Orchard Villa

Photos of Orchard Villa - inside, patio-courtyard, garden with terraces and pool, and views. 
(Close-up photo is new pool installed 2021, + full decking 2023. Some photos show old pool in far distance) 

Photos of Skiathos are on the main menu tab, "About Skiathos"  and sub-menu "Skiathos Photos"

If you would like more photos, let me know what would interest you, in an "Enquire Now!" message

And - please note descriptions and photos are non-contractual, as some items have been replaced over time - and plants often not flowering in high summer.
But the view doesn't change !

All 16 reviews (none adverse, averaged 'Excellent' and 4.5 / 5.0, 5 x 5*, 6 x 4*) sent to "Owners Direct", other sites, direct to us over the past 7 years to 2019*.

* until 2017, all our reviews were to the past great "Owners Direct.co.uk" site. Then 'O-D' was hi-jacked by Expedia Group ('HomeAway', renamed 'Vrbo'), adding a 10-20% so-called 'service charge' (for no extra service of course)! - and are still using the O-D link to trap unwary past O-D clients.
So we set up 'no-fee' site 'www.skiathosgreekvillas.com' site, and listed Orchard Villa on other sites with no reservation fees, like 'www.simplyowners.net' 
So reviews since 2017 are from these sites; plus a few more from 'HomeAway'/'Vrbo' (sadly we still need to use them for market lead stolen from O-D). 
Our own reviews are based on an honest 'no holds barred' questionnaire sent to all visitors.

2020 reviews - only as below from James and Sophie, stayed 29 Aug - 4 Sep (no other guests due to UK covid restrictions).

Hello, this is to say thank you so much for letting us have the villa. It’s such a beautiful place, and we’re having a lovely time. When you said it was the best view in the Mediterranean I thought you must be exaggerating, but now I think it may well be true!
The pool is great for a refreshing dip, and we’ve enjoyed the range of comfortable shady spots to sit reading under the grapevine pergola or up on the roof terrace. Wonderful restaurant only 5 mins walk, said to be best on the island, we’ve been twice already and planning a third visit.

Pre-2020 reviews ...

From KateV   Date of review - 31 July 2019 Source - www.HomeAway.co.uk/p8005317

Rating: 5*****

We stayed for a week in early July and had a fantastic week. The views are wonderful, Kevin the onsite manager is helpful and fantastically quiet. You do really need to hire a car because it is a ten minute drive out of Skiathos Town with only one restaurant within easy walking distance. The villa is full of Vivienne's personal possessions so it feels very homely but some might think its a bit cluttered. Warm pool, plenty of sunbeds, effective aircom and several sunbathing decks. Charming

From: LK  Date of email : Aug 15 2018 Source: response to my review questionaire (including problems)

Hi Vivienne,
We have had a superb holiday, thank you! Your advice before we went was useful & we really enjoyed having the 4x4 which meant we could adventure a bit and find some quiet places. We enjoyed the pool a great deal, and having food there on arrival was a blessing too, thank you!

I had underestimated the mosquito situation and we did all get quite bitten, despite the plug ins and lotion. There's not a lot you can do about that though!
The water pipes made 'rushing' noises at times, but apart from that all was good, we enjoyed getting to know Kevin a bit and found him most helpful.

Thank you once again - LK

From: GS Date of email: Jul 12 2018  Source: response to my review questionaire (including problems)

Hi Vivienne
Just to let you know that we had a fantastic week in your villa. The photos really don't do the villa justice, the views all round are as good as I've ever seen from a holiday let. All four of us had some (pleasant) life-changing issues to celebrate, and we couldnt have found a better place to chill out before all starting new adventures.

The booking, communications, car hire and meet and greet with Kevin, couldn't have gone any smoother. The pre-holiday information you sent us was perfect and we used it as our "Rough Guide"

We didn't get to see the whole island, as we were happy to laze around the wonderful terraces/pergolas and pool area of the villa. The added bonus for us boys, were England football performances in the world cup, so Kevin directed us to the only big sports pool bar, where we had a couple of riotous memorable nights!!

All in all it was the most memorable relaxing holiday we have ever been on, and a lot of that is down to the detailed information you provided, and the teamwork with Kevin who looked after us well.

One or two minor issues (not complaints!) , like only one tea-towel (we don’t use the dish-washer), a couple of storms and a short power cut, and some wood-wasps nibbling the wooden ceiling!

We are all sad to be back home and looking to see if we can come again

Thanks again, GS

From: SH Date of email: Aug 10 2018  Source: response to my review questionaire (including problems)

Good afternoon Vivienne,

Sorry for the late reply. Our flight was delayed, and we were two days late home ... so have been busy catching up.
We had another wonderful holiday! We love your villa and the views and we really enjoyed ourselves thank you.
I have been coming to Skathos since I was 13 and love the island (I hope to move over eventually) and love your family Villa.

The flowers in the garden looked so lovely, I am now working on a series of paintings inspired by your plants and flowers. 

We did have minor problems with drains and insects  but we are very easy going people and Kevin as always, was excellent help fixing the problems.
The pool had a slight problem with algae, but  It is great on hot days so we do enjoy using it. 

Hopefully it will be clearer for next time.
Yes, we would love to book again! We are looking at our dates and loved June so will be back in touch shortly to rebook ASAP.

Kindest regards, SH

M.S. - June 2018

We enjoyed our stay on Skiathos and the wedding went very well, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the bride looked lovely, despite the 33 degree heat! 

The villa setting is beautiful and the villa is so well equipped, the terraces are beautiful with lots of sitting areas.  The views are stunning – day and night, we were lucky with the full moon

Lucinka E August 2017 - Unforgettable getaway  - 5/5

If I could come here every year I would! The views alone would do it - truly spectacular view of the sea from the terrace and a lovely pool that we struggled to tear ourselves away from despite having come to spend time at the beach. One of the best things about this place is that it is family owned and run, so it is beautifully cared for and feels like a home rather than an agency letting. That said all v well organised and clean. ..... The villa is comfortable, spacious, with a beautiful outdoor space organised with tables and sun loungers on different levels, surrounded by fig trees, grape vines, flowers.... You could happily hang out at the villa and not go anywhere for a week!

That said it would be a shame as Skiathos is so lovely. It's really worth having a car on the island as there are so many lovely beaches and restaurants and sites to visit, but not impossible by bus. The nearest beach to the villa is walkable - we did it a couple of times - but a long steep schlep in high temperatures.

Lovely Olive Thea restaurant round the corner (also walkable but take a torch at night!) with incredible views and lovely food, but our favourite place to eat was the fish taverna on Sklithri beach, lovely and laid back by day and intimate and romantic at night, with tables right on the beach, dinner by lamplight.

The monastery was also a fantastic place to visit, incredibly serene and stunning setting. The other briliant thing about the villa is that the owner Vivienne is incredibly helpful and was always available to answer questions, offer advice, help with organising travel or car hire - and clearly knows the island very well and loves it. We left feeling fully recharged, rested and relaxed. 

Steve G.  May 2017 - Perfect family villa with stunning views - what a great place for our family get-together - 5/5

From our booking through to our departure we were impressed by the care and dedication of Orchard Villa's owner Vivienne and her support team.

Vivienne furnished us with all the information one could wish for to help get our holiday on Skiathos off to a great start. Info included travel suggestions, places to shop, eat and visit etc.. and this was before we had even left the UK!

We were met by the property manager and given a comprehensive tour of the property and an overview of the facilities including the do's and dont's of life on a Greek island.

The 'welcome pack' was very impressive and included EVERYTHING we needed and more for our first night at the villa, we have travelled extensively and have never been so well looked after.

The gardens are a delight, mature vines over trellis and copious flower pots and planted beds, a grassed area off to one side and plenty of seating, dining and chill out areas. There is a sun deck with loungers and a pool deck with a generous sized pool overlooking the gorgeous views. All in all a perfect holiday. 

Fiona M. July 2016 - Rustic Paradise - 4/5

We spent a magical 12 nights at Orchard Villa, the pictures do not do justice to the magnificent views.

The detailed info pack about the Villa and Skiathos (emailed by Vivienne) was spot on and we concur with all her suggestions of beaches and restaurants. Even for  our day trip to Skopelos, where we had no idea where to eat, Vivienne came back to us in moments with a fab suggestion. 

We have suggested Vivienne needs to refresh the towels and have plastic cups and plates for kids and I'm sure will take it on board as she is most eager to make sure her guests have a pleasant stay. I have already recommended Orchard Villas to friends who enjoy the rustic life and laid back approach Orchard Villas and Skiathos have to offer.

Debbie R.  July 2015 - 5/5

We had such a wonderful stay at Orchard Villa in Skiathos. The villa was well stocked with everything we need and there was a welcome pack of wine and beer and food enough to make a basic meal. The views for the villa were so beautiful and well positioned for town too. Very quiet, and Vivienne had provided a comprehensive guide to everything about the villa and Skiathos which was really helpful. We would definitely come again. 

Graham, Essex  July 2014 - Great Views - 4/5

We stayed for a week at Orchard Villa in July 2014 to experience the island of Skiathos before departing on a week flotilla sailing around the other Sporades islands. The villa was a perfect size for a family of four or more. Our two teenage girls had a room each and spent most days chilled out by the pool. We hired a car and used it for exploring the island including the more remote beaches on the north side. We would recommend a 4X4 as many of the roads on Skiathos are really dirt tracks and our hire car struggled a little with the steep hills and ruts. The views from the villa were amazing and it made a relaxing start to our holiday. The local taverna within walking distance of the villa is superb, but we regularly drove into Skiathos town for the restaurants and bars. Great villa and location with excellent service from Vivienne and her local team.

Buckingham July 2014 - 70th Birthday Celebration - 5/5

The villa was ideal for a family group of 2 grandparents. three adults and 2 young girls.The bedrooms were great for the family group and the master en-suite wet-room was always in great demand. The villa was well maintained and the kitchen and utility very well equipped. The views from the terraces were truly superb and the gardens delightful and very safe for the young children. A car is essential because the hill up to the villa is extremely steep. This is definitely a 5 star villa.

Paul Northumberland  June 2014 - 4/5

Myself and my wife were looking for a relaxing, peaceful holiday & that is exactly what we got ! we love Skiathos and this was our third visit (first in a private villa). The location is stunning with amazing views. There is lots of room inside and out. Walking to the villa is about  20mins from main road up a steep hill so would recommend car hire, alternatively taxi, ask the cost first and get good deal. Great & friendly service would definitely recommend!

Deb East Anglia August 2013 -  Place to chill  - 4/5

Stayed for a week as a couple having left the children behind. The location is superb with breath taking views over the bay. The villa is very private making it the ideal place for a totally relaxing holiday without having to worry about dressing up for breakfast! The kitchen is very well equipped if you do want to rustle up a meal or at least a Greek salad or two. Would recommend the Olive Thea for a nice meal within walking distance.

Vittorio & Isa Milan August 2013 - Wonderful seaview  - 4/5

The garden and the panoramic view from the villa (and swimming pool) are terrific beautiful! we received a kind welcome and assistance from the team; it was a pleasure to meet them. The villa is on the hill, andnot too close to the busy and noisy village. It is perfect for a walk or jogging at the sunshine, and close to a delicious family restaurant ('Olive Thea'). Perfect for 8 people even only one room has a double bed. Vivienne gave us a lot of information and suggestions for our time on Skiathos. 

Joanna M. July 2013 - Heavenly Views - 4/5

We loved this villa! - really traditional and full of character. The views from the terraces are stunning and totally private. The kitchen is really well equipped and has everything you need to enjoy outdoor eating. The 'Olive Thea' restaurant is wonderful, fantastic service, food and views. Get there in time to watch the sun go down. Easily done as it is only a few minutes walk from the villa. We would certainly recommend Orchard Villa and would love to stay there again.

Vernon Johannesburg June 2013 - Mediterranean Delight - 5/5

Our family of seven in total had little difficulty in finding Orchard Villa a "home-from-home" and had a holiday of a lifetime. The superb view, refreshing pool and all the amenities house were a delight.This comfortable villa is very well equipped for family meals and outdoor living, and is situated in a lovely olive grove in a quiet and peaceful area well above the main road. 

- SPECification of Orchard Villa, Grounds and Facilities
- House Rules (last para)

This list of "Villa Specs" and "House Rules" is also part of the contractual "Letting Agreement", but all other promotional/advertising
website descriptions, photos, reviews (and opinions like "attractive" etc) is not, because they are taken from a period of several years,
and specific items change over time (with equivalent replacements). 
And of course plants in springtime photos aren't in flower in high summer! But the fantastic view doesn't change...

- Easy villa access (many ads. for villas - particularly those right above a beach - don't tell you about the steep concrete staircase up from the road!)

   - Easy access, drive to front-door porch - 2 shallow steps only (see 'O-V photos')

   - Three steps between split-levels in dining room and courtyard, and gentle path with shallow steps to the middle and pool terraces

- Living Space

   - Kitchen and utilities

      - Oven, ceramic hob   - Microwave   - 2 low Fridges   - Double sink   - Dishwasher   - Coffee Maker

      - Toaster   - Dishes & utensils   - Washing machine   - Iron+board  - outdoor 'umbrella' dryer (all you need in warm holiday season!)

   - Dine - relax

      - Split-level salon

         - upper dining/living room for 8 (+ high-chair if need)

         - lower as fireplace inglenook, easy chairs - sofa 

      - Open-plan across 'pub'-type bar and bar stools to kitchen

      - Most guests prefer meals and drinks outside (warm 'til after 12!) in the courtyard patio (12-place tasteful wood-furniture)

      - Traditional Skiathos fireplace inside looks lovely, but sorry not for your use in summer (chimney sparks, serious local pinewood fire risk ...)   

      - Sofa, easy chairs

      - Smoking on villa stone terraces/patio only (wood beams and ceilings inside!) and not on country walks

   - Bed and bathrooms

      - Master bedroom has king-size bed, en-suite wet room with shower, w-c, and double vanity unit (twin glass 'vasque' wash-basins)

      - Guest wing has 3 more (twin) bedrooms, and 2 wet-rooms with shower, small vanity unit and w-c, all with bath linen (please BYO beach towels).

      - Bedrooms have air-conditioning, bed linen, fitted wardrobes, small dressing table, bedside tables, bedside lamps, hair dryer.

      - ... and mosquito nets if need (but easier to keep windows shut so you can have the air-con on, and use the anti-mozzie devices).

   - Internet 

      - Local 3-4-5G signal usually v good for Wifi hot-spot in villa, and free WiFi in almost all tavernas/beach-bars! (no fixed line/router, sorry not manageable) 

 - Pastimes 

      - Plenty of cook-books, maps, guides; DVD; Board games; Hi(-ish) Fi (CDs - even cassettes ... C&W, 60s rock, classics); TV (Greek - sorry, no DVDs, BYO)

- Garden and outside living

   - Private olive-grove garden with 3 terrace areas and child-friendly (7½m. x 4m. x 1¼m) above-ground Pool attractively set in-ground on hillside ledge, with
     access to the sun-decking and pool by 2 steps down from lower terrace with its built-in drinks table and bench, and fabulous views from terrace and deck
     never failing to stun every first-time guest - as in our great 4-5 star reviews!

   - Split-level dining courtyard patio with tasteful wood furniture (no white-plastic!) for up to 12; basic little 'wheely' barbecue (care - fire risk in summer)

   - Private secure parking for 4 cars

   - secure from wandering tourists and sheep, with private fenced grounds and remote-control drive gates (shared with separately-fenced next villa)

- House Rules (part of Letting Agreement)
   As Tenant you agree your group will keep these rules, and you pay for any loss/damage caused if you don't.

      - To keep and leave the Villa in clean undamaged condition; and not smoke inside the rooms.

      - To ensure routine cleaning inc. bathrooms, kitchen, equipment, and table/kitchen-ware.

      - Not use excessive water/elec (payable as below), and to use air-con in bedrooms only when occupied, with doors/windows shut.

      - To inform the support staff promptly of any breakages/damage/loss (inc of excess water/elec), and pay the reasoanble/actual cost.  

      - To inform all your Group of: .1 - Proper use of amenities of the Villa and Grounds; .2 Security and 'hazards' as in the (also non-
         contractual) 'Orchard Villa Skiathos Guide parts 1-3'; and to: .3  Maintain constant supervision of children.

Holiday themes for Orchard Villa

- Holiday Themes and suitability for your party

   - Seaside, resort, and countryside Relaxation, Sports, and Activities

   - Village and harbour exploring  -shops, tavernas, cafes, bars, shopping and all services - see "Skiathos Island" 

   - Hill-country hikes and exploring; 

   - Villa life and sun - vine-covered courtyard, terraced garden, roof terrace and pool (both secure for youngsters, fenced and gated), all with panoramic views

   - Family and group holidays and events (Skiathos weddings v popular! - call for info) 

   - Greek ambience, eats, and drinks (see 'Villa Guest Guide' part 3) 

      - Affordable 'food-guide' standard tavernas and restaurants (three of the 'top-10' within 12 mins walk of Orchard Villa)

      - traditional tavernas and 'zacharaplasteos' (ice cream and cakes)

      - Cafés, bars, and night-clubs

   - Sports & Activities 

      - beaching, swimming, snorkelling, SCUBA (booked in village or on Tzanerias beach) 

      - water sports on all main beaches - water-ski, wind-surf, speedboats, sailing dinghies

      - sea and pier fishing  

      - hill and forest walking (accompanied available)   

      - cycling (MTB/VTT)  

      - tennis and social club (in village)

      - horse riding

Picturesque Skiathos Village and taverna-lined old port, traffic-free paved streets, and all its shops-services-facilties - are 10 mins drive, and most of the 60-odd mainly sandy beaches within 5-25 mins - except the handful needing a water-taxi from the port!

You can also walk down to the village in about an hour, on the last remaining part of a cobbled mule track after you pass the Kivos Hotel - see 'Villa Guest Guide' Part 1, 'Routes', or the 'blue book' guide on the villa bookshelf (to see these Skiathos mule-tracks as in the old days - actually up to the '60s - take your walking boots for a couple of days on Alonissos).  

Full details - click "About Skiathos" and drop-down tabs 'Skiathos Overview', 'Skiathos Photos', and 'Skiathos Facilities' 

How to get to Orchard Villa:

Your 'meeter-greeter' will meet you on arrival and lead you to the villa. There are maps and guides on the villa bookshelf; and see the 'Villa Guest Guide - Part 1' which I send you on booking, for detailed directions to the villa by car, taxi, and on foot. 

Orchard Villa is in the 'Katsarou' area ('Katsaros' on maps) on a low ridge with a stunning '7-island view' overlooking the main beaches. Nearest to Orchard Villa are 'Vassilias' ('King’s' beach, also now called 'Randa') and 'Achladies' ('Pear-tree' beach, and hotel), both at 5-8 mins drive, or 15-20 mins walk down the hill - but check seriously before committing yourself to having to walk back up in the heat of the day. 

All other beaches are within 5-25 mins drive, or by water-taxi services by caïque from Skiathos harbour.

And within 10 mins walk of Orchard Villa are three of the islands top-10 rated (but affordable) restaurants:

Olive View - www.skiathosolivethearestaurant.com
Anastasia's (in Paradise Hotel) - no website, Google: "Anastasia Restaurant Skiathos"
Kivo Creative Restaurant / wine bar (in Kivo Hotel) - www.kivohotel.com

    - Prices are 'Seasonal' from May to September as: 'Low-'; 'Mid-'; 'High-'; 'Mid-'; 'Low-'  'End-' 

    - Price-chart changeover days are shown as Fridays (usually have most UK flights), but any day is possible subject to other bookings - please ask.

    - Prices across 2 seasons are pro-rated, based on the Friday within the booking dates. 

    - Prices shown in the chart are for 7 nights from arrival day after 16:00hrs, to departure by 10:00 hrs on the morning after the final night, and for a
      maximum of 8 adults/minors taking a villa bed (sorry, no camper vans, tents, or rough sleepers!); babes-in-arms free, and cot etc. provided. 

   - 'Off-' season prices may be possible October to April, please ask; May is usually unavailable, as I am there readying the villa for you!

Rental rates are for the entire property.

Changeover days are flexible. Prices are shown as 'Friday to Friday' and for '7 nights', but flights are available most days.
So subject to other bookings, any changeover day or no. of nights may be possible - to discuss when we talk, or click Enquire Now

   - You can move in to the villa from 16:00 p.m., and need to leave before 10:00 a.m. - ask about other timings.

   - I update the availability dates as accurately as possible, but will not confirm a booking enquiry until we have both made sure the villa fully suits your needs, and
     I have received your first payment (please call or send an "Enquire Now" message for details; both without commitment). 

   - Occupancy is for a party of up to 8 adults/kids in 1 double and 3 twin bedrooms.

   - Prices (see "Price" menu tab) may be subject to reductions for smaller (or mainly kids) groups off-season - please ask. 

Enquiries

   - Fill out form on "Enquire Now" tab (with your tel. no.please). I can usually respond within 2 hrs. If not, please use the tel nos. below for call-back.    

   - You can pay by PayPal if you wish (with no fee or surcharge).
      I don't have an on-line 'instant' pricing/booking system - but don't charge the 10-20% the "usual suspect" booking-agency sites do, if you use theirs!

Change over day: Flexible

Available

Unavailable

Departure/Arrival

Provisional

Thanks for looking at Orchard Villa !
   - and hopefully joining the very many guests and now friends who have enjoyed Orchard Villa since 1990 as in (click ⇒ ) ' Reviews '.

You can use this form (or contact me 'Direct' as below) to contact me with your enquiries, or to book (but with NO commitment to book ...
... so you can ask me about available dates, prices, or anything else about Orchard Villa, or Skiathos, or holidays in Greece.

You don't have to enter dates or party numbers, but please do if you want me to send a booking offer and T&Cs (and for close dates if those you ask for are not free).
Or if your dates are flexible, or you just want an idea of prices over a period, just let me know in the "Your Message" box in the form.

We can then agree your booking, which you confirm and I accept by your making a first payment (of two) as explained in the T&Cs ...
... with independant payment security guarantee if you wish.

Hoping to welcome you to Orchard Villa !

Kevin  (James)
Direct: see my contact info at right. If you're diverted to French voice message, please try again in a minute or two or call +33 479 56 76 27 for English