5 Bedroom Self Catering Apartment in Sapounakaiika

Designed and built by Doris' architect son Nikos, the complex is in the stunning valley above Tyros, about 200 metres from the village square of Sapounakaiika. This is the heart of Arcadia, the land of thinkers, muses and poets – and antique cities. 
 
Nikos created an extraordinary complex by combining original and new materials (stone, wood, concrete) as well as modern and classical architectural influences which fit perfectly into the natural setting. It was finished in September 2002. 
 
Our guests often spend hours simply drinking in the atmosphere, listening to the cicadas and enjoying the scents of thyme, oregano, sage and bay. 
 
The accommodation is exclusive and thus ideal for holidaymakers who prize a relaxed and quiet environment, combining the sea and the mountains, and who want to discover the flora and fauna as well as our cultural origins in Greek antiquity. 
 
The studios are about 38 square metres, with bed- and living-room combined. Modern elements like exposed concrete and sliding windows work optically with hand-worked natural stone and beds made by a local blacksmith. 
 
A further bed and/or child or baby's bed can be added on request. A cooking corner has everything self-caterers might want. Each studio has its own bathroom. 
 
Each also has its own balcony – or terrace for those on the ground floor, which is particularly suited to families with children. The little ones can go from the terrace directly into the garden. 
 
Telephone, television, videos, books, boules and internet access are all available on request. 
A shared utilities room with washing machine and dryer as well as a freezer is also close by. 
Bedclothes, hand- and beach-towels are provided and regularly changed. 
 
Central heating keeps things cosy during the chilly low season. 
 
Guests generally opt for self-catering. The local shops in Sapounakaiika offer all that is necessary. Tyro’s beach also has various small supermarkets, a butcher and vegetable shops. This is about 20 minutes away on foot. 
 
Doris' garden is blessed with ancient olive trees, orange, mandarine and lemon trees which deliver lots of fruit. Doris can also cook for guests on request – sourcing many of the ingredients from the garden. 
Once or twice a week Doris cooks for everyone – mostly a three-course meal, featuring her specialities such as cayenne chicken, filet in a green pepper and cream sauce, vegetarian dishes or grilled fish and vegetables. She serves it all with a house wine, rounding off the Greek-northern European hospitality. These are great evenings when the guests get to know each other and Doris. 

A sailing school for children operates in Tyros during the summer and Doris is happy to book a place – as far ahead as possible. Mountain bikes and 50cc scooters can be rented in Tyros the latter are perfect for longer trips around the area and visits to various beaches. Divers can find everything they need in Leonidio, 18 km drive away.

Hiking: 
A system of stone pyramids bearing red spots marks the way for longer expeditions into the neighbouring villages or to the higher reaches. Light walking shoes are recommended for comfort but also to protect ankles from thistles and scratches as well as the odd snake, most of which are non-poisonous. 
Guided walks are also possible to arrange. Good friends of ours who moved to Tyros 20 years ago are happy to take you through the local countryside. 
 
Skiing: 
Hard to believe, but the third biggest ski area in Greece is just 90 minutes' drive from Spiti-Kyparissi. 
 
The 2,300 metre high mountain Helmos offers a stunning view of the snowy mountainscape of the Peleponnese and the Corinthian Sea. 
 
The ski season runs from the middle of December to the end of March. Casual skiers can hire all kinds of equipment from snowboards through to carving skis. 
 
Further info on the ski area on www.kalavrita-ski.com/