Eco-friendly Home in Crete

The separate wing is home of two (2) separate guest bedrooms, each with private shower room and terrace enjoying marvellous of the sea.

In and below this wing are the machinery and battery room of this green technology house. Several batteries store the electricity which is generated through the multiple solar panels and the wind turbine. The large machinery room houses the operating systems for the central heating, pumps and garden irrigation system. To support the ecologically friendly technology, the house is also insulated to a very high standard and a gas tank is set in separate underground cement cell. The gas is mainly used for cooking but in case the sun was not shining for days it is keeping the machinery working.

The external area adds special charm to the eco-concept of the property. The garden at the front and rear of the villa contains trees, shrubs, domestic plants and herbs, all provided with irrigation system for easy maintenance. The terraces are also overlooking a beautiful wild rock garden with running waters floating down into the natural pool/pond. This additional unique feature totals 50m² with integrated swimming basin of 24m². No chemicals are needed as the unique plants aerate the water and keep it safe and healthy.

Features of this special property

• According to current legislation not taxable


• Independent from electricity
  


• Power supply through sun and wind energy


• 24 solar panels, 69 rechargeable batteries


• 35+15ton underground water tanks


• Huge diesel generator for emergency cases


• High standard of insulation


• Lightning conductor


• External lighting


• Under-floor heating


• Folding sliding patio doors


• Anodised locks and double glazed windows


• Roll-down security shutters and special made mosquito screens

This outstanding property is truly built for the coming generations. With its clear lines it will never become out fashioned and the ecology-minded new technology will keep the surrounding clean, natural and beautiful, not talking about autarkic from the public power authorities.

 

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Location

Kokkino Chorio is a beautiful area located in the Apokoronas region of West Crete. It is a small, traditional Greek village situated on the rugged coast with magnificent across Souda Bay to the Akrotiri Peninsular. To the south the White Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.

The village is famous for its role in the film of “Zorbas the Greek based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis the internationally famous Cretan writer. Still the owner of the local "kafenion" in the centre of the village is proud to talk about Antony Quinn and show his photographs.

A small glass workshop on the outskirts of Kokkino Chorio recycles glass to produce items from “blown” glass. This process can be observed in the mornings and purchases can be made of beautiful lamps and glass ornaments produced.

Overlooking Kokkino Chorio is the strangely shaped Drapanokefala Mountain or Calapodha (so named during the Venetian occupation). The coastline northwest of the village is an extremely interesting place for experienced walkers, with its ground formation and caves, such as the caves of Petsi (or Karavotopos) and Katalimata, which is located at the centre of the village. At cape Drapano, approximately 10 metres under water, is the impressive Elephant Cave, an area 60m² full of stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and colours.

The village of Kokkino Chorio (meaning Red Village) is located on an altitude of 150m, away from the hustle of the towns and tourists. It is an unspoilt Cretan village with breathtaking views over the Souda Bay, the Cretan Sea and of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), and has maintained its traditional architectural style. In the village a part of the famous movie “Zorba the Greek”, starring Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas was filmed in 1964. Nowadays it is a perfect place to enjoy the real Cretan live; in the village are available tavern, kafenia and small shops, and the beachside resort of Almirida is just a 5min (6km) drive away.

Kalives a few villages away, is an agricultural village of some size including a bank with ATM, travel agencies, schools, post office, bakeries, butchers, etc. and the airport of Chania is about 45min away and the port at Souda 30min; whilst the towns of Chania and Rethymno are within approx. 35min. reachable.