The story of Aunt Maria's house echoes that of the village of Lefkara and its people. The young daughter left with her husband for London to practice their craft in the late 1920s. The mother sought to lure her back by building a house for her, unlike any other in the village, surrounded by a large garden, just as the rich did in town. Mother and father went to work. They cut stone from a nearby field, and carried it to the village. The father built the surrounding stone walls down to the ravine and the mother directed the work inside the big house. It was a labour of love that consumed the mother to her last days.
Years later the daughter retired to Lefkara, lived in the lower-level section, enjoying the rare advantage of the open space and large garden in the heart of Lefkara, less than a hundred yards away from the village square, shops and restaurants.
The house was restored with loving care in 2008, with the guidance of the department of urban planning and was separated into four independent units. It was approved by CTO and enlisted in the agrotourism traditional village house rehabilitation program.
Aunt Maria always felt that she had the best spot in town and most people agree. Fully grown almond trees on the village-side of the garden provide shade and privacy. They bloom in February and the fruit is ready to be picked in August. The pomegranate bushes near the west-yard walls promise a healthy treat to the lucky ones who can feast on the fruit in late October and November. By all accounts they are the best one can find.
The dream of three generations has come alive. A small paradise, a beautiful house with a colourful garden always in bloom, a gentle breeze that carries the smell of jasmine, sounds of bird songs and children play, open spaces that affort magnificent sunsets and a village as charming as none, make guests vow to return with family and friends for a longer stay.