Elysium is a charming 200 years old stone villa in the heart of peaceful village on the southern slopes of the Troodos. The shady stone courtyard with its original kleftico ovens and ancient winery gives way to a spacious beamed interior full of character. There are 4 bright ensuite bedrooms - one of which was the village Court House! The large beamed living/dining room leads out to a veranda over the cobbled street - ideal for morning coffee while the village below stirs into life. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped for all your culinary and laundry needs. The large vine-clad sun terrace is ideal for al fresco dining, relaxing or sun bathing amidst stunning views to the summit of Mt Olympus. Enjoy the delights of a bygone age from the comfort of this fine old family home; bread, fruit, cheese and honey sold daily at the door, the clattering hooves of donkeys, the chatter of village housewives, the tolling bell of the Venetian church - the real Cyprus is yours to enjoy at Elysium.
Village and locality: Potamiou is an ancient, unspoilt mountain village where life reflects the passing seasons. This is true rural Cyprus - the villagers are hospitable and friendly and their old ways are unchanged. Donkeys amble down the cobbled street past Elysium to the vineyards and the river below, and back again at days' end, and the church bell tolls the call to worship as it has done since Venetians came. The mountainsides around the house are clothed in vineyards, and walking trails wend through Roman olive groves to neighbouring villages. This is a peaceful region known for wineries, walking, and historic sites. Call in at any winery to sample the produce, at any church to view
holy relics and frescos, or walk amongst fields of birds and wild flowers.
3kms walk/drive away are Omodhos and Vasa. Omodhos is a beautifully restored village with a wealth of cafes and craft shops. Vasa is pretty with a working winery and Ariadne's Restaurant which does the best traditional food in the area.
Take a drive...: The snow line of Mt Olympus encompasses the house and the ski lifts at Platres are just 15mins away. Elysium is an ideal base for a ski weekend. Or visit in the summer to escape the heat, enjoy the pine forests, and hear the nightingales in full song. A short drive on from Platres is the Kykkos monastery famous for its liquor and wine making.
A neighbouring village is Vouni which is home to the famous Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary as well as Takis taverna which serves the finest Cyprus meze.
Or try the rose fields and perfumery in Agros village - a must in May/June!
The picturesque bays of Avdimou and Pissouri are 25mins away - ideal for all water sports, sun bathing and moon light dining at the pretty fish restaurants beside the Mediterranean Sea.
The Roman amphitheatre, temples and racing staduim are a 25 mins drive away at Curium. The beach here is wide and long - good for strolling or swimming. In the summer the Ampitheatre hosts Shakespeare in the open air by the sea.
Hit the highway...: The only highway in Cyprus allows easy access to a wealth of tourist treasures. Day trip to Paphos town, see Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's birthplace), the Vakas Gorge (4x4 needed), the gorgeous sea views from the Paphos coast road, the unmissable Akamas penisula via the harbour village of Polis. Ancient churches, monasteries and wineries are everywhere!
Another treasure only 25 mins away is Kolossi Castle, the preserved Crusader fortress. Also the medieval castle in Limassol Old Town and nearby St Andrew's Street for shopping. Or try the huge water park at Fassouri, only 30 mins from the house.
Don't forget the famous divided capital city, Nicosia - so modern and chic, so ancient and historic. Visit the Green Line held by the UN, cross over to Turkish Cyprus for the day - a different world! Also visit the mountain monastry of Stavrovouni to see the relic of the Holy Cross - women cannot enter - however enjoy stunning views across the entire island from this holy fortress.
