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A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views

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Exterior
Aerial view
Aerial view
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Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8220 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views

A medieval tower house with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. Meticulously restored with modern comforts and an eye for textures, this 3 bedroom house provides an ideal base for exploring the nearby beaches, monuments and hiking areas of southern Greece, or simply sipping ouzo and soaking up history and sunshine in the 1200 square meter garden.
In the deepest south of old Greece, the Mani Peninsula, this is the beautifully restored tower house of the Manoleas family, with original structures dating from the 1600s. It has been fully modernized while retaining its original character, and decorated with local antiques. Located on the outskirts of Thalames, once the capital of the region in the Middle Ages, now a protected monument of winding streets and crumbling Byzantine churches. The house is set in beautifully landscaped gardens with ancient olive trees. The village sits at 450 meters altitude on the slopes of the Taygetus Mountains, 10 minutes from beautiful beaches


The Mani, a corner of ancient Greece: This is a property for travelers who want more than a usual resort vacation. Beaches there are plenty, some sand and some rocky, with crystal clear water for snorkeling, and the Taygetus mountains behind them offer amazing hiking country. What is unique however is the opportunity to live in a restored piece of history, a medieval tower house in a working Greek village. The olive mill is just down the road, local honey and mountain herbs are sold in the village square, and vans selling fresh fruit and vegetables come by daily. The village has cornerstones with ancient Roman and Greek inscriptions, Byzantine churches are hidden around many corners, and ancient Sparta is just 30 km away, on the other side of the Taygetus.

Pyrgos Manoleas is our home, not a rental property. We spent many years touring Greece before finally deciding on Thalames and this property, which we bought in completely decrepit state from the Manoleas family. We spent 5 years, a huge amount of resources, effort and affection on restoring it to its original glory, bringing antique oak planks from Turkey for the floors, hand crafted tiles from Italy, hiring a German master craftsman to supervise works, and a talented Greek architect for the overall design. The garden has been carefully landscaped to provide many sitting areas with different ambiance and views for every season. The ancient olive and mulberry trees have been preserved, with Mediterranean flowering shrubs and aromatic plants rambling over old stone walls. We hope to retire there someday, and in the meantime rent it to people we consider guests, not clients.

We live and work in Italy, but our property is managed for us by our friends Yoanna and Kiriakos, who take care of the garden and house. They live in the main part of the town, just a few hundred yards away. They can supply basic provisions, however a car is recommended for ease of movement, as public transport is limited

Property manager

Alex

Languages

English, French, Italian

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: no smoking indoors, allowed on patio and garden

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Composting
  • Recycling
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Unit size: 2368 sq ft (220 sq m)

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 00001847270

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Lefktro

What's nearby

  • Pantazí Beach - 16 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Kalogria - 19 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Stoupa Beach - 21 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Foneas beach - 22 min drive - 15.7 km
  • Diros Caves - 44 min drive - 35.8 km

Getting around

  • Kalamata (KLX-Kalamata Intl.) - 83 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Patriko - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Stoupa Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Akrogialli Taverna - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪360 cafe bar Stoupa - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Ammos - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views located?

Situated near the beach, this villa is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Ionian Sea and within 9 mi (15 km) of Pantazí Beach and Stoupa Beach. Kalogria and Delfina are also within 12 mi (20 km).

A medieval tower house in the Peloponnese with huge garden and amazing sea views Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place . Amazing views!
Beautiful peaceful place. Lovely
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

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Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful stay
Two weeks of utter bliss: the house, the view, the garden, the sunsets and shooting stars, reading in the hammock, the village - not to mention the local taverna and lovely Cristina, the vegetable truck and the man who sells oregano on the side of the road. We discovered fantastic beaches - Kalamitsi, Trachila and Foneas being firm favourites - as well as hilltop villages. More than anything else we were able to switch off from the current worries of our fragile world, and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of life in an authentic Greek village. Highly recommend.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cressida B., London

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Maniot House
Pyrgos Manoleas is a beautiful house in an excellent location. Being at the bottom of the village means you have an unrestricted view of sea and mountains. The house and gardens have been meticulously restored, but have all the modern comforts - good beds, quiet a/c, hot water on tap etc. It’s great to be up the hill away from the heat and the crowds ( it’s been particularly crowded this year in this area ). We would love to come back another time - thanks Alex - and Kiriakos too.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tremendous Tower House in a Tantalizing Location
Fabulous property in a wonderful setting, with a great local taverna and close to some lovely beaches.

10/10 Excellent

Rowan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceptionally beautiful home in unspoilt village.
Sublime. The property is two dwellings one of which is a tower house particular to this region. The houses and gardens have been beautifully and thoughtfully renovated . The use of stone and wood within and outside the property, the stone walls. the outside shower , trees and vine are all perfectly placed. There is a hammock in an olive grove below a vine that I lay in for hours looking out to sea from. The views from all the windows and the lower terrace are exceptional of mountains, olive groves and the sea ( possibly the best seaview of anywhere I have stayed). Everything about this property was heavenly, well cared for and designed for comfort and an aesthetic joy. The caretakers and the owner were wonderfully friendly and helpful. The property is situated down at the end of a little lane , very short way from parking and the village square where we would wander up and eat some evenings at a exceptional taverna. Or you could walk into the countryside which was completely peaceful and unspoilt. Mostly, we loved to stay at the property because it is so idyllic. It is a drive to beaches, but not far, the nearest maybe 15 mins drive. The whole area is not over touristy and people are so friendly and warm. We had a wonderful time.

10/10 Excellent

Jean W.

Wonderful place to chill out, do ‘not a lot’, and generally have a great relaxing time.
When you are in the garden, life is tranquil and relaxing, with wonderful views, sufficient sunny and shady areas (plus associated loungers & comfy chairs) to suit all needs, plus a superb hammock in which to have that essential ‘afternoon nap’. The house is well equipped with good quality kit from air conditioning, to kitchen hardware, to multiple showers, to beds, etc. For those in need of their internet kick, the WiFi is good for emails, newspapers, FaceTime, etc, with reasonable access well into the garden. The welcome & support offered by Kiriakos & Yoanna is exceptional, with a good balance between ‘being around’ and ‘leaving you alone’. The local (5-10mins walk) taverna provides good food, drink, & occasional music, for locals as well as visitors; be aware that portion sizes are large and prices low! A 20 to 30 minutes drive north gives you access to several lovely beaches with warm, clear water, some form of taverna, & car parking. Go 15 minutes south, in your car, and you’ll find a bakery, which will tempt you with its very affordable and wonderful breads, pastries, pizzas, etc.; an experience not to be missed. Finally, Alex is very welcoming plus helpful, providing lots of good information as standard plus is quick to reply to any specific queries.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

asedf d.

Fabulous house with far reaching views over mountains and sea; peaceful and well maintained
Its hard to describe perfection-you run out of superlatives. The views from the windows and garden are immense, extending over high mountains,olive trees and the blue gleam of sea.We were spell bound everyday by sunrises and sunsets. We woke to bird song and the soft sound of falling figs; the scent of lavender and rosemary came though the open windows,we didn't want to leave. We had writing to do under the olive trees,but also found time for hiking in the gorge and the Taygetus mountains,swimming in clear sea and visiting tiny churches.We ate in the local taverna,(wild asparagus omelette-fantastic) also excellent fish in seaside places like Limeni. Kallouria and others. The house is stunning- a historical structure thats been sympathetically renewed- lovely floors and shutters.Inside its all up too date, modern bathrooms, plentiful hot water,good well equipped kitchen and very comfortable beds with mosquito nets already in place. The fridge contained with useful items on arrival -yoghurt and juice,mill and eggs.Also bread and coffee,much appreciated. The village is as you might imagine Greece was fifty years ago- we met donkeys in the road,went round the olive factory run in the traditional way,(brilliant olive oil we came back laden)and the tiny museum with Byron's signature. Karaikos met us and let us in,and was on hand for questions.He was delightful. Alex the owner answers all questions immediately and helpfully. I could not recommend this place more highly,five stars at least. We will certainly return.

10/10 Excellent

Charles B.

A fabulous place to stay on the Mani
We and another couple spent a week in May, 2016 at Pyrgos Manoleas, the medieval tower house in the village of Thalames. The accommodations were very good and located in a quiet, peaceful location on the edge of the village. The local Taverna in the village square, just a short walk from the Tower House, has excellent fare and one or two nights a week features folk music by local musicians. Thalames is an ideal location from which to explore the beaches and villages of the Mani, and we would highly recommend it for any families visiting the area
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Platz, Ruhe und ein großartiger Ausblick
Wir haben eine herrliche Woche in Thalames verbracht. Das Grundstück liegt am Rande des Dorfes, so dass nichts den Blick aufs Meer und den Hausberg versperrt und wir die Aussicht ungestört genießen konnten. Unsere 3 Kinder haben sich die beiden Schlafzimmer im Nebenhaus geteilt und wir haben oben im Turm geschlafen. Die Klimaanlagen in allen Schlafzimmern haben uns nachts vor der Hitze gerettet. Unsere Kindern haben jeden Abend Fußball und Räuber und Gendarm mit den Kindern aus dem Dorf gespielt. Wir haben es sehr geschätzt, so viel Platz zu haben und auf dem großen Grundstück ungestört zu sein. Alex ist ein sehr aufmerksamer Gastgeber und Kiriakos der freundliche Ansprechpartner vor Ort. 5 Sterne von uns!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claire R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Un séjour enchanteur
Une maison magnifique, une vue à couper le souffle, un jardin paradisiaque, un calme absolu, de nombreuses très belles plages peu fréquentées, un hamac sous la treille : on ne pouvait rêver mieux après ces mois de confinement. Ces vacances ont été juste parfaites. Merci Alex de nous faire partager ce lieu enchanteur
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

AURELIE R.

Une location que l'on recommande
Pour nous, citadins, et nos 3 enfants (16, 14 et 7 ans), c'est une maison idéale. Nous avons spontanément apprécié la beauté et la sérénité du lieu. Savourer la course du soleil, les reflets changeants de la mer, le rose éclatant des bougainvillées, le temps passé en famille... C'est un endroit très poétique où nous nous sommes vraiment reposés tous les 5. Kiriakos, qui nous a accueillis, est extrêmement gentil et serviable. La maison est impeccable, confortable et très bien équipée. Les enfants ont apprécié de dormir à l'écart (le jardin est clos). La plage de Stoupa a été parfaite pour les 3 fois où nous y sommes allés (on se gare très facilement à l'église et l'eau est limpide et propre). Thalamès était idéal pour visiter le Magne historique. Nous avons passé la dernière soirée à la taverne du village : chants, danses, ambiance chaleureuse et cuisine familiale savoureuse, parfaits pour clore notre beau séjour en Grèce !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

andreas b.

a place to return to
We - family of four with two teenagers - stayed for almost 2 weeks in Thalames. The house (tower) was in perfect condition, the view awesome. Our daughters stayed in a separate building, enjoying their privacy and double beds (for each!). Spending a day in the garden (instead of going to the sea) was a real pleasure, it is sunny and also provides shadow during the hot July hours. The nearby taverna was always a safe bet at any time of the day. As in the header - a place to return to.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Antje D.

Peace and spaciousness in inspiring surroundings
Opening the blue door to the property we felt like entering a hidden paradise. Never before we spent such a perfect holiday, due to many aspects: first of all the wonderful Pyrgos, restored with taste and carefulness, the bedroom on the second floor with a 270 degree view, our favorite place on the smaller court under the trees following the sun from the east rising behind the Mount Nikon to the stunning sunsets in the west. Thalames has a fantastic tavern "O Platanos" with a friendly stuff where we used to take a coffee and to have our dinner quite often... The olive oil from the mill just in front of the tavern (taste the one with orange too!) is just delicious. We had some lovely hiking tours in the region and discovered little beaches, our favourite one ist Foneas. To sum it up, the owners created really a wonderful place where you will regenerate and get inspired just by the peaceful landscape and people around you. Thank you so much for three unforgettable weeks!
Stayed 21 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Katja W.

A superb house and extensive secluded garden in a charming village - nothing else to long for!
We (two families) spent a great time in Thalames. The house is just perfect. All information we received beforehand was helpful and already gave us the feeling of being part of the tower and the village. We met Kiriakos, who takes care of the house, easily, he was an asset during our stay - very cheerful and always alert to help when needed. The village is incredible, lovely people everywhere, an oil mill to visit, old men who sell herbs and honey, the vegetable truck that stops in the square, a great taverna to spend the evenings and enjoy village life or local music. Staying at Alex' and Julie's property felt not like any holiday home. The tower and the paleospiti are restored with love and care, everything is assembled so that we felt at home right away - more like staying with friends than having rented a house. Thanks Alex and Julie, that you share your paradise with others... We had a great time also exploring the area, little walks, trips down south into the wild Mani, strolls through villages along the coast or in the mountains - and of course the daily swim - lovely little beaches are reachable within a 10-15 min. drive, even in summer not really crowded! We had a superb time and will certainly come back sometime in spring or autumn to see the place then and be able to go for hikes!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016

10/10 Excellent

Damien D.

Excellent sejour
Maison magniote tout à fait remarquable. Par ailleurs, la "Trattoria" les platanos à 200m est parfaite: accueil, bonne cuisine... Excellent séjour
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016