What To Expect
Pefko House is the colourful gem set on the hillside overlooking the whole of Hydra town and harbour. It is a very 'private' house offering an idyllic getaway retreat where you can literally rise above the stress and rush of normal life to unwind, relax and recharge. Read full description.
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Full Description
Pefko House is the colourful gem set on the hillside overlooking the whole of Hydra town and harbour.
It is an idyllic getaway retreat where you can literally rise above the stress and rush of normal life to unwind, relax and recharge. The house is full of charm and character combined with all mod-cons and numerous vantage points where you can sunbathe, paint or simply relax in the garden's water feature while you admire the long-reaching views. The house and abundant garden will conspire to make you feel like you want 'stay at home' for your holiday because it is a little oasis of stylish tranquillity.
This home features a number of unique architectural novelties. The cisterna (a freshwater tank) between the dining hall and sitting room has been converted into a wine cellar with a wooden bridge between the two rooms. And the much larger cisterna in the kitchen is in the process of being converted into another wine cellar. As you walk over the toughened glass, it feels as though you are floating above a cavern below.
The bright, airy sitting room features a wood-burning fireplace, which even though the house can be heated throughout the winter without it, a real fire during the offseason really does create a snug and cosy atmosphere.
The traditional beam & reed ceiling, stone-built units and well-head give a hint of what Hydra houses were like in the 1800s but the kitchen has been expertly fitted with modern appliances making it delightfully convenient for the most demanding of cooks or even a guest chef if you want to cater a party. There is a kitchen courtyard, planted with herbs, and steps from the courtyard lead to the upper, east-facing terrace.
The guest bedroom on the ground floor has a distinctly monastic feel in its simplicity. A corridor from the dining hall passes the guest bathroom. Because it is also a converted cisterna it has curved walls, and above the extra-large shower, there is an opening in the ceiling which used to be the wellhead, for fresh air ventilation. The inner hall has plenty of cupboards and concealed drawers so clothes can be unpacked. This is also where you'll find the laundry facilities. And from the inner hall, steps lead up to the cool double sleeping platform of the bedroom.
The master suite is on the top floor and features a wooden Ottoman panel above the centrally positioned extra-large double bed. You'll find plenty of wardrobe space with concealed drawers so you can comfortably unpack. The windows overlook both East and West views so this room is always bright and airy. For those who like to sleep with the windows open, there is a large mosquito net to drape over the four-poster bed. The ensuite shower room with its North facing window, so you have a view while you shower has been redesigned with taller people in mind so the shower cubicle is very accommodating.
At the top of the stairs from the dining hall, there is a small bedroom, with a double bed, which overlooks the garden with West views and easy access to the terraces. This bedroom is ideal for family members as they will share the master suite bathroom.
The two top-floor sun terraces provide South as well as East views so you can experience the dramatic light changes at different times of the day. You'll find plenty of good quality outdoor furniture and from the East facing terrace, steps lead down to the kitchen courtyard so getting supplies of chilled drinks and mezes is easy.
The garden is one of the largest cultivated, private gardens on the island. It's well planted with scented and colourful shrubs and flowers and has lots of different areas providing light and shade. The huge pine tree, from which the house derives its name, dominates the main front terrace from where you can overlook the panoramic vista of Hydra laid before you.
The views extend over the sea to the Peloponnese mainland to the North, the amphitheatre mountainsides that embrace Hydra to the East and to the West you look towards the Kamini to Vlychos valley and glorious sunsets over the island of Dokos.
In addition to good quality furniture, the garden also has a water feature so you can cool off during the heat of the day if you don't feel like walking to the beach for a swim.
Getting to Pefko House
Please make no mistake, Pefko House is a good 20 minutes walk for an average person, from either Hydra or Kamini harbours and you will have to go up Hydra's iconic steps. Pefko is for those looking to 'escape' and want to enjoy more of Hydra than just the harbour, hiking Hydra's countryside, visiting the island's landmark monasteries, taking a horse trek or walking to the deserted natural beaches on Hydra's South coast. Or you can simply spend your time at home enjoying the superb view with a chilled glass of wine, catching up with your book list.
From Hydra Town the most direct route is along the A. Miaoulis Street via the Goroyannis Mansion at Kala Pigadia, then the steps up to Ag. Konstantinos to reach the house at Kiafa. This route takes most people 20 minutes and for those who like to keep up their fitness routine, it is an excellent daily aerobic workout.
From Kamini Harbour and the neighbouring beach, there is a more gentle route that also takes the average person 20 minutes but with fewer steps to negotiate. Kamini beach with the upmarket Castello Restaurant is the closest swimming place from the house.
Vlychos beach (and the Enalion Restaurant & Marina's Taverna) and then Plakes beaches (FourSeasons Hydra Restaurant) are about 30 & 40 minutes walking distance going along the inland roads.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday on Hydra Island.
(Written by Kelsey Edwards for HydraDirect)