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Five Greek boutique hideaways

It's all chic at this collection of rustic farmhouses, elegant villas and contemporary cottages, says Lucy Gillmore

Saturday 13 June 2009 00:00 BST
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Archontiko Angelou, Leros

A pink neoclassical villa, Hotel Angelou dates back to 1895 when it was built as a summer home for the owner, Marianna's great-grandmother. Now an elegant B&B set in lush gardens, it is surrounded by fields and mountains and is a short stroll from the sea. It has six rooms and two suites: upstairs rooms are light and airy, downstairs they are cool with tiled floors. There are no televisions or radios – just peace and quiet. For breakfast Marianna will ply you with home-made bread and jams and freshly squeezed juice.

Archontiko Angelou, Leros, Dodecanese (00 30 22470 22 749; hotel-angelou-leros.com ). Doubles start at €80, including breakfast.

The House of Baba Spiros, Messinia

This tiny 19th-century cottage is a quirky, romantic bolt-hole on the edge of a mountain village. Owned by a couple of British designers, the building's interiors are white with splashes of colour. French windows on the ground-floor lead out to the flower-strewn terrace with views across the valley to the sea. It's a 40-minute walk to a pebbly beach.

House of Baba Spiros, Kato Doli, Messinia, Southern Peloponnese (07703 345231; houseingreece.co.uk ). Weekly rental starts at £475; sleeps three.

Perleas mansion, Chios

This 17th-century farm is certified organic and has over a thousand citrus trees in its orchards. Scattered through the farmhouse and outbuildings are seven charming guest rooms and apartments. Relax in the courtyard or wander past the old water-wheel and lily-filled pond, breathing in the scent of jasmine.

Perleas Mansion, Vitiadou St, Cambos, Chios (00 30 227 103 2217; perleas.gr ). Doubles start at €100, including breakfast.

Aspros Potamos, Crete

At the head of a gorge amid olive trees, these dwellings look down a valley to Pefki village and the sea. The formerly derelict farmers' cottages have been transformed into 10 rustic-chic self-catering properties. No electricity (nor air conditioning), just thick walls, candles and oil lamps.

Aspros Potamos, Makrigialos, Crete (00 302 843 051 694; asprospotamos.com ). Cottages sleeping two start at €40 per night.

Villa de Loulia, Corfu

In a quiet, unspoilt corner of Corfu you will find this luxury retreat, a gracious Italianate villa dating back to 1803. Set in manicured gardens it has been lovingly restored and converted into an elegant boutique hotel. Deep pink walls and green shutters on the outside mirror the vibrant Mediterranean colours within. It is situated in the village of Peroulades, renowned for its Venetian and French architecture.

Villa de Loulia, Perouldades, Corfu (00 30 26630 95394; villadeloulia.gr ). Doubles start at €150, including breakfast.

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