The Wheatfield House

Sifnos, Greece
Book from GBP Book from £833 per night

Luxurious private villa (sleeps 6) in blissful seclusion on Sifnos, with sea views from the infinity pool and unspoiled countryside all around

Luxurious private villa (sleeps 6) in blissful seclusion on Sifnos, with sea views from the infinity pool and unspoiled countryside all around

It would be tempting to never leave the cocooned splendour of The Wheatfield House, a sprawling estate on the Greek island of Sifnos. We plan to while away the days floating in the infinity pool with its rustic backdrop of mountains and views over the Aegean. Or ambling around the estate's olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards, stopping for a picnic in the shade of a gnarled olive tree. Or just kicking back and relaxing on one of the villa's many whitewashed terraces. You may be visited by a friendly cat during your stay. This is a getaway in the truest sense.

The property is a match for its environment. The villa has three plush suites, each one a paean to understated, modernist luxury. The master bedroom alone (which spans the entire top floor) has four terraces (with views to four islands), two verandas and 360-degree views. There’s also a home office, a dining room, a chef’s kitchen and even a powder room. The design is simple, clean and informed by its Cycladic surroundings: white walls, neutral materials and a commitment to sustainability.

But don't miss the other charms of this island paradise – its golden beaches fringing the coastline, the delectable food scene for which the island is known, and the network of local villages rich with chapels, tavernas and artisan shops. There's plenty to do – but always that temptation to do absolutely nothing.

Highs

  • Privacy – surrounded by 2 hectares of quiet farmland, where the only interruptions are the hum of cicadas and tinkling goat bells
  • Space – five verandas plus assorted nooks and crannies for reading, relaxing and meditating
  • Sustainability – the estate is committed to organic farming, and from 2024 it'll produce much of its own electricity and have an electric car charger
  • The 60sq.m heated infinity pool – just look at that view!
  • The location – Sifnos has a gourmet reputation and some lovely beaches, and the lack of an airport means it's not overrun with tourists

Lows

  • You’ll definitely need a car. The nearest towns of Artemonas and Apollonia are 3-5km away and the nearest beach is a 20-minute drive
  • Minimum stay of 1 week; Sat-Sat only
  • No extra beds and no twin beds
  • Kids are welcome but the house is not specifically designed to be child-proof
  • The gardens are recently planted and have yet to mature

Best time to go

The season in Sifnos is relatively short – May to October – which is when most of the shops and restaurants are open and the sea begins to warm. In spring, Sifnos is lush green with carpets of wildflowers, perfect for those seeking authentic Cycladic experiences. It doesn’t get too hot in summer thanks to the gentle Aegean breeze. For walking trips, autumn is best but the dining options may be limited. The villa is closed in winter.

Our top tips

Naturally for such a small island, nightlife is subdued, but Saturday night is party night and Apollonia is the centre of the action. It has a host of chic cocktail bars that have sprung up recently. After midnight, Botzi is a hive of Afro-Cuban tunes, punchy mojitos and smoke-filled rooms. But also check out Argo and Terrasse.

Great for...

Beach
Eco
Family
Great Outdoors
  • Boutique Villa
  • 1 villa for 6
  • Self-catering; restaurants nearby
  • All ages welcome
  • Open all year
  • Heated Pool
  • Spa Treatments
  • Beach Nearby
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car essential
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Daily Maid Service
  • Towels & Bedlinen
  • English-speaking caretaker
Room:

Rooms

The star is the master bedroom, which takes up the entire top floor. It has 360-degree views of the mountains and sea, a very inviting-looking sunken bath, twin washbasins, twin toilets, a double shower, two verandas and a whopping four private terraces with views to Paros, Naxos, Syros, and Mykonos. The two guest bedrooms aren't quite so vast, but they still have their own bathrooms (shower, WC, sink), terraces and sea views.

All the rooms share a similar design – clean white walls, earth-toned fittings, and natural or recycled materials such as wood and linen. The beds come with handcrafted Coco-Mat and Media Strom mattresses, and there’s also aircon and WiFi in every room.

The living room is vast and airy with high ceilings, a fireplace and French windows, and is elegantly furnished with a stone-coloured fabric corner sofa, cushions and throws. The kitchen is all clean lines and Eggersmann cabinets. There’s a small breakfast bar but you’ll prefer the large indoor dining area with, yes, more sea views!

Features include:

  • Mosquito net
  • Tumble dryer
  • Washing machine
  • WiFi

Eating

Wheatfield House is self-catering but a quick trip to Apollonia will supply most of your daily needs. Moscha grocery store in Kamares (4km) offers an efficient grocery delivery service. The chef's kitchen comes with every mod con including a DeLonghi cappuccino maker; all other appliances from the wine fridge to the induction oven are by Miele as well as the washer and dryer in the basement. There's even a huge Bull Bison US-style barbecue on the terrace.

Sifnos itself is a foodie paradise and was recently rated as having "the most sizzling food scene in the Med". It was also the home of Nicholas Tselementes, the father of modern Greek cooking.

Omega 3 in Platys Gialos is a favourite with the jet set. The chef here is a former molecular biologist and he revels in experimentation – seafood is cured and caramelised and cooked sous vide. Try the smoked herring and goat’s cheese crostini, or the squid tempura, or octopus in Mavrodaphne wine. Trendy Rabagas in Apollonia specialises in nouvelle Cycladic dishes, while quality homely fare can be had at nearby Okyalos (pork, leeks and cashew in a grain mustard sauce; or vegetarian options such as baked aubergine with mizithra; or Sifnian speciality revithada – chickpeas cooked for 6 hours in a wood oven.) Drakakis in Apollonia and Manolis Taverna on Vathi beach also come recommended.

Features include:

  • Barbecue
  • Coffee maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Fridge
  • Full kitchen
  • Hob or stove
  • Meal delivery service
  • Oven
  • Welcome hamper
Eating:
Activity: Sifnos villages

Activities

  • If you ever tire of lazing by the infinity pool, Sifnos has a plethora of quiet sandy beaches to explore. Vathi (15km) is a long curved beach lined with tavernas selling fresh seafood. Apokofto, Kamares and Vroulidia are also lovely
  • Back on the estate, sample the traditional-style wine from the vineyards, and if you're staying in early September, ask to help make it (off-site)
  • The island is famous for its nature trails, which aren’t too demanding. They even come with fantastic names such as Towards the Miraculous Saint, Cedars, Olives and Sea, The Wuthering North and The Cursed Trail. Check out Sifnos Trails for more details
  • The island is also reputed to have around 365 churches and chapels – one for every day of the year. The most notable are Chrisopigi, Pangia Poulati and the Church of the Seven Martyrs, which sits on its own peninsula
  • For shopping, Apollonia is your best bet. A sleepy little village just over 4km away from Wheatfield House, it boasts a surprising array of boutiques, artists’ studios and traditional shops selling local pottery, honey, beaded sandals and kaftans

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Boat trips
  • Hiking
  • Historical sites
  • Scuba diving
  • Shopping / markets
  • Swimming
  • Wine tasting

Kids

Families are welcome, however, we think this house is best suited to those with tweens and teens. The property has not been designed with young children in mind – eg. there's an open staircase, no fencing around the pool, and low parapets on the upper terraces. But all kids will love the pool! There are no cots or extra beds available.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Kids Activities on site:

  • Pool with shallow areas
  • Chest with pool toys
  • Board games

    Kids Activities nearby:

  • Beaches
  • Watersports

    Families Should Know:

    Parents are required to sign a safety hazard disclaimer. The pool is unfenced and there are some low parapets and an open staircase.

  • Distances:

    • Airport: 2.5 hours by ferry in high season
    • Hospital: 10 minutes
    • Shops: 10 minutes
    Kid Friendly:

    Location

    The Wheatfield House is located on the east coast of Sifnos, a 20-minute drive from Kamares Port, near the Agios Sostis trailhead. It is 4km north of the village of Artemonas and 4km from the island's capital, Apollonia.

    By Air
    There's no airport on Sifnos, so most visitors fly to Athens and then take the ferry. You could also fly to Mykonos and catch the ferry (high season only). It is also possible to land a helicopter on the estate - ask Tony about heli-transfers from Athens or other islands.

    By Ferry:
    From Piraeus (about 10km from Athens), take the ferry or Seajet to Kamares Port on Sifnos. The ferry can take between 2-5hrs (depending on the season), while the Seajet takes around 2hrs 45 mins. The ferry from Mykonos takes 2hrs 20 mins.

    From the port:
    There are multiple car hire choices available on the island - see our car rental recommendations.

    Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.

    Airports:

    • Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos 200.0 km ATH

    Other:

    • Beach 7.6 km
    • Shops 3.5 km
    • Restaurant 3.0 km

    Rates for The Wheatfield House

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