Sivas · Messara Valley · South Crete

Three modern houses, one ancient hillside.

Architect-designed retreats built along and into a sun-warmed hill above the Messara Valley — clean lines framing sweeping views from the mountains to the Mediterranean, around a shared infinity pool.

Explore the houses
5 minwalk to Sivas village
15 minto Matala & Kommos beaches
Superhostson Airbnb since 2024
Aerial view of Hillside Crete's three houses built into a hilltop above Sivas village at golden hour
The property from above — Sivas village beyond
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Built into the hill, not onto it

We designed these houses for ourselves — and it shows. Earth-covered roofs and board-formed concrete settle the buildings quietly into the landscape, while floor-to-ceiling windows do the opposite: they open every room to the valley, the mountains, and the sea beyond.

From your terrace you look across olive groves to the ancient Minoan palace of Phaistos, with the Psiloritis massif rising behind. The hillside layout gives each house real privacy — guests regularly tell us they felt like they had the pool to themselves.

And when you want company: the village of Sivas is a five-minute walk downhill, with family-run tavernas open year-round.

Pergola beside the infinity pool with two deck chairs, mountains in the distance
The pool pergola, early evening
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The houses

Main House open-plan living room with corner glazing and mountain views
Two bedrooms · sleeps 4–5

The Main House

Open-plan living with views in every direction, two bedrooms, a serious kitchen, fireplace, and two outdoor spaces.

from €200/nightSee the house →
Upper Guesthouse facade with floor-to-ceiling windows and private patio
One bedroom · sleeps 2–3

Upper Guesthouse

Designed to disappear into the hillside — valley views from your bed, two private patios, and a secluded outdoor shower.

from €100/nightSee the house →
Lower Guesthouse facade between board-formed concrete wings, deck chairs on the patio
One bedroom · sleeps 2–3

Lower Guesthouse

The same quiet architecture one terrace down: Cocomat bed, compact kitchen that misses nothing, patio facing the mountains.

from €100/nightSee the house →
All three houses · sleeps 8–11

The Whole Place

Take the entire hillside: the Main House and both guesthouses, with the pool shared only among your own people. The property is at its best when the people sharing it actually know each other.

The whole place →
Aerial view over the infinity pool and all three houses

Direct rates — below what you'd pay on Airbnb, with cleaning and tourist tax included. Minimum stays: 5 nights in the guesthouses, 6 in the Main House. Final quote on inquiry.

Why book direct

No platform fees

You pay less than on Airbnb, we receive more — we split the difference with you. Simple bank transfer, 50% deposit to confirm.

Talk to the owners

You deal with us, Emmett and Antigoni, from first question to checkout — beach tips, bed setups, late checkout when the calendar allows.

Same houses, same care

Superhosts on Airbnb since 2024. Booking direct gets you the identical stay — Cocomat beds, Korres soap, filtered water, a proper welcome.

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South Crete, from a quiet hill

Sivas villageA five-minute walk downhill. Family-run tavernas open year-round, and proper village life. Where we eat →
Kommos & Matala beachesAbout 15 minutes by car, with dozens more along the south coast. Our beach guide →
PhaistosThe Minoan palace sits in view across the valley — one of Crete's great archaeological sites, minus Knossos's crowds. Visiting Phaistos →
Getting hereAbout an hour's drive from Heraklion airport. A rental car is strongly recommended — we have tips and companies to avoid.
View from the roof across olive groves of the Messara Valley toward the Psiloritis mountains
Psiloritis and the Messara olive groves, from the roof
November — March

A winter base in the south of Crete

Mild winters, a well-heated house, and a sea view to work from. Floor heating, a fireplace with a stocked wood pile, fast Starlink internet, a real kitchen, and a washing machine — the things long stays actually need.

Long stays & winter →
Looking through the Main House windows to the winter-green Messara Valley
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What guests say

"The view is fantastic and the houses — despite their modernity — fit perfectly into the classic landscape. We always had the shared pool to ourselves."

Kerstin · Lower Guesthouse

"Their apartment has everything you need, with quality objects and minimalist design, perfectly reflecting the idea that 'form follows the function'."

Camille & Philippe · Lower Guesthouse

"The area is great — an easy walk to the village of Sivas, with plenty of options for restaurants. Several lovely beach options as well, just 10–15 minutes away."

Georges M · Main House

"Emmett and Antigoni are warm and welcoming hosts. They were extremely responsive and proactive, making our stay easy and relaxing."

Benjamin · Upper Guesthouse

All reviews →

Check availability

Tell us your dates

Send us your dates and party size and we'll reply within 24 hours with availability and a direct quote — lower than the platforms, with nothing hidden. A 50% deposit confirms your dates; the balance is due four weeks before arrival.

Check dates & inquire
Live availability calendar — arriving on the booking page, synced with our Airbnb calendars.
Prefer Airbnb? All four listings are there too.
Check-in 3pm · checkout 11am.