Villa Arbutus, Lefkas, Greece
Perched on an ancient olive grove overlooking the sea, islands and mountains of the south coast of Lefkas, this wooden house with stone floors and infinity pool is a perfect spot for a self catering holiday with friends or family.
Please quote greentraveller when you book
Between £1400 to £1700 (€2000) per week in high season for up to 5 people. Significantly less at other times. See website. >>Remaining weeks in October reduced by 50% - weeks beginning 2,9 and 16/10 reduced from £820 to £410<<
How does Villa Arbutus minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?
This accommodation is completely off-grid, using photovoltaic panels to produce all the necessary electricity and extra solar panels to heat the water supply. The filtration of the pool also relies entirely on these PV panels. The house was built with the aim of being as green as possible - the main structure of the building has been built in wood, this greatly reduces the energy required to build with likes of concrete and locks up carbon rather than releasing it.
The area surrounding the property is alive with rare species that include boar, foxes and hares. A pair of European eagle owls has nested either in the grove or right next door for the past few years and regularly arrive at the pool in the evening to drink. Dolphins live out in the bay and migratory birds regularly visit Lefkas in the spring and autumn. You may even spot pheasants living on the peninsula.
Top eco features at Villa Arbutus
Off grid- electricity is produced on site through photo-voltaic panels
Built with wood which uses less energy than conventional methods
Solar powered hot water
Uses eco-friendly cleaning products where possible
Location
via Venice or Ancona
Directions from station:
Ferries run from Venice or Ancona to Igoumenitsa, from where it is roughly 80km to Lefkas Town (about 1 hr by taxi - bit more by bus). Then 30km to Amoussa (about 1 hour by bus, less by taxi). Then follow details on map on website. A hire car is less green but probably more practical - it is remote and public transport is tricky.
