The panoramic view from the patio as the sun sinks into the Ionian Sea.
Kefalonia has a long and colourful history, from stone age through various occupations to today. Of these visitors it was the Venetians who left the legacy of building style which once covered the whole island. Many modern buildings have shunned this style and, we feel, are much the poorer for it.
The Olive Tree is situated on the western side of the Erisos peninsula at the northern end of the island, amid the wooded countryside and only twenty minutes stroll from the nearest beach and taverna, the villa benefits greatly from its ‘off the beaten track’ location. The Olive Tree was named after the ancient, gnarled olive tree you can see in the thumbnail picture, and built with the position of the tree uppermost in our plans. Realising that the Venetians knew a thing or two about building with style and practicality in mind, we copied the Venetian style of the old house you can still see on the hill to the rear, but using modern fixtures and fittings and your own private pool for your convenience and enjoyment.
Aldous Huxley wrote of trees: "…I like them all, but especially the olive. For what it symbolizes, first of all, peace with its leaves and joy with its golden oil."
Lawrence Durrell wrote in Prospero's Cell, "A taste older than meat or wine, a taste as old as cold water. Only the sea itself seems as ancient a part of the region as the olive and its oil, that like no other products of nature, have shaped civilizations from remotest antiquity to the present."
Olive trees have been used in a long-lasting relationship by man, from the wood to the olives themselves and the healthy oil that can be pressed from them. Ancient Greeks and Romans both exploited the olives as a fuel in their lamps, in cooking and as a cleanser for their bodies as they had no soap, just as we today use the oil for many different purposes. Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the US once wrote: "The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven". Both olive oil and honey have been found preserved in ancient amphoras, the pottery containers of the past, going back to Greek and Roman times. Homer in the "Odyssey" refers to olive oil as "liquid gold". Consider that it takes a ton of olives produces about 230 litres of that "liquid gold".
These evergreen trees can attain a great age; some in the eastern Mediterranean are estimated to be over 2,000 years old. They can grow to a height of 20-40 feet and begin to bear fruit between 4 and 8 years old. They bear lance-like leaves and bloom with tiny whitish flowers that are wonderfully fragrant. The olive tree that grows in our garden, and gave the house its name is no young thing, but has been said by those that know to be more than 700 years old - maybe much more, making us only its temporary guardians!
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Guest Comments: “Wonderful accommodation - totally overawed by the amazing views - God’s creation at its very best!” ... “The house and its equipment are fantastic, and so is its position.” … “A wonderful, peaceful and relaxing place. Our only complaint is that we have to leave, but we shall be back!” … “We’ve all had a magical time!!” ... “What a wonderful place to experience the beauty of Kefalonia.” … “What a view – Ardderchog!! 2 wythnos i gofio. (Excellent!! 2 weeks to remember)” … “ A lovely relaxing retreat - with stunning views.” ... "A very enjoyable and relaxing break in this special corner of Kefalonia. Great house and great location." ... "A Truly magnificent property in a stunning position!... Just what the doctor ordered!" ... "Stunning views, brilliant pool... we would recommend the Olive Tree to anyone!" ... "A really brilliant holiday! Do we have to leave?" ... "Outstanding villa in a fabulous location. So peaceful & relaxing." ... "What a fantastic villa - location fabulous, views wonderful." ... "We enjoyed a fabulous first family holiday at the Olive Tree! Our daughter loved the pool, and being able to place her in the playpen in the shade was invaluable." ... "It's a lovely villa, great views, good rooms, all in all pretty good" (William, aged 8)... "Our second visit to this wonderful villa - and we enjoyed it all over again! ... best of all is this wonderful quiet location - only noise was from our own children - bliss! We spent a lot of time just admiring the view" ... "Fabulous villa, pool, setting, heat!" ... " Fabulous villa, views, area, climate = Fabulous holiday."
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© 2010 RJP & ALW.
