Zeus's Thunderbolt

Perched on the west coast of Crete with spectacular views of the Meditteranean Sea, this villa feels like a private corner of paradise reserved just for you.

The swimming pool surrounded by rocks has been expertly built into the landscape so that it looks as if it's part of the ocean beyond. Stretching around the house itself is a pergola that offers a shady respite from the sunshine, as well as spots for lounging, barbecuing and dining alfresco. As if that wasn't enough, there's also a Jacuzzi on the rooftop which offers a lovely panorama as you sink into the bubbles.

With an exterior this incredible, some architects might be tempted to phone it in when it comes to designing the interior, but credit must go to the brains behind this project as the inside living space is a thing of beauty, too. As well as a predominance of natural materials and colours, plus huge windows and doors to maximise upon the fortuitous amounts of natural light enjoyed in these parts, certain Cretan traditions have been incorporated into the design, as seen with the patterns used and the lace covers on the beds and sofa.

Although you could very easily never leave the address, the next beach is only half a kilometre away and there are plenty of seafront restaurants to get acquainted with on this side of the island.

Home truths:
*The home has a parking space
*A breakfast basket is delivered to the villa every day, while maid service and linen changes happens twice a week
*A residential manager is available 24/7 in case of any issues
*The villa is spread across a single storey