Welcome to Dotira home, a 18th-century stone mansion in the picturesque village of Mesi. This charming villa combines traditional architecture with modern comforts, featuring an inner courtyard with a wood oven and al fresco dining area. Unwind by the chemical-free private pool or explore the beautiful garden with local herbs and flowers.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8166 sq m
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool
The Private Authentic Retreat, is part of an Elite group of ThinkVilla bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional properties of outstanding 24/7 service, incredible tailored experiences and unique cultural charm await to inspire you. The Villa has been certified with the Seal of Approval, a 300’ Criteria Rating, for the unique design, innovation, individual quality & inspiring offerings only with ThinkVilla.
External Living | Pool & Wooden Burning Oven Nestled in timeless elegance, Dotira Home seamlessly blends classic stonework with subtle modern touches, creating a rustic yet refined outdoor setting. The 350 m² exterior, including a 22 m² lawn, features a charming inner courtyard with a cozy seating area and a traditional wood oven, ideal for al fresco dining beneath the Cretan skies. The 20 m² private pool (1.40 m depth), enhanced with sun beds and parasols, is surrounded by lush gardens of local herbs and flowers, a serene oasis where guests can unwind, breathe in the fresh country air, and soak in the tranquil ambience of Mesi. The pool is chemical-free, maintained with active oxygen for a natural, refreshing experience. The courtyard and pool terrace evoke a romantic, rustic charm, offering the perfect setting for leisurely mornings and enchanting evenings.
Bonus: Agritourism Stone is a source of energy and helps getting close to nature and the earth! Dotira home gives you the chance to choose from a plethora of alternative activities, individually or in a group, which offer bodily and spiritual wellbeing and therapy, such as walking, herb picking, soap making, hiking and visiting archaeological sites, monasteries and local monuments, both in Mesi and the nearby villages. Also, during your stay you may have the opportunity to participate in the cultivation and care of our garden, harvest its fruits and enjoy its products!
Internal Living | Beds & Baths Dotira Home unfolds across two thoughtfully designed levels, offering 166 m² of refined living space and accommodating up to 8 guests in comfort. The villa comprises four elegantly appointed bedrooms, including a converted attic with a double bed and dedicated workspace, alongside two bathrooms one with a walk-in shower and one with a bathtub, with a walk-in shower, ensuring both privacy and convenience. Every corner has been curated to blend traditional Cretan charm with modern comforts, from the spacious living room with its open fireplace to the rustic, fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Balconies on the upper floor present sweeping vistas of olive groves and the sparkling Cretan Sea, creating a serene backdrop for rest and reflection.
Ground Floor • Living Room featuring a 45” smart TV • Fully Equipped Kitchen with Dining Table • Shared Bathroom with bathtub and a walk-in shower • Dedicated Workspace in a common area • Attic Type Bedroom with Double Bed (1.50 x 2.00)
First Floor • Bedroom with Double Bed (1.50 x 2.00) • Bedroom with Double Bed (1.50 x 2.00) and balcony • Twin Bedroom with Two Single Beds (0.90 x 2.00) • Shared Bathroom with shower.
Your Home Stay Includes Welcome basket included, courtesy of the owner • Housekeeping service with fresh towels and linen changes every four days (included for stays of 6 nights and above) • Pool and garden maintenance twice per week • Baby cot, high chair, Plastic Non Breakable Plates, Baby Bouncer (Relax), Stair Gates are available upon request
Practicalities There is Public Free Parking space available outside the Villa’s premises • The property is well-equipped with: Fully equipped kitchen, Fridge with freezer, Electric stove with oven, Filter coffee machine, Espresso Machine, Frappe Machine, Kettle, Sandwich Maker, Toaster, Juice Maker, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Iron & Board, Hair dryer, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Detector
Mod Cons High quality bath towels and pool towels are available • Bathroom amenities are available • Air-conditioning in all areas is included & serves for heating purposes also • Wi-Fi coverage 50mbps is available throughout the villa • Outdoor Wooden Burning Oven • Outside shaded dining area • Indoor area 166m2 • Outdoor area 350m2 • Lawn Area 22m2 • Private Pool 20m2 & Depth 1,40 m • Bluetooth Dock • Pets may be allowed upon request – Prior notice is required, a pet fee applies, and a pet contract must be signed • Events are not allowed • Smoking is allowed only outdoors • Pre stock service available upon request • Pool operates seasonally (end of March - middle of November) • 24h/7days ThinkVilla concierge service included
Location Overview | Mesi Village TO SEE: Located in the picturesque Mesi Village, an authentic Cretan settlement with charming narrow lanes and historic character, Dotira House offers both tranquillity and convenience. The villa stands just a short drive from Pigianos Kampos beach, a beautiful sandy shore known for its clear, shallow waters, perfect for families and seaside relaxation (approx. 13 minutes). Historic Rethymno Town, with its Venetian architecture, vibrant promenade, and cultural sites, is easily reached by car in around 20 minutes. Everyday shopping and local amenities are available in the nearby village of Pigi (8 minutes), where you’ll find bakeries, grocers, tavernas, and cafés. Additional services, including a gas station, are easily accessible in the village of Adele (under 8 minutes by car). From tranquil village life to scenic coastal escapes, this location perfectly balances peace and access to Rethymno’s many attractions.
TO DINE: Experience authentic Cretan hospitality with a variety of dining options in and around Mesi. Local tavernas and cafés serve traditional cuisine in warm, familial settings where fresh, regional ingredients are celebrated. The nearby villages of Pigi and Adele offer additional restaurants and casual eateries, while the coast and Rethymno Town provide more cosmopolitan menus and refined dining experiences. Ask any local and they’ll tell you that Crete is one of Greece’s premier destinations for food lovers, an experience not to be missed during your stay.
TO EXPLORE: Crete’s allure is unmistakable: expansive sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and distinctive architecture carved into hillsides invite discovery. From the tranquil shores of Pigianos Kampos to the winding streets of Rethymno Old Town, there is always something to explore. Mesi’s surrounding countryside, olive groves, and nearby religious sites offer peaceful walks and cultural insight, while authentic mountain villages further afield, renowned for their crafts and traditions, provide unforgettable local experiences. Whether you venture west toward Chania or east toward Heraklion, world-renowned beaches, ancient sites, and culinary delights are within reach, each reflecting the island’s unique blend of natural beauty, heritage, and warm Cretan charm.
Out & About Nearest Local Taverna in Mesi Village : 130 meters walking distance Nearest Super Market & Local Restaurants in Pigi Village: 2,5km (6 minutes driving) Pigianos Kampos beach: 7km (13 minutes driving) Rethymno Port & Town: 10,5km (20 minutes driving) Heraklion International Airport: 78km (1hour & 10 minutes driving) Chania International Airport: 78km (1hour & 20 minutes driving)
*Car Rental is essential for the explores, if wish to unravel the hidden gems of Crete, visit authentic villages, towns, unique sandy beach locations and we can gladly assist you with the arrangements.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Massage
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Internet
Available in the villa: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Limo/town car service
Car available
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
Freezer
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Breakfast available for a fee
Chef service
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Terrace
Yard
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Service animals only (pets not allowed)
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Note from host: Smoking only allowed outdoors
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Meal delivery service
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the sea
Things to do
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Property located in a resort
Soundproofing
Unit size: 1,787 square feet
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You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Climate Resilience Fee
A €15/night/villa tax (subject to change) isn’t included in booking prices. It must be paid in euros at check-in to your Host.
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Supervision of children is your responsibility.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking only allowed outdoors
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 1041Κ91003052301
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Rethymno, this villa is in a rural area and near the beach. Paleontological Museum and Museum of Wooden Sculptures are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Rethymnon Venetian Port and Rethimno Kart. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and cave exploring. Visit our Rethymno travel guide
Does Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool located?
Located by the sea, this family-friendly villa is within 6 mi (10 km) of Rethimno Kart, Platanes Beach, and Blue Beach. Town Beach and Mili Gorge are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
What a charming, unique and comfortable home - we had a lovely stay at Dotira house. The location was great for exploring Crete but the house was so nice to come back to after a day of bopping around. The house is very nicely furnished and there are lots of nooks to relax and enjoy. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
The villa is lovely. Air conditioning throughout, plenty of places to sit and relax and very quiet and secluded. Maria was very helpful and friendly. The pool is great - the children particularly enjoyed that it is chemical free.
We enjoyed visiting Rethymno on several occasions.
We had two wonderful weeks in Mesi. Maria was a great host, always reachable via phone. She also provided useful tips regarding beaches, restaurants…All in all, House Dotira is well equipped, the outdoor area superb. Absolutely recommendable.
The villa is beautiful and Maria the host was so helpful and welcoming. The little Taverna was perfect and in a lovely setting. Taxis into town were easy to organise through the Host and airport transfers through this app.the only thing that would have made it better would be a little shop or coffee shop nearby although we got everything we needed through Villa Market
Mesi is a charming village and i am happy we chose it to base our visit in Crete. Away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to the fun, the house met our needs perfectly. We meet extended family and were able to stay under one roof, with space to retreat if the pool got too roudy! Fantastic, recommended.
The villa is simply magnificent and beyond our expectations. The highlight is definitely the outside space including a pool, rest area, table, etc. Ms. Maria is an amazing & lovely host. We felt at home and we appreciated the attention to details. Do not hesitate to stay in this house! Thank you for everything.
Beautiful old village house tastefully converted with lots of original features and old artefacts adorning the walls and nooks and crannies. Several seating areas with shade so although it sleeps 8 there is space to find some peace and quiet if wanted. Lovely pool area. In a small village with a local taverna but nothing else. A car is needed to get to other villages or areas of interest and to the beach. The closest beach are send quite developed so we chose to drive a little further but found lovely beaches within a 30 minute drive. Rethymno old town is about 20 minutes drive. Maria the host was really helpful and the check in process smooth. Highly recommended!
Charming villa with a great little tavern within walking distance. Loved the local authenticity! Maria our host was great with excellent communication, assistance and restaurant recommendations. we loved our stay!
We loved Dotira it met all our needs for a relaxing holiday. We particularly liked the fact there were so many places to sit and chill out including the lovely cool courtyard and the upstairs balcony for evening card games. We spent most the days in the beautiful pool area and cooling off in the pool.
The house is amazing. Perfect for a relaxing break. Maria and her husband were very responsive and helpful. Delightful time and would love to come back again.
What an amazing holiday. The Vila, location and people were just so helpful and friendly. We couldn't ask for more. You will not be disappointed if you choose Dorita as your holiday Vila.
We had a wonderful holiday at the villa. It is a beautiful house & pool exactly as described. You are in a peaceful area but very near beaches, Pigi Adele & Rethymno. A very central location.
Maria is a lovely owner & had a very thoughtful welcome of food & raki. We would highly recommend this villa for a perfect holiday in Crete
The property is fabulous in every way. The villa is well maintained and Maria and her husband are attentive. We had a fabulous stay. There is little in the immediate neighborhood except one very nice Taverna with great food at an extremely reasonable price.
Joyce C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
yveline g.
Jun 15, 2016
Charming house
We spent two great weeks in Dotira pleasant villa , located in a quiet village, near a tavern that we recommend.
Maria and Nikos are very welcoming , friendly, helpful and very professional.
House very well equipped and nicely decorated.
On arrival a Cretan meal waiting for us and a traditional meal cooked over a wood fire in the patio of the villa, was prepared us mid-week by Nikos and Maria .
We recommend this villa for your next holiday
Thanks again to Maria and Nikos
A lovely villa in a small village with a nice taverna just round the corner. Very well equipped kitchen if you want to eat in. Short drive to long beach but worth going a bit further to other smaller ones, spillies was our favourite. We had a wonderful week in this absolutely charming villa. Maria is lovely and couldn’t have been more helpful. Only drawback is that pool is smaller than it looks in the photo but still great for cooling off. The pool terrace area is really lovely. Would highly recommend.
Alison Reeby
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Richard N.
Jul 20, 2018
Perfect
This was a different kind of holiday for my wife and I along with our 4 children and their 2 partners but we where not disappointed! From the moment we arrived Maria was attentive and the perfect host. The property was absolutely lovely with plenty of space for all 8 of us and several different outside areas to use depending on your mood. The village had one taverna which was perfect as well, 8 of us ate several times paying no more than 88 euros which included drinks. Maria was always on hand if we needed any help or assistance and even cooked a traditional Greek dinner for us using the amazing pizza oven at the villa along with supplying eggs, home made jam, wine and olive oil. a truly amazing holiday with absolutely lovely host, Perfect!
Our 2 families had a lovely stay at this beautiful property. We were met by the host,Maria,who was exceptionally helpful and welcoming and always on hand should we need anything. The cold drinks and snacks were very appreciated when we arrived.
The house was beautifully quirky and full of character. It was very clean and there was all you would need in the kitchen. Beds were comfy and the air conditioned bedrooms were great sizes.
The pool was beautiful and very well maintained.
Location is fairy remote, this is part of its charm, but was peaceful and made a good base for exploring this area of Crete. The supermarket was 10mins and was a €20 taxi journey from rethymno.
The local taverna, maybe a 2 minute walk was lovey with stunning views.
We loved our stay here.
We have just returned from a wonderful week at Dotira house, and what a fantastic time we had! From the amazing communication from the moment we booked, to the stunning villa everything was perfection.
The villa itself is stunning, with high end traditional finishing and attention to detail. It was perfectly equipped with everything we needed for our stay, we particularly loved our experience of cooking on the outdoor oven which made for a very memorable night.
The view from the terraces looking out to the sea was priceless, and we loved how it was tucked away from the busier town of Rethymno (though being close enough to drive 10 mins for shopping/beaches etc) Synka was our favourite supermarket with everything you need.
The local Taverna Kastro is a few steps away and was a treat. We loved it, and the maitre’d Helen was delightful and so welcoming to us. We couldn’t get over how cheap it was to eat out!
We will definitely be back to our little piece of heaven.
Thanks Maria & Nikos for your help and hospitality xx
Das Haus ist unglaublich schön und mit Liebe zum Detail eingerichtet.Alles war vor Ort, es war sauber und ordentlich.Der Kontakt zur Gastgeberin war sehr nett und unkompliziert.Rund um ein hervirragend.Ein kleiner Minuspunkt ist, dass das Haus weitab liegt und man auf ein Auto angewiesen ist.
Charmerende og nyistandsat villa i lille hyggelig landsby
Vi havde et skønt ophold i villaen, som er meget charmerende indrettet med spændende detaljer. Villaen ligger i en meget lille landsby med enkelte huse, en kirke og en taverna, som varmt kan anbefales. Haven har hyggelig indrettet og vi fik god service af værtinden undervejs. Privat p-plads lige ved hoveddøren. Dejligt hus.
Ein Traumurlaub! Charmantes Haus mit einem super schönen Außenbereich - mit diversen Sitzmöglichkeiten. Außer den obligatorischen Grillen ist es hier sehr ruhig, man ist aber doch in 20 Minuten in Rethymno. Haben den Abstand sehr genossen. Die Taverne im Ort bietet großartige typische Küche zu sehr fairen Preisen - und umliegend gibt es schnell mit demAuto zu erreichen weitere leckere Tavernen… Maria unsere Gastgeberin war sehr herzlich, die Buchung und vorherige Korrespondenz absolut reibungslos und schnell - lieben Dank für den schönen Urlaub!
Das Haus war noch schöner als auf den Bildern, außergewöhnlicher Poolbereich, alles war mit Liebe zum Detail gestaltet und hat gut funktioniert, Probleme wurden sofort behoben. Maria war sehr zuvorkommend. Ein toller Strand ist nur 10 Autominuten entfernt, die fussläufige Taverne war im Juni leider geschlossen. Ein Auto braucht man auf jeden Fall. Wir haben Holz für den Pizzaofen bekommen, das Pizzabacken war ein grosser Spaß, besonders für die Kinder. Der Poolbereich wurde etwa alle zwei Tage frühmorgens gereinigt. Sehr zu empfehlen, vielen Dank!