PA011

Short description

Beautiful ‘L-shaped’ 4 bed stone house, restored with integrity and a rare artistic flare, around a generous and secluded walled courtyard containing established fruit trees and good sized pool. Situated in the popular village of Parakleisha in the hills above Limassol, the centre of Limassol being only 15mins drive away and the beach only 5, this family home offers the best of both village and town living.

Accommodation

Large wooden electric sliding gates open into an off road parking area and allow access to this stunning character property.

To the left is a wooden decking area and is partially covered by a large tiled porch under which are the original wooden double front doors and a small seating area. The front doors open into the living room with a large Cypriot stone archway dividing it from the kitchen area. Both rooms have flag stone floors with beam and board pitched ceilings, which lend them an airy and spacious feel. The living room has a traditional open fireplace in the corner as well as air-conditioning and ceiling fan. The kitchen has been fashioned out of caste concrete tops and solid timber doors to give it a traditional feel that contrasts well with the modern built-in appliances. This room also has a ceiling fan and air-conditioning plus double doors that lead out onto a small veranda.

From the kitchen there is characteristically low door which leads to a small landing. Straight ahead the steps descend into the second living room/retreat. Leading up to the right are thick wooden stairs to a larger stone landing.

Ascending the stairs to the right of this stone landing, the room opens into a generous and tranquil space, which is the master bedroom suite. With solid dark wood floors and high, white painted beam and board pitched ceilings, the double aspect windows at one end affords a breathtaking view of the mountains and an 100 year old church - now disused. The other end of the room has a large window and doors leading onto a veranda overlooking the courtyard and swimming pool. There are two doors leading off this room, one of which is an en-suite bathroom with toilet, sink, bath and integral shower. The other door leads into a spacious walk through wardrobe. There is air-conditioning and a ceiling fan.

Ascending the stairs to the left of the landing leads to a second bedroom. This room is currently used as a boy’s bedroom and has a set of bunk-beds as well as built-in wardrobes. There is a window giving the same mountain view as the master bedroom and another overlooking the swimming pool as well a door leading out onto a veranda with the original stone steps down to the courtyard. The sloped ceiling has exposed dark wood beams and traditional bamboo and lathe. Continuing through this room, there is a door to the third bedroom, or turning left there is a slightly steeper wooden staircase leading back down to the second living room/retreat. This charming room manages to feel both spacious and cosy. The exposed stone wall and flag stone floor is warmed by the terracotta painted walls at either entrance to the room and is further helped by the cast iron wood-burning stove next to the low L-shaped built-in seating. The glass double doors leading out to the courtyard have a delicate wrought iron overlay. The ceiling is traditional beams with bamboo and lathe and has recessed lighting. At the far end of this room there is a small door leading through to the garage.

Ascending the steeper wooden staircase again and turning right, there is the third bedroom. This is another good sized double bedroom with flag stone floors and high ceilings plus a triple width window with views out to the mountains.

Leading away from this room is a corridor. This part of the building forms the ‘L’ of the property. On the left, the first door opens into a cheery family bathroom with a double sink, a toilet and a bath with shower over.

At the end of the corridor is the fourth bedroom. This is currently being used as a girl’s bedroom and is reflected in the décor. The room itself is generous and airy and has access to a walk through wardrobe which can also be accessed from the corridor. The high ceiling has been painted white and there is a window over-looking the swimming pool next to glazed double doors that lead out onto a veranda.

Outside

The courtyard is on multi levels and has several established fruit trees, including lemon, orange, lime and mandarin and a good selection of climbing plants and shrubs in the raised beds. The wooden decking area on the first level, as you come through the gates, has a trap door which houses the 4,500 litre water tank. Stone steps lead down from here to the main courtyard area and the 7x4m swimming pool nestled on the left. Straight ahead is a large Cypriot stone arch spanning 5m which provides an ideal covered outside dining area and log store. To the left of this space are doors into the double garage. With its false floor and overhead nooks, it provides a good deal of storage. Access to the road is through an electric roller shutter door.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Wherever possible, the materials used to restore this property were salvaged from the original property itself or have been recycled from other traditional sources. Above the front door, for example, is a half-light which was leaded and re-glazed in accurate colours and design. In the courtyard and some rooms in the house, geometric patterns are built into the floor to stunning effect, again using recycled tiles. The wiring and plumbing was newly installed and includes solar water heating panels and a pressurised water system.  All rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans. This is a ‘must-see’ property.