Kalamata, Messinia, Peloponnese, Greece

The property is a traditional stone house in the village of Kato Verga, on the slopes of the Taygetos mountains, 5 miles from the centre of the vibrant city of Kalamata. It overlooks the Bay of Messine. The total plot is 500m2.

The house, painted in the traditional white with blue shutters, was built in the early 1950s, with vast cypress beams downstairs, and a bamboo roof in the main bedroom. There are two bedrooms on the first floor, with plenty of space in the master bedroom for a reading/work area. The second bedroom is smaller and was built more recently. There is a small sheltered verandah area outside the bedrooms, which is useful when it is windy.

Outside steps lead down to the patio, kitchen, bedroom 3 and a small covered hallway with space for a table when it's too hot outside. The patio is paved, with two ancient mulberry trees, an old bread oven (needs repair) and seating area. This is where we eat in the summer, with shade from the trees and views towards Kalamata and the bay. The shower and toilet (loo with a view!) are in a separate building at the end of the terrace. There is an olive tree, two citrus trees and another mulberry tree on the terrace. Adjoining the house is a concrete water tank, no longer in use since mains water was installed, but perhaps useful for irrigation. There is a further very small terrace a little higher, with another old water tank.

The house is in a peaceful and secluded position, along a cobbled mule path, about 5-10 minutes' walk from the road. It is well maintained and currently used as a holiday home, with scope for updating both the house and garden.

Mobile reception is good, and a landline could be installed if required.

There are two tavernas in the village, and a general stores about 15 minutes' walk down the hill, along a footpath shaded by olive trees. Kalamata has a wide range of facilities, good restaurants, an excellent food market, long sandy beach, cultural activities such as the Festival of Dance, and sports, such as paragliding and free diving. There are more beaches, coves and tavernas all along the coast, and the Taygetos range (peak 2400metres) offers spectacular hiking and wildlife. Classical and Byzantine sites are within an easy drive. The airport is 10 miles away.

All paperwork is complete, ready for sale. Furniture is included in the sale.