretan house has a garden at the side with potential for a pool, and two good sized terraces, one on the first floor and one on the roof, both of which have great views. Inside there’s a large light filled open plan multi level space, with a couple of different lounge areas, a kitchen and dining area, and 3 bedrooms on the mezzanine levels. There’s also a family bathroom and a WC. See more from the agent.

Valued at £175,926 at the time of filming.

Property 3

Two-bed Villa with a Pool

This villa has a Mediterranean garden and tiled area surrounding the pool, a large covered patio area at the side and a smaller one at the back overlooking the pool, along with another courtyard area on the other side. Inside there’s a light filled living room with a wood burner, which leads into the kitchen/dining room, and a shower room downstairs. Upstairs there’s the master bedroom which leads onto a balcony, and a second bedroom which also has its own balcony, along with a family bathroom. See more from the agent.

Valued at £185,556 at the time of filming.

Property 4

Four-bed House in Kokkino Chorio

This house has a large courtyard and garden area at the front along with a similar sized space at the back, as well as a terrace off the main bedroom and another terrace off the living room, both of which have sea views. The upper floor of this upside-down house has a light filled open plan living dining and kitchen area, another lounge which could also be used as a bedroom, and a shower room. The lower floor has two bedrooms, both of which have terraces, and there’s also a huge basement, currently used as a living and sleeping space, which has its own separate shower room. See more from the agent.

Valued at £180,556 at the time of filming.

Property 5

Two-bed House in Tavronitis

This detached house has a courtyard garden at the back with its own alfresco cooking area, as well as a large terrace on the top floor which has stunning sea views. Inside there’s a recently renovated modern kitchen, the living room which has patio doors opening onto the garden, two bedrooms downstairs, one of which opens onto the garden, and a shower room. The upper floor has one room currently used as a living room, which opens onto the terrace. See more from the agent.

Valued at £162,037 at the time of filming.

Hot Property

Luxury Waterfront Villa

One of the most luxurious properties in this part of Crete, just outside Chania near the village of Chorakia. This brand new villa lies right on the water with stunning views out to sea, and it has been built to allow you to enjoy those views from pretty much everywhere in the building, which is light airy and open plan throughout. No expense has been spared in the finish, and that’s reflected in the price tag, which wouldn’t leave you much change from 6 and a half million pounds. For more information on this property.

Valued at £6.5 million at the time of filming.