Mediterranean Masterpiece: A Villa for Ocean Lovers on Crete

This stunning villa provides the same view of the Cretan Sea as enjoyed by Hercules

The villa’s interiors open onto exterior terraces and a stunning infinity pool area facing Heraklion Bay and the azure Cretan Sea below. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

For the dreamer out there in search of ancient myths, pirate fortresses, dreamy seascapes, and kind of a Bond villain vibe in a home, a magnificent villa for sale on the island of Crete may be just the thing. Situated a stone’s throw away from medieval pirate Enrico Pescatore’s lair overlooking Heraklion Bay and the southern Aegean Sea, Villa Poseidon II offers commanding views.

A private parking area leads to an unpretentious main entrance set in the mountainous Cretan coast overlooking Crete’s capital. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

This unique property is located in the tiny traditional village of Palaiokastro, a few miles outside of Heraklion itself, which happens to be Crete’s capital city.

Inside, chic Italian interiors are bathed in light during the daytime, and the coolness of Aegean moonlight after sunset. Pictured here is one of the living rooms, the informal dining room, and the passage to the fully equipped kitchen. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

A view from the kitchen, looking out onto one of the terraces and Dia Island in the distance. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

Built in 2012, the seafront escape was designed to be visually stunning, yet ultra-functional. The 5,339-square-foot home, which is listed for 2.9 million euros (about $3.32 million), features six luxurious bedrooms, six baths, and two half-baths, as well as just about every amenity you can imagine.

The villa is designed so that light from above penetrates all the levels. Here the external staircase leads from the ground level to the pool and terrace level above. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

There are two living rooms, a professional-grade kitchen, a sauna, a gym, a kids’ playroom or exercise room, a wine cellar, laundry and linen rooms, and much more. On the upper level, the master bedroom features its own bath with a jacuzzi, living area, and dressing room, with a balcony that overlooks the sea and the city of Heraklion.

Another angle of the lower terrace shows the villa as sunset bathes every level in a warm ambiance. The lights of Heraklion can be seen off in the distance. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

Night brings out another brilliant facet of the design of this property. The city lights reflecting off the bay, the crisp illumination, and the reflective transparency of the glass keep colors alive. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

As detailed and luxurious as the interior features of the house are, there’s no escaping the fact that location is the key feature of this home. Situated high up on a half-acre plot directly on the Cretan Sea, the villa’s vantage point is indescribable. Breathtaking is the word that best describes its stunning sea vistas.

All the elements, designed by both man and nature, come together to create a spellbinding effect. The sea surrounding Crete is ever present. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

The materials and the use of ambient light create an atmosphere best understood by holding a glass of the best Cretan wine and staring out to sea. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

The designers also took advantage of the natural landscape by creating interiors that give the feeling of being wrapped in light. The wildness of the surrounding nature is slightly tamed and melts seamlessly with the warm, elegant rooms within the structure. At dawn, the first rays of the sun bathe the villa in a bright, almost surreal burst of color. Then, as night falls, the villa takes on a dreamy and mysterious glow.

The large suites convey a sense of openness and freedom alongside a feeling of solitude and security. This aspect of the property is fascinating, and perhaps the villa’s best selling point. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

The skillfully terraced and landscaped gardens of the villa lead to the private beach and picnic pavilions below. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

This mid-level view of the terraces conveys the remarkable location adjacent to the city named for the Greek hero Hercules. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

The property’s surroundings are dominated by a large infinity pool with a hydromassage feature. There’s also a barbecue area with a fully equipped kitchenette—and a wood-fired oven as well, just for those traditional Cretan specialties.

Down below, relaxing pergolas overlook the southern Aegean Sea, and a private beach lies beneath skillfully manicured garden terraces. Smart home features, more exquisite design and construction elements, and the fragrant scents from lemon, orange, mandarin, and banana trees complete this extraordinary property on Greece’s largest island paradise.

The beach-side pavilion, with its sculpted marble table and seating, is another point of escape on the property. (Pantelis Mathioudakis)

Villa Poseidon II Crete, Greece 2.9 million euros (about $3.32 million)

• 6 bedrooms
• 5,339 square feet
• 0.50 acres

Key Features:

• Commanding views of the Cretan Sea and Heraklion
• Special light and design characteristics
• Infinity pool and terraced gardens
• Private beach and seaside areas
• Ideal location

Agents

Euroland Property Group Chania, Crete, Greece [phone] and [phone]