Such a place does exist somewhere other than within the figments of our imagination. In fact, it's in Arahova, Greece’s most trendy mountain getaway, close to a ski resort and only ten kilometers from Delphi. Oddly enough, Guesthouse Generali is not that well-known, which is probably for the best, otherwise its seven rooms would be booked for months in advance.
As the former home of the Generalis family, the building is over a century old. Mrs Generali started to rent some of her rooms to visitors in the 1980s, but after she passed away, her son Stamatis decided to turn the house entirely into a proper guesthouse. A carpenter by profession, he made all the furniture and woodwork by hand, and his wife Zinovia, an interior designer from Athens, took care of the decoration. Together they created seven extraordinary rooms, each with its own theme. The smallest room is a cozy little love-nest called “Erotas” (Greek for love) and is furnished only with one solitary, though gigantic, bed. The other six rooms are larger, each of which is truly unique. The Helicopter room has wide windows and fantastic views over the mountains. The room called Companionship is ideal for families – spread over two levels it sleeps six and has a quaint patio in front.
The other rooms of the house – Flowers, Snow, Winter and Little Houses – are equally attractive. You will find comfortable country-style furniture and lots of fun details in the décor. With the exception of Erotas, they all have a working fireplace. There is also a CD player in every room, and you can choose your music from the owners’ collection. As comfortable as the rooms are, the showers are quite basic, but that can be easily forgiven once you head for the basement. There, you will find that the carpentry workshop has been converted into a funky relaxation space, boasting an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and water massage, as well as sauna. Unfortunately, children are not allowed in the pool with the reasoning being that the "grown-ups" should be able to recuperate in peace after a hard day on the slopes or mountain trails.
The welcome you get at the Guesthouse Generali is exceptional. When you arrive, Stamatis or Zinovia will offer you a cappuccino and sit down with you in the homey dining room before showing you to your bedroom and explaining where you can find the supplies for the firewood. When you come down for breakfast in the morning, the mini buffet with a breadbasket, some pots of jam, and a limited selection of cereals, at first appears a bit meager. However, you quickly realize that this setting is only a prelude to a copious breakfast of heaping omelets, elaborate crepes, freshly squeezed orange juice, and your choice of coffee served by a spirited Zinovia and Stamatis who are dashing from table to table. And then… a most decadent chocolate cake comes out of the oven. You won’t leave the breakfast table without feeling that you have put on at least a kilo or two, but it was worth every gram last gram.
Useful Information:
- Directions: A few hundred meters after you enter Arahova, you will see an old school building on your left. Walk down the steps between the school and a taverna called Agnadio, turn left after you pass the church, and you will find the guesthouse a bit further on, to your right. You can also call the guesthouse from the main road, and one of the owners will direct you to their private parking.
- Open: All year
- Rooms: 2 doubles, 3 triples, 1 quadruple and 1 room for six persons, all with private shower. All rooms are equipped with telephone, television and CD player.
- Prices: Low/moderate. Breakfast not included
- No restaurant
- Breakfast: Served from 7:30 to 13:30 in the breakfast room
- Children: Suitable, cots available
- Indoor swimming pool: No children allowed
- Credit cards: Not accepted
- Dogs: Allowed upon prior agreement
- Address: 320 04 Arahova
- Tel: (2267) 031529
- Fax: (2267) 032287
