A New Life in Crete from channel4.com/4Homes

Parts of the house are over 400 years old, so renovating was an act of recreation; a hidden fireplace is now a feature of the house while the kitchen - which opens onto the sunny courtyard - was once a dusty stable. “I’d never worked on a building that was in such a state,” admits Alan.

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Most jobs had to be done from scratch, from installing the sewerage and water supply to building the chunky wooden staircase that leads from the living room up to the terrace. Of course, there were set-backs – for example when builders didn’t turn up for work. “Now, when I manage other projects I know why this might happen, such as national holidays. But when you’re in the dark about these things it’s very hard,” Alan says.

Although he had help with the major structural work, Alan did all the finishing and details himself. Beams were buffed to a deep sheen, and simple white walls were teamed with pastel shades. Maggie arrived and found a local carpenter who could make bespoke kitchen cabinets (they were far beyond the reaches of IKEA delivery), and created the one-off stained-glass windows herself.

The result is a beautiful home, full of warm touches and pleasant architectural details. An old stone sink is preserved in a corner of the living room and brickwork alcoves hold pretty ornaments. A wood-burning stove warms the main living room, while the original fireplace is the focal point of a cosy study. Floors are laid with mellow wooden floorboards, terracotta tiles or flagstones, with timber beams and pitched roofs above.

Each of the four bedrooms has its own character, while the large living/dining room is great for entertaining. The courtyard also serves as a living space, with steps up to a garden of fruit trees and a sunny roof terrace.

How have Maggie & Alan integrated into the local community? >>

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