Guestbook 2005
Reproduced below are extracts from The Mill's Guestbook. If you do not want your comments included below, then please let me know.
2005
You have done an amazing job converting the Mill – should have been on ‘Grand Designs’. Love the new wooden stair to the pool, a definite improvement on previous years. Hope to be back with our friends.
Eckford
May 2005
Fabulous renovation – thoroughly enjoyed our stay, although the weather was not perfect. Beautifully views and so peaceful (apart from the cockerel !).
Manning
May 2005
The Gough/Priestly children say it was a brilliant house, and loved Pudding the puppy. They decided that the dogs were Mr and Mrs Pudding, the white goats were Neo and Morpheus, the black goat Shady and the bantam Guiness!. We had a lovely time staying at the Mill. The house has been sympathetically restored, and with its pool makes a great base for exploring the western part of Crete. We enjoyed the sea bathing at Falasarna and Elifonissi particularly. It’s easy to arrange the Samaria Gorge trip with any of the local travel agents, and pick the bus up locally. Good freshly cooked food in the local tavernas in Kolyimbari.
Gough, Cambridge
June 2005
Fabulous! It’s all been said, but I’ll say it again. How wonderful it was staying there. The Mill has been simply restored (although it probably wasn’t a simple job!). Lovely atmosphere, but mosquitoes can be a bit of a curse, but the Chemist in the village had the answer!
Farm animals a joy, including the puppy, very welcoming!
Ice maker in the fridge brilliant, and the electric juicer. Luxury living!
Bogawski, Godalming, Surrey
June 2005
We had seven unforgettable days! We were travelling around and enjoying the scenery of this beautiful island. The stay at the mill was for all of us the peak of our vacation. We hope to come back again, and of course we will tell our friends around the world about this unique place.
Peiper, Tel Aviv, Israel
July 2005
We were very sad to leave, we knew we should have booked two weeks. The Mill exceeded expectations – it looked good from the photos on your website, and it was hard to believe it really could be that good – but it was better!
Is there such a thing as a light Greek meal? Am hoping that the internal body parts can revert back from their current extended state! Thanks for a great holiday.
Woodward
July 2005
Just superb – first visit to Crete but definitely be back soon. Even ‘Big Reds’ wake up call at 5am couldn’t detract from a fantastic, restful holiday.
Elliott
July 2005
The whole was remarkable, but thanks too for the detail, which makes for the idyll which this renovation represents. In a week, we were only able to scratch the surface of the local delights, but here are a couple we’d recommend.
Just after you turn onto the main road from the Mill heading towards Kolyimbari, look out for a wooden boat on the right, turn right and wind down to the beach where there’s a small taverna, very relaxed and friendly, delicious milkshakes, excellent local wine and good sea swimming.
If you’re into snorkelling, there’s a good rocky beach with trees to shelter under just below the Gonia Monastery.
Chania too is well worth a visit, exploring the lanes near the old harbour and soaking up the town’s history.
Thank you for creating such a lovely space for us to share and savour, and for making it such a lovely week’s break from routine for us.
Trier, Dorking
August 2005
A superb two weeks spent relaxing and revelling in the mood of Crete. One of the highlights was a boat trip from the harbour at Platanius (park just beyond the Palazzo Platanius Hotel) for four hours of swimming and snorkelling. The sunset at Chania is also a must. Many thanks, a thoroughly lovely time.
Patten, Camberley
August 2005
We were back again! The Mill was still as gorgeous as ever, a truly wonderful place to unwind and contemplate life. Glorious weather, beautiful views, fresh swordfish on the braai, what more can one ask? Already thrown away the worry beads! We adopted a pregnant cat we called Heinz for obvious reasons – very timid and very hungry. Please try and make sure she’s fed.
David, Cape Town, South Africa
August 2005
After a move 3 days before the holiday, and 6 months of living apart, the Olive Mill was just what we needed to reunite our little family. It will be remembered with fondness, as the place where Luke took his first steps.
We recommend a trip to Elafonissi, for the views alone on the Old Road. Although it was a long drive (about 2 hours) you are well rewarded, but I expect it can be busy in High Summer (don’t’ forget your 50cents for the conveniences!). Falasarna is much quieter and closer.
You can never tire of Chania Old Harbour, but on this trip we found Kolyimbari enough for us in the evenings.
The Olive Mill was an excellent base for our holiday, with friendly locals. We were there for the grape harvest, but the local wine won’t be ready for a few weeks yet.
Sadly the number of animals depleted during our stay, but we say some of Heinz’s kittens, so there will be more cats to feed next time! A fabulous holiday, thank you.
Annals, Nottingham
September 2005
Marvellous renovation in a wonderful location. Excellent facilities, what a wonderful place to stay. So quiet and peaceful, yet interesting with all the wine making, animals and birds (especially Snowy the Owl, look out for him about midnight by the pool).
Chania was lovely, just wondering around the harbour and the old town.
Many ancient ruins, but our favourite was Polyrinnia, what stunning views, lovely village with a wonderful taverna. We will be back sometime.
Annals, Nottingham
September 2005
Having tackled the restoration of a Grade II house ourselves, you have our sympathy with regulations, interpretations etc. The Mill is a wonderful achievement of which you should be proud. Excellent facilities and location, with easy access to all the interesting sites. Another couple of days there, and we would have had to tackle the adjoining ruins!
Thanks for making our first trip to Crete so enjoyable. We hope to go back sometime soon.
Rhodes
September 2005
You have done an incredible job on the Mill, the place is absolutely unique and commands memorable views. We have had a really restful time exploring Western Crete, and really enjoyed Falasarna nd Poltyrinia. Chania is extremely interesting for its architecture, and both the Mitsotakis Collection and the Naval Musuem.
Paleochora made for a perfect final excursion, with an excellent meal at ‘Ceravelle’ Restaurant.
We will remember the stunning views, and the Mills restorative properties.
McMahon, Wormley, Surrey
September 2005