We are sad to have just returned from our first Spring 2023 visit to a very wet and windy UK, having reconnected with the Kefalonia community and businesses. Whilst there we’ve taken delivery and installed new furniture, bedding, towels even a new batch of sun loungers. We are particularly excited to hear your feedback regarding the look and feel of the newly imported Italian sun loungers, that add a modern twist on a classic theme, ready to welcome 2023 guests.
Those of you who have visited the Walnut Tree before will know Celia & Rees, you will see that Celia continues as the booking manager. Celia is a fountain of knowledge on Kefalonia & all things ‘Walnut Tree’ we asked her to remain so that guests will receive the same expertise and passion as they always have. Ace Property Management (ACE) continue to manage the property whilst you are here. They do a fabulous job from the first welcome to the cleaning and maintenance in between guests. ACE have enabled us to ready the villa for the 2023 season. A steep learning curve on the way things work in Greece & I am sure we will be saying ‘It’s all Greek to me’ for many years to come. Including, finally receiving a lost furniture delivery from Athens, it was an experience & did not do much for our stress levels.
Whilst at the Walnut Tree in April, we received an enquiry for a summer wedding party. We were delighted to meet the bride & groom and family members to give them a personal villa tour.
A very serendipitous moment when we realised, we used to live a few miles apart in the same town! The happy couple will be getting married in the stunningly quaint St George Chapel, where our good friends Spyros and Spyridoula were also married, just 5 minutes’ drive from the villa. The wedding party wanted to see how the villa would work for their entourage, and the booking confirms the villa ticks all the boxes. We are incredibly pleased to welcome our first wedding party of 2023 & wish them a truly magical wedding day and a long and happy marriage. There is no doubt, getting married on this stunning island with Greek hospitality and a passion for strong family bonds, will be giving them the most amazing start!
The boules court is raked over. The new table tennis table is assembled (who knew they come flat packed) it supports both normal and single player/mono mode, is tested and ready for hours of enjoyment in the garden area behind the pool.
Family Time & Easter
When we stayed at the Walnut Tree in 2017, one thing we found different to other villa rentals was the “family friendly” nature, the abundance of books, games, pool equipment & DVDs. If you’re coming in the main season you will no doubt be basking in the sunshine and not thinking of sitting in watching a DVD, but, for young families we know first hand that having some entertainment (whether this be Peppa Pig or Thomas the Tank Engine) can be a godsend. Every year you will see more DVDs added to the library, along with some Greek favourites Mamma Mia, Captains Corelli’s Mandolin & My big fat Greek wedding! The books are here for your enjoyment too, if you don’t finish a book feel free to take it home so you can finish it. We just ask that you “book swap” with a book of your own, so, like you, others can enjoy a bask in the sunshine with a good read!
The Greeks like to celebrate many holidays and festivals. Easter is no exception, this quiet island comes alive at Easter with many church services, restaurants opening following the winter break and fireworks! Lots and lots of fireworks, it really is quite a celebration and one we recommend witnessing , especially as the weather is obviously cooler than in peak season.
If you’ve read the earlier blog about Richard & I acquiring the Walnut Tree last year, you will know that we holidayed here in 2017. We have always loved Kefalonia and planned over many years to make our home here. Sadly, my father-in-law passed away in 2019 and since our multi generational holiday to the Walnut Tree was our final holiday together where we made some wonderful memories with him, it felt fitting that the Walnut Tree Villa become that family home.