THE FACTS ABOUT PAROS 1S

Greece

Paros, the third-largest island in the Cyclades, is perhaps unfairly known for its chaotic port, package holidays and crowded beaches. But there are also quiet enclaces and stylish houses to rent. Located on a secluded headland above the calm, blue bay of Alyki, Paros 1S is an amalgamation of the traditional and contemporary, built in the Paros vernacular (thick walls, graceful archways) using rock and rough-rendered cement, but adding underfloor heating, Internet access and satellite television. Below the house, at a discreet distance across newly landscaped grounds, is a two-bedroom cottage. The main house is divided into two distinct areas - the enormous living/dining/kitchen area opening on to a terrace through French windows, and the bedroom wing - linked by a covered terrace. Not yet two years old, the house has been gently aged with slabs of ancient marble framing the windows, reclaimed doors painted a crackled blue, and stone floors inlaid with pebbles weathered and smoothed by the sea. The owner sourced much of the furniture from the island, making use of stripped and waxed marble-topped dressers and side tables, old kitchen dressers, and antique tiles and marble sinks. There are views of the neighbouring island of Antiparos from the dining terrace and from the private balcony of the master suite, which extends across the entire top floor of the bedroom wing and has a private living room-cum-study. The grounds stretch to the sea, and to a path that winds along the rocky coast to the village and beaches of Alyki. There are plans to build a swimming pool below the main house in time for this summer. SLEEPS The main house sleeps seven in a double and two twin-bedded rooms (all en suite). There is also a single, en-suite bedroom off the dining area. The pretty cottage sleeps four (two bedrooms and two bathrooms) COST On application CONTACT Ileana von Hirsch at Five Star Greece (020 8422 4885; fax: 8423 4956; www.fivestargreece.com)