Nestled in the small hillside hamlet of Gallou, Villa Svega retains its Venetian charm and offers a harmonious blend of historical character and comfort. The villa is located on the outskirts, yet it is only a few minutes' drive from the town of Rethymno, providing convenience.

The villa has been part of the owner’s family property for the past 100 years and is believed to date back to the latter half of the Venetian era. The estate covers 2,500 sq. m and includes a late 19th-century neoclassical house, two attached Venetian vaults, and a building that was formerly an oil mill, adjoining the western vault.

The property has been restored using traditional materials to preserve its historical character. The interiors are tastefully furnished with a combination of mellowed stone, solid wood fittings, beamed ceilings, and soft, natural colors, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The west vault and the old oil mill have been converted into a rustic two-story house of 140 sq. m., accommodating up to six guests in three bedrooms. Villa Svega is also suitable for winter stays, equipped with underfloor heating (available at an extra charge) and a large stone fireplace.

Eco-conscious features include solar panels that meet all of the villa’s energy needs and a rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation.

Indoor Layout

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a spacious open-plan area within the Venetian vault, which includes a living room with a large sofa, a fireplace, and a 32” satellite HDTV, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. An old stone passageway leads to the two-story oil mill house.

On the ground floor, the master bedroom features a double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The main bathroom, also on this floor, includes a hydromassage bath and shower.

A wooden staircase leads to the first floor, which houses two bedrooms, each with two single beds. From there, a further flight of stairs provides access to a large tiled rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of an oak forest to the east, the sea to the north, and the village below, an ideal spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

The villa does not have air conditioning, but its 1.5-meter-thick stone walls maintain a naturally cool indoor temperature during the summer. Ceiling fans are provided in both first-floor bedrooms.

Outdoor Area

The villa’s landscaped outdoor area offers a variety of spaces for relaxation and dining. The south patio, enclosed by high Turkish walls, provides privacy for sunbathing or al-fresco meals. Key outdoor features include:

-A private 42 sq. m swimming pool, 0.65–1.60 m deep

-Fully equipped barbecue area with a charcoal grill

-Two outdoor dining tables under the patio with views of the pool and the surrounding landscape

-Multiple furnished relaxation areas with sun beds, umbrellas, benches, and chairs

-Assigned outdoor parking space

-Fully fenced grounds for complete privacy

Eco Awareness

The Mylonakis family, who have managed Villa Svega for 22 years, have implemented sustainable practices to minimize the villa’s environmental impact. These include reducing lawn areas, using gravel to limit water evaporation, planting additional trees, and incorporating Mediterranean plants that require minimal irrigation.

A 10 kW photovoltaic system provides the villa with 100% of its electricity, independent of external sources. The garden irrigation system is designed for maximum efficiency, with watering limited to 20 minutes per session.

Guests are kindly asked to rinse off before using the pool and to minimize the use of sunscreens or tanning oils, which can affect water quality and require additional chemical treatment.