Diaskari Beach House

Every now and then, the direction of travel is written in the stars. And that’s exactly how Founder Graham and Yianna Simpson felt some 50 years ago when they threw a few essentials into their beloved Citroen 2CV and set off from London to Crete. Weeks later, and almost without knowing how, their first adventure along the road less travelled brought them to Diaskari in a remote and beguiling corner of southeast Crete. Here, on a promontory of rock overlooking a deserted sweep of beach, a humble wine, olive oil and grain warehouse captured their imaginations and etched a place on their hearts forever.   

In the 1980s Diaskari was converted into two simple semi-detached apartments which featured in the Simply Travel portfolio and, despite the modest set up, Graham and Yianna returned again and again to this amazing spot to walk, eat, swim and drift off to sleep with the gentle rhythm of the Libyan Sea as the soundtrack to their visits.

In 2023, having just purchased Diaskari, they decided to embark on a new journey – a 10-month re-imagining and restoration of this former warehouse to make it their home. And though the exterior retains the hallmarks of its rustic roots and the raw splendour of the dramatic location remain unchanged, Diaskari has undergone an extraordinary transformation to become a magical and utterly unique four-bedroom idyll, surrounded by spectacular landscaped gardens, complete with amphitheatre, stream, yoga platform, rock pool and shepherd’s hut. The attention to detail and quality of the finish are outstanding and we are delighted to be able to share this bewitching property with Simpson clients.

The main house is superbly appointed with a spacious open plan living area, designed to accommodate large family groups with ease and two magnificent arched doorways ensure everyone can take full advantage of the seafront terrace and the sparkling sea views. Three stylish ensuite bedrooms have all been individually designed to offer a sumptuous retreat at the end of the day and there’s also a delightful adjoining guest cottage, affectionately named Stargazers thanks to the well-placed skylight above the bed. With its own entrance, kitchen, shower room and open plan living area, it’s a charming addition to the property and ideal for teens, young couples or grandparents wanting a little extra space to call their own. It’s also worth mentioning that the shepherd’s hut is air-conditioned and presents a very comfy sleeping option too, though there’s no bathroom here and it’s probably best suited for older teens or young adults.

A breakfast basket delivery is included throughout your stay ensuring a delicious start to the day whether you’re planning a quiet morning by the sea or an energetic walk up the magnificent Pefki Gorge. With so many fascinating places to visit in this corner of hidden Crete a week isn’t really enough, though there is absolutely no pressure to do anything very much at all and you’ll find everything you need in Makrigialos just a 5-minute drive along the road, including watersports, shops, cafés and tavernas.

Just a few steps down from Diaskari, at the entrance to the beach, you’ll find a picturesque taverna serving excellent locally sourced fare – an unobtrusive atmospheric spot to recount the days’ explorations over a glass or two of wine and a delicious supper. The owners are also happy to serve lunch or dinner on the terrace at Diaskari if requested and if you’d like to take home entertaining to a whole new level, we’d be happy to arrange a little musical soirée in Diaskari’s private amphitheatre too.

So quickly do you feel at home here, it’s hard to believe this isn’t how it was always meant to be. And who knows, perhaps it is. A team of gifted local craftsmen have helped Graham and Yianna realise their vision and make it their own, and their exquisite choice of furniture and artifacts sourced from Athens, India and the UK creates a tranquil and harmonious environment, reflecting their life inspired by travel. Come and experience it for yourself.

Of special importance… It should be stressed that for most of the year Diaskari is Graham and Yianna’s home and their two beloved cats, George and Ellie will remain in residence throughout the summer. They are only allowed in the main living area, are very well mannered, fully inoculated and looked after by the housekeeper. Nevertheless, their presence means this property may not be suitable for everyone.

Looking for 10 nights..? Why not add a 3-night stay in a boutique hotel to your villa holiday. To find out more, view our 10-night holidays in Greece.

Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themselves, ranging from simple seaside charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.