One man and his blog - Part V
- By Graham Simpson
- 12 Feb 2025
- Views and reviews
Part V
The fifth instalment of Founder Graham Simpson’s blog looks back at summer 2024, and the realisation of a dream 40 years in the making…
News from Diaskari
It seems a long time ago now that we welcomed the full entourage of seven grandchildren and three sets of parents to our newly renovated home in Crete last summer. And to say Diaskari was ready in the nick of time would be an understatement. After almost a year of building works, landscaping and refurbishment, Yianna and I only managed to move in the week before they arrived and though not everything was completely finished, it was very liveable and the pleasure we derived from the family's reaction made it all worthwhile.
Diaskari’s 1.5-acre plot is now a beautiful garden with over 150 trees of multiple varieties, plus hundreds of shrubs, bushes and flowers; all carefully chosen to complement the local Mediterranean climate and able to tolerate the coastal conditions. The yoga platform at the top of the garden proved to be a popular exercise space and the summer kitchen was a big draw for relaxed family gatherings while the dining area on the terrace by the beach proved a dream for lazy lunches delivered from the nearby taverna.
Diaskari Beach House
Outdoor dining at Diaskari
The newly created bathing pool was a huge success with everyone, despite the splendid Diaskari beach next door, and hours were spent messing around here, chatting and playing in the cooling waters. The small stream running into it enhanced the experience just as we’d imagined it would and our eldest grandson Lucas commandeered the neighbouring Shepherd’s Hut and made this his lodging house for the week - delighted to have his own space at the heart of the garden.
Bathing pool
As ever when you welcome friends and family to a new home, the week was marked by many ‘firsts’ but without question, my favourite event of the week was strolling through the garden to enjoy our little amphitheatre’s inaugural concert performed by the grandchildren, with musical recitals from the girls, standup comedy from the boys and some cool ‘street moves’ from Selina our youngest.
Diaskari amphitheatre
Having had the pleasure of our new home for almost six months now, we are excited to watch spring unfold in the garden and welcome in another Cretan summer by the sea. But in July and August this year we are making Diaskari available to Simpson clients; for further information please use the link below.
News from Pefki
Over the years I have waxed lyrical about Pefki, the small mountain village that lies just seven kilometres from Diaskari. We lived there during the pandemic and fell in love with its simple charm and stunning position overlooking the Pefki Gorge, which runs down to the Libyan Sea. Four years on and we are the proud owners of a small collection of houses in the village, most in need of restoration but the first now completed and ready to welcome its first Simpson clients in just over six weeks’ time. Elysia, named because of its blissful position and spectacular views, was an old ramshackle building when we acquired it but thanks to a local builder with a passion and flair for restoring traditional houses, it is now a uniquely beautiful home on the road less travelled.
Elysia
Whilst not for those who require easy access to the sea (15-minutes by car), Pefki will attract clients who wish to take a step back in time and appreciate the simplicity and beauty that inland Greece has to offer. Modern day comforts include two comfortable bedrooms (a double and a single), a small study, a gym and a landscaped garden planted with shrubs and trees that the local goats don't like to eat! We've even created a small rock pool (perfectly sized for a refreshing dip) from where you can savour the stunning view down the valley whilst enjoying your favourite tipple. Just a 5-minute stroll from Piperia, Pefki's charming taverna, Elysia is for nature lovers, walkers, explorers, romantics and perhaps, above all, for those who just want to spend some time away from the 21st century. For further information please use the link below.
Now that Diaskari and Elysia are complete, we will be working with the local community in Pefki to realise our dream to breathe new life into some of the other ancient houses at the heart of this very special village. More anon...
With best wishes,
