Self catering accommodation in Cyprus, Treis Elies, Troodos Mountains
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Our lodge was the first old house to be restored in the village offering self catering accommodation in Cyprus, with the intention of preserving the architectural heritage and promoting the concept of sustainable communities. Through offering alternative holidays and environmentally friendly activities we have pioneered investment in the village through cooperation with and by encouraging local businesses. The presence of our guests in the village has restored life to a community which was facing the prospect of a gradually declining population due to the age of the inhabitants.
The establishment of the lodge in Treis Elies provides visitors with easy access to the unspoilt natural environment and heritage of this isolated village, at reasonable cost. Through the use of environmental principles and our guests' activities we foster a harmonious relationship between our visitors and the local population. In keeping with this philosophy the lodge accepts a maximum of 10 guests.
The lodge is run on ecological principles, cultivating organic vegetables and garden herbs, maintaining a compost heap by recycling the vegetable waste from the kitchen, and separating rubbish into categories for recycling. Trees are not felled to provide wood for the fireplaces as more traditional, sustainable methods are employed to provide warmth in the winter, e.g. burning vine cuttings and pressed olive seed sticks. It is our intention to harness solar energy for electricity production through the use of photo-voltage units.
Community
To Spitiko tou Archonta employs local people to: assist in our guests' activities, demonstrate the preparation of traditional foods, maintain the lodge's electricity and water systems, carry out general repairs, hire donkeys if required. The proprietors buy provisions for the lodge from local stores and local people and encourage guests to do likewise. Our guests have the opportunity to visit local restaurants.
Treis Elies is one of a small group of Troodos mountain villages which have remained undeveloped for many years, mainly due to the decline of the traditional pottery industries and the movement of people to the towns in search of employment. The population of the village now numbers only 50 people, all of whom are over 60 years of age. To Spitiko tou Archonta is the first establishment in recent times to provide the village with the prospect of sustainable development.
Our aim is to restore and maintain the life of the village by accommodating people who will respect and enjoy the unique environment of such a small Cypriot village. We involve villagers in our programme by employing ladies from the village to show our guests the preparation of traditional foods. We invite the village violinist (who is also the proprietor of a coffee shop) to play traditional music for our guests and we encourage our guests to visit the local coffee shops and buy their provisions from the village store.
The Marathasa Valley is a fruit-growing area. Our guests can purchase the delicious local produce (apples, cherries, walnuts), enjoy the beautiful spring blossom and use a more traditional mode of transport as a village donkey is available for hire. The central location of the lodge gives guests the unique opportunity to enjoy and participate in the cultural activities associated with religious and seasonal festivals. Baptismal ceremonies can be organised in the 17th century village church.
