We spent a week at the Mani House in August, and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The house was far more stylish, elegant, spacious and comfortable that we had imagined. It is beautifully built, and immaculately maintained. I am surprised that it has anything less than five-star reviews.
The pictures do not do justice to the interior, or even to the views. The view to the sea is stunning, as depicted, but there are also lovely views over the nearby village and to the mountains behind; nor do you see in the pictures that the house is surrounded by lovely mature oak trees and olive groves: the surroundings are charming. Even in August, the roads were quiet; the house is set back from a tiny lane and the only sound was the chirping of the cicadas, although there are houses on the neighbouring plots. The pool is gorgeous, very big, with lovely water, barely chlorinated and cool enough to be refreshing, but warm enough to swim for ages, even at night (when it can be lit up). The children spent hours in it.
Nearby beaches range from small rocky coves which are almost empty even in high season to huge the sandy bays of Skoutari. These seemed mainly to be visited by Greek families, which gave everything a relaxed, low key atmosphere. Even the most popular beaches were not packed, there was no traffic on the roads, and we had no trouble getting tables in the beach-side tavernas.
If you are looking for a house of this size, with a pool, in a stone's throw of the sea, I think you would be lucky to find a better one in this part of the Mani. The only downside for visitors out of the Eurozone is that George asks that the large security deposit being paid in euros, which means you are likely to incur an extra cost on the currency conversion. (I should stress, however, that we got the money straight back at the end of our stay, with no problems!) George was helpful and efficient, and though he was on site in our week (because the caretaker was away) we enjoyed total privacy and only saw him when we knocked on his door for advice.