Mountain or sea? Dream houses that will make you rethink your choice

Mountain or sea? At first thought, which would you choose? Which comes more effortlessly to you? Sure, you have a soft spot for either one. Whether in the mountains or near the sea, you feel happier and freer. But when it comes to buying a house, and we're not necessarily talking about buying a holiday home, it would be wise not to go solely on emotion, and to carefully consider all the possibilities. Of course, in both cases there are both advantages and disadvantages. So in order to make the right decision, you need to have a clear picture.

Below you will find advantages and disadvantages of living in the mountains or the sea, and some properties will probably make you reconsider your original choice.

Let's start with the option of finding a mountain home, whether you're looking for something as a vacation home, or you're considering changing your permanent home to a winter destination in the country.

Advantages

• A mountain home can significantly improve your mental health, mood and psychology as a whole, as you will be in touch with nature, while being able to enjoy meaningful moments of relief from the pressure and noise of the city. Indeed, contact with the mountain is highly therapeutic. In particular, the sounds, colors and silence offered by staying in a mountain home can detoxify your thoughts and your soul from the difficulties of your daily life.
• Living in a mountain home also helps your physical health, as research suggests that high altitude can ensure a slimmer figure. As reported by the experts who conducted the research, altitude increases levels of the hormone leptin, which in turn reduces appetite.
• Clean air and the lack of noise pollution and exhaust fumes are important for good heart health.
• In addition, staying in the mountains is inextricably linked to longevity.
• Due to the altitude, even in summer, when the temperature is 40+ °C, you will be able to enjoy the coolness and the mountain breeze.
• By living in the mountains you have other options... entertainment options not available in other locations. You can do all sorts of things like picnicking in nature, hiking, biking and exploring every inch around you,.

Disadvantages

• A house on the mountain might not serve as well because of the harder access, more winding trail, etc.
• During the winter months, you are likely to have to gather supplies because either the house may not be as close to "civilization" or because due to bad weather - e.g. snowfall, hail - it may not be possible to get to the market frequently.
• It is also important to consider that a house in the mountains may not be as convenient in your daily life e.g. commuting to work.
• A mountain home does come with contact with nature, but you should not forget the danger since we live in a country plagued by fires. Therefore, a house surrounded by trees may not be as safe, especially during the summer. Surely a fire safety system is therefore essential.

Indicative areas: Arachova, Karpenisi, Metsovo, Lake Plastira, Mountainous Corinthia (Mount Kyllini - Ziria, Feneos, Goura, Trikala Corinthia, Karya), Elati - Pertouli (Trikala), Grevena, Kalavrita, Kastoria, Ioannina.

Next, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of living near the sea (either in a coastal area or on an island).

Advantages

• The sea is inextricably linked to summer holidays, sunbathing and tanning, sunbeds and even racquetball on the beach, so if you choose to buy a house in a seaside area or on an island, then it will be like having a holiday all year round.
• According to the University of Exeter School of Medicine in England, people who live near the sea have good health overall, as they move more, swim more often, have less stress and higher levels of vitamin D
• The view of the sea has a great stress relieving effect. In addition, many studies have shown that living near the sea can help to reduce stress and depression. In particular, walking by the water improves mood and helps to cope with depression.
• Also, those who live near the sea seem to have fewer musculoskeletal pains.
• Summery and light décor, lighter colors, perhaps bigger windows etc., will make you feel more relaxed and carefree all the time.

Disadvantages

• If you choose to buy a house on a Greek island, you have to consider the journey there, i.e. the distance, the ferry routes, the cost of transport for you and the rest of the family members and so on.

• If you choose a very small island or even an outlying island in the country, you will most certainly face some difficulties during the winter, both in terms of supplies and access to health facilities, etc. Therefore, it is something to be taken into consideration especially if you or a member of your family need medical assistance-monitoring.
• A house which is too close to the sea may be more prone to damage due to humidity and so on. Therefore, you should also take into account the maintenance costs of such a house, especially if it is not a holiday home but a first home.
• Moreover, if you choose a popular seaside destination or a well-known Greek island, you should consider how your life will be during the period when the traffic is at its peak. Especially if you are staying in a central part of the area or island. Does the hustle and bustle, crowded beaches and... tourists bother you? If so, you need to rethink your choices.
• And in this choice, you should not forget about fire safety measures, as you will be close to the sea, but nature is also very present there with trees, vegetation, etc. that are traditionally dreaded in the summer months.

Indicative areas: Santorini, Parga, Kalamata, East Mani, Loutraki - Perachora, Andros, Naxos, Kavala, Chalkidiki, Mykonos, Astypalea, Rhodes, Lefkada, Amaliada, Porto Heli, Paros, Ikaria.

What do you think suits you the best? Carefully consider the pros and cons before making your decisions.