Testimonials

Since I was a child a dream of mine was to have a house in Crete in the same village where my Yaya lives. As I live in the United States, building my dream home thousands of miles away seemed like a very stressful situation especially never having built a home before and trying to find someone trustworthy, but the Minoan Home team made the process stress free through their vast knowledge of home construction and design, their clear and constant communication, and their genuine care and thoughtfulness in achieving my vision. Kyriakos and George at Minoan Homes are honest and extremely talented.

Construction and design are definitely one of their strengths. When I sat with them I had some key points that I knew I wanted in a home: keep it simple, small, and Greek. I was also very keen on keeping as much of the surrounding natural habitat. They came back with plans that were exactly what I was looking for and walked me through their thought process on how the design met my needs. For example, one of the things I wanted was to keep it small yet not feel too enclosed and they very effectively used the space and their design skills, like incorporating higher ceilings, to make it feel open and spacious.

Not being able to see the construction process in person, Kyriakos and George kept communication clear and constant. Monthly reports with photos and updates to the home were instrumental in the process. The one time I was able to visit the construction site they had lined up all their home builder suppliers for me to sit with and pick out the flooring, fixtures, paint, and other interior details being very efficient in using the limited time I had in Crete.

The Minoan Team not only does their job, but they go above and beyond to care for their client. I felt part of their team. They listened to my ideas and thoughts and would offer up suggestions based on their experience always making the process feel like a collaboration. Throughout the entire process I felt at ease and confident that I had made the right choice in working with them.

I am forever grateful to Kyriakos, George, Elen, all of the staff at Minoan Homes and contractors who made my beautiful home in Crete. My whole family is happy and excited for our new adventures in this new home.

Blessings,

Through our recent cooperation with Minoan Homes on our new Avra ​​Apartments project at the port of Kolymbari, we soon realized that our partners shared the same interest with us in this special and demanding project. By providing in-depth technical studies and specialized construction techniques, Minoan Homes managed to complete the difficult task of restoring the building that now houses Avra ​​Apartments with respect to the preservable character of the building, transforming it into a building of modern aesthetic enhanced with elements of traditional architecture. Additionally, all apartments’ interior spaces feature comfort, meeting all necessary functional requirements while the overall result is exactly what we expected. Put simply, at Minoan Homes you will find (high) Quality – (impeccable) Service and Consistency, a very important element for the success of any project.

We live in Steinach at the Brenner (1.045m above sea level) in Austria, Tyrol. My husband and I founded almost 20 years ago a company (metal constructions), that means very much work and stress. As we are surrounded by mountains at our home, we wanted our second home to be by the sea, surrounded by hills, olive groves and vineyards … So we decided about 3 years ago to realize our dream. For us definitely just Greece came into consideration, since we were spending our holidays there for over 30 years. We love the scenery, the good food and above all the hospitable Greeks. We liked very much the region of Kolymbari, and the small town Darmarochori. It was central, but a little off the beaten track, just what we needed. We could realize our dream, thanks to the “absolutely right” decision in choosing the contractor, namely Minoan Homes. The collaboration – despite the distance – worked great. For the construction of our house we had many special requirements, which were perfectly done by Minoan Homes, even down to the last detail, with hard work and in an incredibly short time. Based on current progress reports (with pictures) of the construction phases, we were always informed about the last detail. Every extra request has been agreed always in advance and what is even more important, they were perfectly realized and executed in detail. My husband is working for about 35 years in the construction industry and he as a very good eye for this, because he knows about this business. At the time when our dream house has been finished, he said that he does not believe that he could find in our own country (Austria) a construction company, which could do such a very good job. Finally it had to be mentioned that both the business owners of the company Minoan Homes, as well as all the staff are all incredibly friendly, helpful and affectionate people. We always had the feeling of being welcome and we have now new friends in Greece. Hannes & Sabrina Bolli

After many years of searching for the”right ” Plot, we finally found it in Gerani, close to Platanias. Now our dream house were to be build,but we needed good construction company for this job . There were three entrepreneurs in a competition that gave us price for “ a turn key“project, and in the competition Minoan Homes had the best offer. We are very satisfied with the work that the craftsmen’s has done and the cooperation with the contractor has also been very good. Every week we received rapports with pictures, so we could follow the building project from Norway. We had a time schedule and we almost managed to finalized the house within this date. The house is great and it looks fantastic, and it became actually like the house of our dreams. And one year later, there has been some small issues in the house, and Minoan has without no hesitate fixed this atonce. This is something we think is very importance and we percentage this very much. This proves that this company is a serious company. We can recommend Minoan Homes because oftheir good quality, service and their effort of for filling the contract with all its details and time schedule.

In mysearch for a home in Greece, I was recommended to visit Kolymbari, a beautifularea west of Chania. I fell in love withthe place at first glance. I visited the office of Minoan Home, and there I wasgreeted by a service minded professional team. They showed me project they hadbuilt, under construction, and properties for sale. I was taken by theirproject Minos Dream, and decided to go ahead, despite the turbulence in theeconomical and political situation prevailing in Greece. The qualityof the work performed by Minoan Homes exceeds any building standard/codeanywhere in Europe. The quality of the work and the experience of the workersperforming the actual building were outstanding. This statement comes from theson of a civil engineer, and a long time partner with one of the largestconstruction companies in Greece. Minoan Homes ability to adapt to my manysudden changes in the construction/layout was received without any objections.Time-schedules for completion of works at the various stages of theconstruction were met at all times. I have nohesitations what so ever, to recommend Minoan Homes as your partner when youdecide to buy/build a home in the western part of Crete. By choosing Minoan Homes as your partner, youwill have professionalism from A to Z, including a very close follow up afterthe completion of their works.

Now that we have both lived in our new house at Kamara for a couple of weeks, we would like to express our appreciation to you and all your team for building us a very lovely second home.
We are delighted with our wonderful house. We are very pleased with the high quality of workmanship and finish that has gone into the building and the swimming pool.
Everyone at Minoan Homes was also very helpful and kept smiling through all of our little questions and problems associated with setting up a home in a foreign country.

After quite a few visits to the island of Crete and the last five to Chania area of western Crete, we decided to retire to the Kolimbari district.
After looking at different builders and areas we chose to select Minoan Homes bungalow.
We are so pleased with our decision, the built was just what we wanted, we bought off plan and made some adjustments to what we required, and this was carried out exactly as instructed.
The after sales service strengthened our feelings that we had made the correct choice. We were advised on resident’s permits, buying a car, tax numbers and accounting. Also other things that made us feel grateful for living here are the views from our house, the Cretan people and the standard of living. We experienced no problems from the day we chose the plot to the day we moved in.
We were supplied with photos of every stage of the build and helped with the financial payments. We were never placed under pressure and made to feel that we were important to them as they still do.
Everyone from Mr Kiriakos, Eleni, and Mr Manolis always found time for our questions and offered help in every way possible.
As we wanted to do, we are living our dream.

We have long said that we are not staying in Belgium for ever, (not a bad country, but the weather in anything but!) In 2009 we went for the umpteenth time traveling, and our fourth time to Crete. We went out with bicycles and passed Minoan Homes offices, we looked at the pictures and went in for information. Then we went to look at houses and we lost our hearts immediatly to a bungalow in Darmarohori, near Kolymbari. We were not planning to already buy a house, but we could not wait! It was beautifully located, beautifully finished, solid materials, everything was fine! Minoan Homes helped us tremendously with everything, thanks to them, we can realise our dream!!! And the after-service is VERY GOOD!!! – that unlike other companies. We had never thought before it was possible. We can warmly recommend anyone MINOAN HOMES!!! We love Greece, and her people very much!!! Guy & Rita – Belgium

Having decided to retire to Crete, my partner and I found our ideal location, the beautiful Chania region of western Crete.
We looked at a number of companies in the area and decided on ‘Minoan Homes’ Kolimbari, as the best, both on price and quality, having seen their finished work. Top quality workmanship throughout the built, exterior and interior fittings of fine finish.
From the onsite foreman ‘Manolis’ through the team to ‘Kyriakos & Giannis’ the M.D. and his able assistant “Aris’ who speaks excellent English, we received all the help we needed.
The finished property was of a very high standard and quality. The price was well within our target budget, extra work was at a very competitive price.
We now have a finely built home complete with large pool, double carport, nearly 2000 sq.m  plot with olive trees, magnificent sea and mountain views.
We highly recommend ‘Minoan Homes’ for build quality and excellent service, for your holiday or permanent home.
D. Harrison & G. Shrewsbury
From Preston Lancashire
To Kolimbari Crete

Pipe-dream to reality.
For number of years my husband had dreamed of a place of our own on a Greek island. As his retirement grew closer he started surfing the net to see what was available and after a holiday on Rhodes really settled to work out if his dream could become a reality.
Then he started to draw up his wish list and I knew that now I would have to add my requirements. We wanted to be part of the community not on a holiday complex, nor in a major tourist resort, a detached house preferably with its own pool. Small enough so that there was little housework but large enough to have the family stay.
We loved Crete, especially Chania and the western end, and decided that this is where we would start to look; retirement was still a couple of years away. While we were on holiday we looked at all the developments we saw checking the names and addresses of the developers.
We saw some nice plots in the early stages of development being undertaken by Minoan Homes, based in Kolymbari and so made a point of looking in their window. We liked what we saw and decided to call in to see what future developments were planned.
An hour later we had seen our dream. In the hills behind Kolymbari, in a small village, a development of just two houses, surrounded by Greek neighbours. The view to the mountains was stunning, the house complete and room for a pool to be installed; every box on our list was ticked. We both loved it but I wasn’t ready, we were only looking and Mike had two years to retirement not just the one we planned. After a sleepless night we went back and started the process of buying the house.
Minoan Homes couldn’t have made it easier: Kyriakos and Tara personally helped with the bank, the solicitor, the public notary and within 3 days we were well on our way to owning our dream. The help from Minoan Homes didn’t stop there while the pool was being built we got regular updates and pictures. When we went out to Crete to furnish the house, Tara showed us where various styles of furnishing shops could be found in Chania (those that would equate to Ikea, Habitat, B&Q as well as traditional Cretan). Tara also took us to the local electrical shop where we organised aerial installation, TV and other requirements all supplied and fitted the next day. The help didn’t stop there: a guided trip to the local supermarket so that I could get the right floor cleaner for the marble stairs, as well as a quick guide to spaghetti by number size was also fitted in!
What more could we have asked for – a house and pool, in a fabulous place and all the support we could need from a local developer. We meet Kyriakos and his family in Kolymbari while shopping. Minoan Homes: Kyriakos, Ioannis, Tara, Manolis and the rest of the team – real people with pride in their work and a local reputation to uphold.
They helped us every step of the way to realising our dream.

My name is Richard and comes from Sweden / Sigtuna. I am a well travelled person who has lived and worked in LA, Italy, Spain, Hawaii, etc. I have over 2 years lived in Spain on the Costa del Sol where I felt that nothing worked current house building etc. We had decided to build in a warm sunny country and have travelled a lot to Greece. My best friend is Greek and said that now is the time to buy in Greece. Me and my parents went on holiday to Crete – We got to know the owner of a luxury hotel and we told that we had sold our house in Sweden and was interested in building a house in Crete. He told Us – If you want to do a really good investment for the future, you should buy / build in Kolimbari / Chania. A small village with a lot of potential and charm. He advised us to contact Minoan Homes which he considered the most reliable and best builders in Crete. Minoan Homes promised that the house would be ready in 12 months. They were completed in 9 months and we now have our dream house to extend our summers with at least 4 months, a fantastic feeling! We have built the house in order to gather the family on this wonderful island. My dad who is disabled after a stroke have improved their quality of life and health of sun, sea and especially that he will be able to avoid the cold and rainy weather and icy streets. The family has gotten to know most of the neighbours – how are now close friends. During my last trip, we had our neighbours over for dinner. We were invited out to neighbours and I had the opportunity to go with my new found friend Antonio for Calamari fishing. Wonderful water, excellent fishing! Me and my wife with children traveling to Crete on 7 April to stay for a week. My parents with a good friend lands the following week. The island has so much to offer and discover. We look forward to getting to know the island and is more than happy that we made a right decision to build our dream house. Many thanks to Minoan Homes that have carried out our dream! If you are considering buying / off build or buy a house – Then You are fully confident in Minoan Homes as brokers and builders. We are very impressed!My dad has been a builder all his professional life and have never seen better work done!Please contact us if you have questions concerning your accommodation in Crete. Sunny regards Richard Schultzberg with family.

In May 2009 Paul & I came over to Crete to look for a holiday home. We fell in love with the area of Tavronitis- Kolimbari area after having numerous holidays over the years. One evening in the local Taverna we were talking to Thanis & family about looking for a holiday home, they told us they knew a local builder who would show us some properties. The next day they took us to meet Mr Kiriakos & Elena at Minoan Homes. They took time in asking us what we wanted where etc. They then took us to see some properties. Instantly we fell in love with Skoutelonas. But then had the hard problem on which property to go for. The 2 bedroom bungalow or the 2 bedroom house. We were given plenty of time to look around the property & take photos. The following day we called back at the office to arrange another visit. Elena & Mr Kiriakos dropped everything and took us to the properties. We took several more photos. As we were looking at other properties we had informed Elena that we would be going home to the U.K. to make a decision. We asked if it was possible to buy the house from the U.K. without having to return. We were assured YES it is possible. So, home we went. After a sleepless night trying to decide which property had everything that we wanted. We both decided Church Lane was the one for us. I e-mailed Elena the following morning to say we would like the house. The whole buying process was done from the UK. Elena kept us up to date with the procedure e-mailing & phoning regularly to inform us of the progress. The Crete Lawyer also kept us up to date with all aspects of the buying, transferring of funds etc. At no point did we ever feel that we didn’t know what was happening. Every step of the way I was sent photos of doors to choose, floors to choose, Kitchens to choose. All very clear in detail. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. We were informed of how many days it would take to finish the house to our requirements. It was finished in less. When we were given the finishing date we booked a plane out straight away as we couldn’t wait to see our new holiday home. As we had an early flight I wasn’t sure if anyone would be about to give us keys for the house. I didn’t need to worry Mr Kiriakos was at the house waiting for us. There were even groceries waiting. Paul and I have been pleased with the quality of work in our home and the dedication shown by all the staff at Minoan Homes is fantastic. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone. If anyone has seen the Minoan Home that they would like to buy but for some reason cannot make it over to Crete I can assure you it is so easy to do it from the UK. Paul & Jayne Threlfall

When considering writing a testimonial of a house purchase experience in Crete it can be easy to make direct comparisons with similar experiences in the UK. The expectation is that the experience of purchasing a property 2000 miles away would be more stressful, administratively difficult and downright frustrating than a similar process in England. Our experiences are not however as you would expect. We purchased a beautiful renovated house from Minoan Homes of Kolimbari, Crete, 5 years ago and actually found the whole experience simple and gratifying. The expectations and standards at Minoan are very high which ensures the buyers experience is the same. The process of making the purchase and meeting timelines for completion are clear, concise and achieved without fuss with the standard of workmanship exceptional. Where Minoan has excelled has been the standard of aftercare and support once the purchase is complete. I remain confident that even after 5 years I can contact Minoan to request some support with the confidence that I will get a reply and help as necessary. The experiences of living in Western Crete and especially the Kolimbari area of the island which is relatively untouched by tourism, even as for us is only 6 weeks a year, is one I would recommend without hesitation. If I was considering making a purchase again, which I will in the future, I would not hesitate to use Minoan homes as my preferred choice of builder for either a new build or renovated property. John Angus, County Durham

In 2007, whilst staying nearby, we decided to pay a visit to the Minoan showroom after seeing that it had been established for some while, having stayed in the town two years earlier. We received a very friendly welcome and immediately, without any pressure, an offer was made to take me, my wife and our son to see a couple of houses and plots within a short drive of Kolimbari. We were impressed with the plot sizes and workmanship and fell in love straightaway with the potential of the plot where our new house was to eventually be built. Of course, being relatively astute, we were cautious and apprehensive and, like most people, had heard all of the potential downsides of buying property abroad. However we were put at ease straightaway and, the following day we went to Chania to sign the agreement. We were kept up to date with progress with emails being sent back to the UK on a regular basis. The following summer, we were absolutely delighted with our new home which was finished on time and with no “hidden” costs to pay. The finishing touches were excellent as was the quality of materials. Our swimming pool was also thoughtfully sited so that it was not in shade until late in the evening! The only “snagging” jobs were very minor and were attended to straightaway and without complaint. Additionally, when we have queries regarding bills and other Greek peculiarities, Eleni, at the showroom, is only too pleased to help. We cannot praise Minoan Homes highly enough and, having stayed at a home built by a larger rival builder, we thank our lucky stars that we chose the right company! Adrian, Beverly, Fay, and Mark Northcott