hidden riviera of the peloponnese, where exclusive estates and private beaches whisper of crystalline waters and refined seclusion.
porto heli is a little known area to outsiders even though it’s just a couple of hours drive from athens or a few hours by yacht. exclusiveness is its hallmark and, although on first sight it looks just like any other small greek coastal town, if you dig a little deeper you will discover that it is actually an area full of stately hillside mansions and very private beaches that usually come with their own super yacht jetties.
known endearingly as the riviera of the peloponnese, it’s not difficult to understand why. the late former king of greece, constantine ii, had an impressive palm-shaded property there. its stunning natural harbour and protected cove offers crystalline waters, lovely pine-clad hillsides and pretty fishing boat vistas. the small hamlets of aghios aimilianos, ververontas and costa are the privé playgrounds of the kind of mega rich who don’t need to draw attention to themselves. luxury resorts sit in the wings, such as amanzoe in kranidi, a fabulous escape for jet setters seeking solace for all the senses, while the trendy nikki beach offers miami style vacations to affluent european sun seekers with mediterranean trimmings.
you can jump on a water taxi to the cosmopolitan island of spetses which sits just opposite, and step back in time to the elegant past of the belle époque, with its horse-drawn carriages, captain’s mansions and french riviera feel. otherwise, speed over to the charismatic island of hydra, where artists like leonard cohen found their creative juices running and so decided to take up permanent residence there it’s all oh-so-positano and the beauty of it is that you can zip from one stunning location to another and still be back home for dinner, whether that be a selection of the finest seafood on a waterfront taverna or a discreet dinner on your moored pleasure yacht.
starcrest unfolds across 11,500 sqm of landscaped grounds in the hills of ververonta, above porto heli, where the terrain opens toward wide views of the saronic gulf and the island of spetses beyond. arranged as a private estate rather than a single residence, the property consists of two independent villas positioned discreetly within mature mediterranean gardens filled with olive, citrus, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and flowering bougainvillea. stone pathways wind gently through the grounds beneath umbrella pines, creating a quiet sense of separation between the various living and wellness spaces across the estate.
approached through a gated entrance and long private driveway, the property immediately conveys privacy and scale. the villas sit elevated within the landscape, each oriented toward the sea, with terraces and outdoor seating areas designed to capture the changing light across the bay throughout the day. from the upper terraces, the coastline of the peloponnese stretches across the horizon, while evenings bring soft reflections over the water and the illuminated gardens below.
each villa measures approximately 220 sqm and has been designed with a relaxed architectural language that balances comfort with understated refinement. interior spaces are bright and open, with soft neutral tones, exposed timber ceilings, stone detailing, and wide openings connecting directly to shaded verandas and outdoor dining areas. the living and dining rooms flow naturally into fully equipped kitchens, while eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms across the estate provide flexible accommodation for family and guests.
several of the upper-level bedrooms open onto private terraces overlooking the sea and surrounding hillsides. morning light enters softly through the large openings, while shaded pergolas and covered verandas allow the interiors to remain cool during the warmer summer months. one of the villas includes a private jacuzzi integrated into its terrace, positioned for uninterrupted views toward the coastline.
the outdoor spaces form the heart of the estate. at the centre sits an expansive swimming pool with curved edges and integrated lighting, surrounded by broad stone terraces, shaded lounge areas, and a dedicated pool bar. a separate ten-person jacuzzi sits nearby, while a fully equipped bbq house and multiple dining terraces create distinct spaces for long outdoor meals beneath the trees. one subtle human detail remains throughout the property: a dining table set beneath the pines as the late afternoon light moves across the stone paving.
beyond the principal residences, the estate includes a standalone wellness building with hammam and massage facilities, a separate staff residence, private parking for several vehicles, and a small chapel discreetly positioned within the gardens. the chapel adds a quiet architectural focal point to the grounds, framed by cypress and flowering shrubs.
the property’s scale allows for complete privacy while remaining close to porto heli’s harbour, beaches, and year-round amenities. the setting combines the ease of coastal living with the atmosphere of a secluded mediterranean estate surrounded by mature planting and open sea views.
eligible for the greek golden visa and greek non dom programme.
