“Ready to Enjoy Our Old Age as Well”
This article was originally published on July 16th in Het Laatste Nieuws, a Dutch-language newspaper that is now the most popular newspaper in Flanders and Belgium. The lovely couple you see pictured below are Paul Maeyens and Ellen Besard, both 58, at their second home in Crete. They are from Deinze, East Flanders. Het Laatste reporters met with Paul and Ellen to learn more about their long-cherised dream of buying a second home in Crete.
“Buying a Home in Crete was not always the plan,” admit Paul and Ellen. 6 years ago, they invested in a second home in Crete for retirement, choosing a site in the south of Crete which is quieter and more green when compared to Crete’s big cities. The villa they chose is impressively long, at 25 meters, with expansive views of the natural scenery and of the Mediterranean Sea.
Why Crete?
Paul sold his candy company, and began investing in real estate soon after. The couple first learned about Elxis – At Home in Greece at the Second Home Fair in Belgium. They began searching for a second home in Crete, hoping to rent it out when they weren’t visiting. Elxis’s team showed them a plot northeast of Plakias, and Paul and Ellen were attracted to the pristine and mountainous landscape. For them, the area offers more than the typical sea view, which can be found elsewhere in Greece.
Renting from 1,500 Euros
Paul and Ellen like visiting their Cretan home in shoulder season: “We prefer to stay in Crete in spring, when everything is beautifully green, and in October at the end of the tourist season.” The couple shares the home with friends during their visit, but also with renters. Those wishing to vacation at Villa Lithos can do so starting at 1,500 euros per week. For a new construction in the area, it’s possible to find a two-bedroom home from about 210,000 euros.
Working with Elxis – At Home in Greece
Paul and Ellen started working with Elxis – At Home in Greece, real estate professionals with offices in both the Netherlands and in Greece. The team is experienced in advising Belgian clients who are unfamiliar with the Greek market. After a viewing of the plot, they fell in love with the area: “When we step down the mountain, it’s a kilometer and a half to the beach. Especially in spring, it’s impressive to be among the wild orchids and all kinds of flowers.”
Back in Belgium, their home is a renovated farmhouse. In Crete, they wanted a change in style and chose a modern villa. “We gave our own input and we were allowed to provide our own sketches. We clearly recognize our hand in this house. For example, we absolutely wanted maximum connection with nature and the house had to be a bungalow.” The couple also focused on accessibility, making sure the house would accommodate them even in old age.
Buying Local
The couple chose to buy furniture locally instead of going to mainland Greece, so they could support local Cretan stores. “That took more time and effort, but we’re glad we did it anyway.” The countertop they chose is made of a composite material that looks like marble. Paul and Ellen add: “We are still impressed every time because it is so beautiful. When we sit on the couch, it makes it seem like we are outside.”
Kids in Mind
Paul and Ellen organized the bedrooms with their grandkids in mind. There are three bedrooms, each with a bathroom, a terrace and a large window – so that every guest can wake up to a beautiful view. “Everyone has their own place to retreat for a while. When two families stay here, the kids love lying on the bunk beds.”
Room for the Unconventional
“We liked to be a bit contrary every now and then,” Paul laughs. “For example, the straight lines of the villa were broken by a circular cutout in the concrete awning.” This meant a tree could grow in the cutout. He decided for the infinity pool to be a little longer than originally planned, so at the end it follows the twists and turns of the plot.
Want to read the original article in Dutch as it appeared in Het Laatste Nieuws? Reach out to our team at contact@elxis.com we’ll share the original text with you.
