Gabbie - Quatre Chambres Villa, Couchages 8

A luminous Cycladic summer house with secluded terraces, sea views, a pool and easy access on foot to sandy beaches and tavernas.

Sitting on Paros's northeasternmost headland and looking out over the gorgeous sandy bay and transparent waters of Santa Maria, Gabbie is a delightful summer house offering space aplenty, beautifully finished, free-flowing interiors, an easy sense of style, and a welcoming atmosphere. Step outside this oasis, and there's plenty to explore nearby, including a host of idyllic beaches and the gorgeous little harbour town of Naousa.

Inside: accommodation at Gabbie is laid out over three floors, each accessed externally.

At the centre of the ground floor is a large and extremely luminous L-shaped living area. Stone-flagged flooring gives way to pure white walls and ceilings, and banks of windows and French doors with attractive olive green frames and shutters flood the space with light and allow the space to flow out onto the property's wrap-around terraces. All three of these design elements are to be found throughout the house, creating a pleasing uniformity of style.

The longest part of the living area is furnished with a comfy sofa and a coffee table at one end, and a round dining table and chairs to the other. The shorter side of the L, accessed via an arched aperture, features a built-in cushioned sofa gathered round an impressive decorative fireplace, and a TV.

A door at one end of the living room opens into the well-equipped kitchen, which has charming, powder blue cabinetry, marble worktops and sink, and, to the far end, a dining area. Doors on either side of the dining table open out onto terraces, one of which, a secluded reed-shaded affair also accessed from the living area, is set up for dining.

At the other end of the living area, a couple of steps lead up to the ground floor's sleeping quarters. First is a spacious double with an en-suite shower room (with voluminous walk-in shower), and access to the surrounding terraces. Then, just along a corridor, past a guest WC, is a double-twin bedroom with a sleek en-suite shower room in polished grey cement (a feature of all the bathrooms) and a private terrace.

An external flight of steps leads up from the terraces to a rooftop terrace, from where the sea views are stunning. It is from here that one accesses the wonderfully luminous suite, which comprises a living area with a couple of sofa beds (ideal for children wishing to sleep near their parents), a double bedroom, and a spacious bathroom with a large walk-in shower.

Accommodation at Gabbie is completed on the lower ground floor, which is accessed via an external staircase from the terraces. Here there is a living room with a pair of sofa beds and a twin bedroom with en-suite shower room (this bedroom is most suitable for independent teens).

Outside: surrounded by terraces on all sides, Gabbie has an excellent selection of outdoor living and dining areas, each with its own distinct charm. To the front of the house, the living room and kitchen-diner flow out onto two shaded areas, one with a dining table and built-in seating, the other furnished for lounging. A few steps from these is the inviting square pool, which, like the rest of the front terrace, boasts views out to the bay and beach of Santa Maria.

On the other side of the house, once more accessed via the kitchen and the living room, is a large, stone-flagged walled courtyard with white and stone walls, shady trees, colourful bougainvillea, a convivial dining area, a built-in barbecue with sink and work surfaces, and a variety of sitting areas.

The two ground floor bedrooms both open out onto terraces, but arguably the best spot of all is the fabulous large expanse of roof terrace surrounding the main bedroom. The views from here are unforgettable.

Beyond the ground floor terraces, natural gardens fan out, crisscrossed by paths. One of these leads to a gate from where one may stroll down a path to the gorgeous sandy beach of Mikri Santa Maria.

Due to the nature of the property - terraces, low walls and several drops around the grounds (including one from the infinity edge of the pool of about 1.5m) - children must be supervised at all times.

Because of natural changes to the coastline from season to season, the sandy beach in front of this property may not look as it does in the photos.
Gabbie sits on the northeasternmost headland of Paros just a short stroll from the beaches of Mikri Santa Maria and Santa Maria, and from a trio of tavernas. It is also extremely well located for exploring the north of the island, which has plenty to offer.

For many people, Paros is the most authentic of the Cyclades. One of the larger islands, it has something for everyone, young or old, party-goers or culture-seekers, bourgeois or bohemian. Amongst its many attractions are buzzing little towns, myriad beaches, world-famous windsurfing conditions, gourmet restaurants, sleepy traditional villages with waterfront fish tavernas, religious, cultural and historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Thanks to the relatively limited distances involved - the island measures less than 25km from north to south - it is easy to explore in full in a week or two, no matter where you're staying. Its mountainous hinterland, with peaks rising up to around 700m, is dotted with the occasional monastery and crisscrossed by old mule tracks. Down on the coast, meanwhile, there is an array of beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic coves, and a day or two spent on a boat exploring these is heartily recommended.

In terms of towns and villages, picturesque Naousa, sleepy Marpissa, and buzzing Parikia (the capital and main port) are just a 15-, 20- and 25-minute drive away respectively. The former boasts a little harbour, a web of narrow streets flanked by shops and tavernas, and the remains of a Venetian castle. The second is a white-washed beauty that appears unchanged for centuries. It’s a pleasure to amble round its narrow streets, while a walk up to the monastery of St Anthony on the hill above offers spectacular views of the island. The third, meanwhile, is a vibrant little town gathered around a semi-enclosed bay that woos visitors with its sandy beaches, its many bars and tavernas, its archaeological museum, and its impressive Byzantine Church.

Just across the bay from Naousa is idyllic Kolimpithres beach, renowned for its transparent waters and fascinating rock formations, while for those with an interest in history, a visit to the Mycenaean Acropolis is called for. Sitting atop a rocky scarp high above Kolimpithres, it was built way back in the 13th century BCE and offers not only insights into Paros's long history but also stunning views. It’s quite a walk to get up there, so you may wish to tackle it in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s not so hot.

Paros's most northerly tip, the Monastiri peninsula is also close by. A protected park covering some 80 hectares of rocky, element-sculpted hills, hidden sandy beaches, walking trails, and undisturbed flora and fauna, it’s a great day out for nature lovers and hikers with the added bonus of an end-of-excursion swim in the sea.

Cultural tours are readily available on Paros, so not matter whether you wish to learn about Parikia's old town centre, the ancient marble quarries, or the unique island of Despotiko, you'll be able to delve into the island's history with ease. Children are well catered for too, and a trip to the butterfly nature reserve just north of the airport is good fun.

If all that wasn't enough, Paros's little sister, Antiparos, is just a 10-minute ferry ride across the water from nearby Pounta, making a little island hopping eminently possible.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.