VILLA in Limassol, Cyprus

Tucked away in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, up behind the Kouris Dam, about 26 km north-west of Limassol, lies one of the last unspoilt, beautiful, traditional stone villages of Cyprus - Lofou. The name comes from an old Byzantine word meaning ‘top of the hill’, or ‘ridge’. The village starts with a mediaeval street (the longest of all villages in Cyprus) along the top edge and then cascades down like an amphitheatre to the centre. In the olden days there were many cafeneons and shops. Now, sadly, only one remains selling dried and tinned stuff and seasonal foods. It is run by the oldest remaining inhabitant, Kypros Porakos, who is a fount of knowledge about the history and legends of the village. The surrounding hills are scattered with traces of ancient civilisations. Lofou was listed as part of a feudal estate of King James I in the early 14th Century. By the 1980s the village was almost completely abandoned. Only a handful of people, mainly the older generation, stayed behind to keep the village alive. The early 1990s saw the arrival of outsiders restoring old properties which saw the beginnings of the regeneration of the village. Original families are returning to restore these magnificent houses with their courtyards. The villagers cultivated mainly vineyards on terraced hillsides, bolstered by stone walls. These terraces are unique to the area and it is hoped that an effort will be made by the Government of the day to encourage the people to preserve them. Lofou is a must for walkers and the discerning visitor to Cyprus - and, of course, its traditional tavernas. A three bedroom two storey villa with private swimming pool, court yard with panoramic mountain views. It has an open plan spacious sitting room and fully equipped kitchen. The villa is available for rent all year around for 6 persons. All the 3 bedrooms upstairs are comfortable with build in wardrobes and balconies with panoramic hill views. There is air conditioning hot and cold in all rooms as well as in the sitting room and the kitchen. There is a bathroom with shower and toilet up stairs and a toilet downstairs. FacilitiesThe kitchen is fully equipped with a cooker, extra large PRICES LIST JAN - MARCH CY£495 PER WEEK APRIL - OCT CY£650 PER WEEK NOV - DEC CY£495 PER WEEK (reference: BEP1000079)