st. TEN Stone Built Village: The design stone-built residences that will elevate your holidays in Heraklion, Crete
The beautifully renovated stone guesthouses, the indulgent sense of luxury, the handmade breakfast with sourdough bread, and the homemade food cooked in the wood oven are just a few reasons why st. TEN in Crete has captured our attention. Behind this purely family-run project is a construction company based in the Southern Suburbs of Athens (originating from the historic village of Agioi Deka, Crete).
- 23/07/2024
A private villa and 16 stone residences are scattered across three charming neighborhoods surrounding the Byzantine church of the Holy Ten Martyrs in the village of Agioi Deka. This welcoming destination is where time seems to stand still, turn back, or simply slow down, in the heart of Southern Crete, amidst the olive groves and vineyards of the Messara plain. This is the picturesque setting that the team at st. TEN Stone Built Village in Heraklion, Crete has painstakingly created after years of planning, months of hard work, and weeks of intense preparation for the final touches. Every stone, every detail, and every experience has been crafted with dedication and love.
Who are the individuals behind st. TEN? Konstantina and Jenny Kosmadaki, sisters originating from Crete, along with their spouses, Dimitris Konstantopoulos and Kostas Zoulos, who have embraced Agioi Deka as their own village, comprise the creative and indefatigable quartet driving the vision and execution of the project. The first two, equipped with backgrounds in architecture, economics, and interior design, have been actively involved in the construction industry for numerous years, having even founded their own construction company headquartered in Argyroupoli, situated in the southern suburbs of Athens. Their personal connection to the village ensures a unique and authentic experience for every guest.
Growing up in the village of Agioi Deka, the Kosmadaki sisters enjoyed idyllic summers alongside their grandmother, Eugenia. It was these treasured memories that sparked the concept of st. TEN Stone Built Village – a “village within a village” reminiscent of their carefree childhood days. This project embodies a journey back in time, combining traditional Cretan charm with contemporary elements and unparalleled comfort.
“We practically grew up here, spending all our summers with our grandmother. Thanks to her, we fell in love with this island. We returned to create a warm, ‘homely’ destination, aiming to offer our guests unique memories,” Konstantina.
“Our companions and partners in the project are our spouses, Dimitris and Kostas. They embraced Agioi Deka from the very beginning and played a crucial role in the vision for creating st. TEN. Both came from the hospitality industry, and with years of experience in this field, everything fell into place. So, we all decided to take the leap together!” comments Jenny. “I must also note that one of the key influencers in this decision was our father. He introduced us to the world of entrepreneurship, especially in construction. He has helped us evolve and be creative. He has always been a strict critic but has consistently been by our side. Without him and our mother, none of this could have happened.”
The endeavor was anything but easy. All the buildings – half-collapsed houses, a stone-built mansion, and even old stables – were reconstructed with the utmost respect for the area’s traditional architecture. The cobblestone alleys and charming courtyards were meticulously restored to reflect their original beauty. The interior and exterior spaces were furnished in a way that exudes a sense of understated luxury and equipped with everything one needs to feel at home and enjoy one’s vacation, not as a visitor but as a guest.
Guesthouses are built with stone, wood, and respect for the history of those who once lived here
The st. TEN Stone Built Village finally opened its doors last spring. It consists of three distinct “neighborhoods” and a stone-built villa. The neighborhoods of Pavliouris and Lemonatzi, named in honor of the previous owners of the buildings they comprise, are centered around two picturesque cobblestone courtyards. Thus, the residences in these neighborhoods have the privilege of offering complete autonomy to their guests while providing a shared space for relaxation, conversation, or play for children.
The main complex of residences, named Private Village, is literally a small private village within the village of Agioi Deka. The nine stone houses have direct access and a view of the pool, with the pool bar, restaurant, and st. TEN reception all located right next to them.
Homemade, handmade breakfast and traditional recipes in the wood oven
An integral part of the st. TEN experience is the food: Products from Messara and local recipes take center stage in the small restaurant where one can enjoy breakfast or lunch daily. “The vegetables come from our gardens and collaborating producers in the area. The eggs are from our own hens, while the cheeses and meats are from local farmers and small dairies,” notes Konstantina.
In the old wood-fired oven, which has been restored and is now operating again after years in the large courtyard of the main residential complex, pies and sourdough bread are baked before being served at the breakfast buffet. Next to the cheese pies and vegetable pies, butter, milk, Cretan cheeses, and delicious jams are also available every morning.
At noon, guests of the st. TEN Stone Built Village can taste food prepared by the family’s mother. Two or three different dishes per day, cooked in a pan, pot, oven, or wood-fired oven – depending on the season, ingredients, and inspiration: Stuffed tomatoes and peppers or goat with potatoes in the wood-fired oven, sfougato (the famous delicious omelette of Crete), snails, pastitsio, or moussaka are some of the recipes that complete – along with a small all-day menu of light dishes and snacks – the taste experience. In the evening, one can enjoy a refreshing cocktail by the pool, savor chilled local raki or some Cretan wine from the comfort of their room. Some houses even have a view of the illuminated white bell tower of Agioi Deka.
Beaches, activities, and attractions
The st. TEN Stone Built Village is ideal for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or outing with friends. Through its “slow living” philosophy, it offers its guests the opportunity to slow down and enjoy moments of true relaxation while at the same time serving as the perfect starting point for those who want to experience Crete and its beauties to the fullest.
Organized activities (such as boat trips or driving safaris), hiking and exploration (to hidden chapels, historic monasteries, the unique Rouvas Gorge, or the artificial lake Zaros), visits to archaeological sites (the ancient city of Gortyna is just a stone’s throw away) are just some of the experiences that the st. TEN team will recommend to you.
Additionally, the hotel offers bicycles for rent to guests who wish to spend a relaxing day exploring the village of Agioi Deka. Famous beaches, such as the historic Matala and the beautiful Psili Ammos, are approximately half an hour away by car.
The pool and the updated pool bar are always available for those who want to press that pause button we mentioned earlier, letting the magic of st. TEN Stone Built Village work its charm undisturbed.