Lovely holiday Sept 07

Linda and Stuart's studios provide an excellent base in one of the most attractive parts of the Mani peninsula. Compact but well laid out, spotlessly clean and well equipped (and, very importantly, each with an incredibly comfortable bed, complete with curtains to keep out mosquitoes and other bugs), the studios are just a ten-minute downhill walk through the olive groves to the beach closest to the delightful fishing port of Agios Nikolaos. In Agios Nikolaos itself there is an excellent choice of tavernas, serving delicious fresh food until late at night. Also in Agios Nikolaos there is a friendly bar with wifi, a few small supermarkets and a post office. For those seeking more than sea and sunshine, it is well worth exploring some of the villages tucked into the folds of the rugged mountains. I particularly recommend Kastania (only half an hour by car from the studios), which has several Byzantine churches of note (all richly decorated with stunning frescoes) and an excellent taverna.

The two studios have their own independent terraces, and although the studios are adjoined, they each feel completely private, as one of the terraces faces south, and the other west. Each terrace has comfortable outdoor furniture, including a sun umbrella.

Many thanks to Linda and Stuart for making my stay so comfortable and hassle-free. And many thanks for all your help beforehand with car-hire recommendations, and for dealing so smoothly with the booking and payment procedures. I very much hope to be back before too long.

Undeniably these studios are very smart, comfortable, clean and entirely lived up to their specification.

They are peacefully situated amongst an olive grove with views over the sea. The owners, Linda and Stuart, who live in an adjoining house were never intrusive but always made us feel welcome.

We had a car, which is pretty essential and when we weren't collapsed on one of the nearby beaches, we headed south to some of the smaller villages and coves. Not to be missed. Stoupa is about 4kms away and certainly in June was pretty quiet with plenty of tavernas to choose from.

The beach at nearby Pantazi was within walking distance through an olive grove and down a track [5 - 10mins]. Ag Nik., a little further north along the coast, is a small fishing village with restaurants dotted around it's harbour ideal for sampling the greek cuisine and watching the small fishing boats going about their business.

Because the studio's were so peaceful we spent most nights on our terrace stargazing and looking out to sea whilst tucking into the odd bottle of local wine. Wonderful.

We also made Olympia, 160kms away. Well worth the trip. Take your own water in, there's is expensive.

This was our first trip to mainland Greece after several visits to the islands, and have to say that this area has faired very favourably.

Would we recommend these studios? Yes we would.

Even better than the photos.
The interior was very comfortable. The air conditioning (small extra charge) topped off an already perfect studio.
The owners were friendly but not intrusive.
The property was well maintained inside and out and spotlessly clean.
The location was perfect for a short drive to a choice of quiet beaches and tavernas
We definitely recommend a stay here.
Steven and Beth.

We had a wonderful time staying at the property, it's in a great position for exploring the the area. A car is not necessary but useful to explore the full potential of this area which is very interesting and varied. The accomodation itself is very nice and modern with a traditional feel. The owners were friendly and made sure we had everything we needed without disturbing us at all and the studio was regularly cleaned. I would recomend paying a bit extra for the aircon (5E per day)-we were on a tight budget so didn't get this and found it hard sleeping at night in the heat. The good thing is that there's a pretty net round the bed so you are protected from mosquitos (there are not many anyway) this is one of the extra touches that we really appreciated. The only slight downside was the studio is about 20m from a road, which although not busy has some rather large vehicles travelling up it so we were occasionally disturbed by the noise. This didn't spoil our stay but I think many holiday makers prefer to know about this sort of thing.

We loved walking down the donkey track near the house almost every evening to the beach and tavernas (though you may need long trousers for this due to the wildlife!). It's about 10-15 mins walk to the taverna by the beach which was very handy. If you are feeling fitter, it's about 35mins walk to Agios Nikolaos (pretty fishing port) which has a larger selection of tavernas.

I have been to Greek islands many times but had never visited this area and I think it was probably our best holiday in Greece! Mainly because it was my perfect combination of history, beaches, sun, great food, walking distance to tavernas/beach. People in this area are also friendly, we were given refreshments and a warm welcome at a village festival that we gatecrashed!

I would recommend visits to Mystras, Limeni, lighthouse at the southernmost point, Dekulu monastery, Vathia, Kardamilli and other tower villages. Stoupa has nice beaches but there are many other hidden ones.

We spent two weeks here in mid-late July - and it was perfect...
The studio is exactly as described - and was clean and really comfortable. When we were at the studio, we spent most of the time on the verandah overlooking the olive grove and the sea - but the beach was a short walk away and the sea breeze helped cool us on the very hot days!
We flew to Athens and drove to Ag Nik over the Corinth Canal (worth a stop and if you're lucky (we were) you'll see a massive ship go through being guided by a tug) - via Triploi and Kalamata. It took about 4 hours but allow five.
We bought fish at the harbour in Ag Nik and cooked it at the studio - but the local Tavernas were great, and inexpensive.
We visited Mistras (Byzantine site near Sparta), Ancient Messini (just beyond Kalamata Airport), and we also drove to the southern most tip of the peninsula to the Temple of Porseidon... all these longer trips were accompanied by cooling swims in the azure blue sea... There was a classical music festival at Sonnenlink just up the mountain from Stoupa - and we went to two open-air concerts in the little amphitheatre... and also to a village festival with wine, food and Greek dancing...
We thought it was a great holiday... Stuart and Linda were there to give advice etc but were never intrusive.
Excellent - we will go back.
John and Maggie (July 2009)

Our whole experience of staying at this cottage was good - from making initial contact to our moment of departure. Our hosts kept in friendly contact, but were never intrusive and gave us the space and privacy we wanted.

The cottage itself is small and yet delightful, with a nice patio and pretty view, and seems both built and kept with pride. And it is priced economically which was important for us. We found the setting ideal - being tranquil but not remote - the small harbour and village of Agios Nikolaos is a pretty 15 minute walk down to the sea and along. You can probably get everything you need here - groceries, pharmacy, snacks and meals out. Tourists are provided for, but do not "run" the place.

The Mani peninsula is divided into two regions - north and south: the cottage is just on the north side. But only just - so you have access to the best of both worlds, and they are both beautiful. We hired a car and pottered about quite happily in nearby small towns and villages, walking many of the recently waymarked paths and visiting the coast at Kardamyli or Limeni.

We are very glad to recommend this property.

The overall impression of these studios are of immaculate presentation and attention to detail! Start and Linda could not have been more welcoming or attentive to our needs! Even down to the use of their bikes for some well needed exercise. Although a car is a definate must, the actual location was really ideal, close enough to Stoupa and nearby beaches but far enough away to not be bothered with any noise.
The studios had everything you could possibly need and without doubt I would recommend them to anyone who wants to get away from it all but still be near enough for meals out in the evening at nearby tavernas!
The description was spot on, and the studio was clean and well maintained!
The area is absolutely stunning, with lovely mountains as a backdrop, the sea laid out before you and the friendliness of everyone in the area, went a long way to making the perfect holiday!
Without doubt I would recommend them and the studios to anyone!

My wife and I stayed in this property of Linda's when it first became available. All I can say is that everything is as described and Linda and her partner were excellent hosts.

On arriving late we were given a pleaseant welcome and coffee to help us settle in. The property was pristine and very clean. I would recommend it to anybody from the fully fit to those not so fit provided you have a car, which would be a good idea to see and appreciate the locality anyway. The village up the hill provided the best tasting oregano ever!

At the time the only downside was lack of air-conn for the hottest days and poor telephone contact with the owners - both now rectfied.

Set in spectacular landscape with something for everyone who appreciates a quiet rural location close to village facilities and the beach. An excellent centre for walking holidays with many paths withing a 30K radius, and more to see within an hours drive. Unhesitatingly recommended.