Summer on Skopelos is all about outdoor living, and this charming little cottage is the perfect spot to max out those long, sunny days and balmy, star-lit evenings. The elevated setting means not just privacy but also wide-angle views of the town and the blue Aegean beyond.

Tucked into an extensive private olive grove, to stay here is to get a glimpse of island life as it was once lived. This Simpson Secret cottage has been expertly converted from old farm buildings that once housed workers for the annual olive harvest, one of the most important moments of the year in the time before tourism. To preserve the character without compromising on comfort, the cottage is made up of two separate stone buildings, decked out in the fresh blue and white that are the signature colours of Greece. The first houses a charming bedroom suite with its own modern shower room, while the second is a light-filled living space that opens onto a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining terrace.

Deep, luxurious loungers are strategically positioned beneath ancient the olive trees, where you can catch up on your reading or just relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this special place. Even more romantic is the double daybed, nestled beneath a gazebo and curtained for privacy, though it would be shame to close off that wonderful Aegean view.

The cottage is close enough to Skopelos Town that you can easily access everything you need, yet far enough removed to feel beautifully secluded. You can walk into town in just 15 minutes, the town beach in 20 minutes, or drive to Stafilos beach in around a quarter of an hour.