The Root House is a handcrafted, solar-powered retreat hidden in the hills of Vafes, a quiet village in the Apokoronas region of Chania. Built slowly by a local family using natural materials, it reflects the rhythm of traditional Cretan life, simple, raw, and deeply connected to the land. Inside, you’ll find a small kitchen, a cozy built-in lounge, and a wooden staircase leading to a loft with a queen-size and semi-double bed. The stairs are steep and rustic, part of the home’s handmade charm, but guests should climb with care. There’s a compact indoor WC, and a separate outdoor bathroom with toilet and open-air shower. Outside, the forest takes over. Sip coffee on the terrace, nap in the hammock, or cook in the minimalist outdoor kitchen with a single gas stove. Entirely powered by the sun, the house offers a rare blend of Cretan authenticity and off-grid sustainability. No screens, no noise, just space to breathe.

The Root House is the result of time, patience, and a deep love for the land. It began as a koumos, a small, dry-stone shelter once used by Cretan shepherds for rest and shade. Over time, it was slowly transformed into an off-grid retreat, shaped not by machines, but by hands, intention, and care. It reflects the quiet beauty of Crete’s countryside: raw, peaceful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Hosting this space is a way of sharing a different kind of stay, one that values stillness over speed, simplicity over excess, and authenticity over polish. We believe in giving guests the space to experience this rhythm on their own terms. Whether you come to rest, reconnect, write, or simply step away from the noise of modern life, this place invites you to slow down. We’re nearby if you need anything, but we trust the house and its setting will offer everything essential. Nothing forced, just forest, breeze, and the calm of something real.

The Root House is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Apokoronas countryside, fully surrounded by forest, dry hills, and open sky. Here, you’ll hear no traffic, no crowds, no urban noise, only birds, wind, and the gentle stillness of nature. It feels remote, private, and off the map, but you’re never far from what you need. Just a 10-minute drive takes you to nearby villages with tavernas, minimarkets, bakeries, and everything for a comfortable stay. This is the beauty of Apokoronas: wild and untouched, yet rooted in community and tradition. Nearby spots like Vamos, Vrises, and Georgioupoli offer small-town charm, authentic Cretan food, and access to beaches, cafes, and shops. From the house, you can take walks through the hills, drive to the sea, or just stay in and enjoy the peace. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, but life continues nearby, just as it always has in Crete.