Jesse did it again!  He managed to find the most unique, and perfect, location to stay in another corner of the world.  

We know we’re not like most travelers, but we also know that most people are looking for rest and relaxation on a vacation.  We also know that people are looking for a little bit of simplicity in life every single day.  That’s why it’s so rewarding to find a little gem that helps you fill all of the boxes for a dose of simplicity in the midst of a very busy world.  If you’re looking for something unique, peaceful, friendly, and just plain fun, this is the place for you. 

Before you even reach the property, you are greeted with warm hospitality, but even more so by the brightly colored fenceposts that line the entry.  Tucked on the side of a hill, Kalliberry is the perfect hidden oasis you’ve been looking for.  

The property itself is home to meandering stone pathways and steps surrounded by homegrown veggies and plants that the hosts very honestly tell you to “help yourself to.”  And they mean it. Off to the edge of the property they note some blue boxes, home to their growing honey business.  

As you make your way down the steps, you can’t help but notice the rambling hills that frame a picturesque view of the Aegean Sea.  You also start to notice the “extras” in front of you including a small pool, sundeck, hammock, pergola with couches, and our favorite:  yoga mats rolled up in the corner.  The hosts also invited us to grab any of the fresh veggies or fruits we saw growing around the property.  

 

Stepping into the building is like walking back in time, and you are.  The farmhouse used to be a stone animal building and you can see the thick stone walls that still remain.  Everything else has been updated and modernized, but still keeps to a comfortable vibe.  I can’t help but think of the Flintstones meets a Hobbit Hole as I walk around this place, possibly because of the stone-based architecture, but also because of the 50’s vintage touches around the dwelling as well.  Mod touches in the lighting, record player, and furnishings give it an eclectic vibe.  All in all, it has a vibe of fun and whimsy that is often missing in our daily life.  

Our stay was complete with the comfortable wafts of island winds.  Okay, they were gusts, but as windy as it was those two days we were there, relaxing inside and out were both amazing options.  It was reminiscent of windy days on the lake as a kid and I loved it.  

This little farmhouse guest house had all the modern amenities you’d need, including a cozy bedroom, living room, kitchen, eating area, and full bathroom.  While there was no internet, we did get full cell coverage.  Having that connection with the outside world was both a blessing and a curse.  

Don’t get me wrong, the architecture of the home was amazing!  However, the decor was truly inspiring!  Every hour I discovered a new detail around the home or the patio that I hadn’t noticed before.  Whether that was an old bike used as the centerpiece of a garden display, or a chandelier hanging from a tree, to a customized welcome sign on the table, every turn brought another moment of discovery.  The more time we spent there, the more the word “whimsy” came up in our minds.  Kalliberry is truly a whimsical place, full of creativity and fun!

What made Kalliberry so unique was not just this amazing little gem of a space to stay in, but the hosts were extremely hospitable.  From the furry friends (dog and cats) to the human friends, we were greeted with nothing but friendly faces. They answered so many questions about things to do both on Andros and in our time in Athens.  They also gave us a peek into some of Greek culture and perspective as we chatted on the patio for a bit.  

Looking to get a dose of the simple life over in Greece?  Yes, you could go fight the crowds in Athens, or spend a mortgage payment for a night’s stay in Santorini.  Or, you could head over to Andros to Kalliberry and get a dose of some simple life vibes the Greecian way.  

Thank you to Kalliberry and our amazing hosts for a stay that we will never forget and never stop raving about to all of our friends!