Description High Nobility: Rethimno

This sprawling estate with luxurious niceties accommodates the whole family – and then some. Constructed using stone from Crete’s Psiloritis Mountain, the five-storey abode offers unfettered views of the glittering Cretan Sea at any given opportunity.

Inside, it’s modern yet understated, with a focus on natural textures and neutral tones. Take a seat on the Chesterfield couch and watch the world pass by through the wall of glass or slink up to the main bedroom and soak it all up from the veranda.

Pick out a bottle of red from the wine cellar and serve it alongside a tasty banquet cooked up in the summer kitchen. After clearing away the plates, find a spot to relax in the sunshine as the little ones play lawn games. Loll about on the low-slung sofas or cosset a lounger by the poolside. Another idyllic day ends with a pamper session in the sauna and a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

And if you’ve a hankering for the exclusive advantages of a hotel stay, your host is on hand to arrange helicopter rides and yacht trips.

Home truths:
*The sixth bedroom comprises a bunkbed which is best suited to children
*Baby cots and high chairs are available upon request
*This home is spread across five floors
*Parking for up to ten cars is available on the premises
*The chapel can be used for weddings, baptisms or private prayer
*Room service is available up to midnight