QUALITY STAY – HIGH STANDARDS … ..A STEADY VALUE!




We have visited Zagora several times in the past but never before did we spend more than 2 or 3 hours at this specific village. It was always a stop for lunch and nothing more which proved wrong because the village has much to offer. HOSPITALITY: The mansion and the people behind this business made our stay look like a break and it was as if we were visiting relatives. This is how the situation was out here.  

It is not the kind of guest house with a reception desk but we were shown to our suite in minutes and we met George & Mariana the time we were going out for lunch. Warm and kind and extremely discreet George was anxious to hear our first impressions.

THE HOUSE: The traditional stone-built manor is a structure of the 18^th century . The first owners was a wealthy and famous family well-known to all Greeks. Alexandros Pantos lived here with his family, the one who founded the "Panteion School" of University of Athens. Those years Pantos was active both in his country and abroad but his main priority was the place of his origin –Zagora, where he was a great benefactor.

This old building is totally renovated the moment the Stamou family who are the new owners undertake the ownership. The Greek law allows renovations but demands the unique architecture and style of original buildings to be kept, so the house has its originality like the rest of the old mansions in the area. There is a second, much smaller building at the other end of the beautiful gardens and with the recent renovations the owners created 2 more suites for their guests.

THE MAIN BUILDING: The rooms and suites in the main building don't exceed the 6 or 7. The stained glass motives on the windows of the bottom stairs leading to the upper floors are impressive . I had the opportunity to see the interior of three different rooms and a suite. I found them warm and nice, and they exude a calm and welcoming atmosphere while the entire building keeps the glamour of the past. The magic of this building is that both in the common areas and the interiors the traditional flair is combined with good taste and charm.

STONE HOUSE: The suite we had was on the upper floor of the second building. George told me that it used to be a servant’s room the years when the Pantos family lived here. It is actually a double room, huge and comfortable with old antique type of furnishings, a fireplace and a small private balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens. Its interior has an exposed wooden –Pelian type of roof and wooden floor.

Towels were nicely packed and kept in a locking cabinet made of wood and glass, and not exposed on top of the bed. (I found this cute). Antiques and other works of art decorate the interior providing the ideal comfort and space to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings . Facilities like a mini fridge, a hairdryer, a satellite TV and Wi Fi are provided.

The winter look of the interior changes with the coming of the first rains. The bed is covered by a beautiful heavy quilt of multiple colours, a type of patchwork and it does match well with the dome lamp that hangs from the ceiling. Mats are also placed on the wooden floor by the two sides of the bed creating an even warmer ambience for a perfect stay.

BATHROOM: It was not that big but it was functional, pleasing colours with a few details that added charm to the room. The highlight however was the unbelievable pressure of the water coming through the shower giving the body an extra special massage. Not even in Spa hotels did I see this strong flow of water coming out of a simple shower facility!

GARDEN: Wow! How can I describe it! The garden was not only amazingly beautiful but nicely decorated with style and much care . The property is surrounded by huge trees on all sides offering a remarkable privacy which I am sure it is appreciated by most guests. Colourful plants and flowers decorate two fountains one down by the entrance gate and the other on the upper blue-grass garden. The upper garden is full of colours and fragrances and so inviting that you want to have a drink or remain outside with the rest of the guests and family members and enjoy happy-go-lucky moments. Chatting has to do with daily excursions, activities and tips and places not to be missed shared between guests and family members. The truth is that you feel more than a family guest than a client and this is the magic of the whole idea.

BREAKFAST: Breakfast in summer is taken right by the entrance gate next to the little fountain surrounded by lush greenery. It is rich and tasty and is served to the table with culinary options of the local cuisine and it is different each morning. Our nutrient breakfast includes top quality homemade pies and pancakes, honey and marmalades, omelettes and rice puddings . In other words breakfast include everything one needs to make the first meal of the day special. It is enough to fill you up for hours.

RESTAURANT: In summer the Italian Restaurant opens every night and functions outside in the amazing paradise-like gardens. The tastes are flavoursome and the Italian recipes authentic. The master in the kitchen is George himself who is a qualified chef with good knowledge of the Italian cuisine and fluent in the Italian language. On his menu list there are several options and alternatives of genuine pasta and pizzas which are made from fresh ingredients.

With the first rains the Italian Restaurant moves inside the beautifully decorated Café bar “Anamella” but it opens only on Fridays and Saturdays. The list of beverages is long, -wine from the cellar or a cold beer is always ideal to accompany a nice meal but guests can also enjoy their drink or coffee next to the fireplace enjoying the snugness of the stylish interior with the background of some great music.

ACTIVITIES: Mariana and George are appropriate to help guests organize unique vacations through integrated quality packages according to the need of the individual and his budget. Contact them and find out what activities are on offer and the cost. To name one, is the exploring the wild beauty of eastern Pelion through the amazing forests, stone bridges and waterfalls in one of the owners 4WD cars . Let them know your interests and leave the rest to them.

ATTRACTIONS: The beaches of “Horefto,” “Ag. Saranta,” “Parisaina,” “Elitsa” and several more are a few of the beaches in short proximity. The road to 'Elitsa’ is steep and the coast (wild-like) but pays back from the breathtaking view.

The ski centre “Agriolefkes” is just a 25 minute drive from the village.

Zagora is the biggest of the 24 villages of Pelion and is surrounded by woods. Fruits thrive here, especially apples and you should not miss visiting the Museum and the school of “Rigas Feraios”. What composes the uniqueness of this place are the cobblestoned pavements, the old churches and chapels, the fountains with cool crystal waters, the imposing mansions, and the breathtaking view of the sea from the mountain. The location combines unique mountain experience, snowy landscape in winter, as well as beach holidays since it is only a matter of minutes (10-20 the most) to the nearest coast .

DINING OUT: I highly recommend the restaurant “ PETROS “ by the central square. A unique location, probably the best in the area. We found the cuisine of Fani –Petro’s wife excellent and good value for money. We were told about the beach restaurant the family owes under the same name and we tried it as well.

It is called ‘PETROS o SOGAMBROS’. It is probably the most popular tavern in Horefto so if you get down to the beach I urge you to give it a try. Why? Because it’s simply the best. A bunch of professionals, impeccable service and tastes with flavours that travel you. (Check for my review)

In all, thank you guys for the warm hospitality. Be yourselves and don’t change at all. Keep the high standards….you are great!