zakynthos (zante) is one of the ionian islands. it is reachable by air (the flight duration is 50 minutes from the athens international airport) and by sea (ferryboats from kyllini, peloponnese – period of travel less than 2 hours). kyllini is located 80 kilometres south of the port of patra, which links the peloponnese to italy.
due to its diverse underwater environment, zakynthos and, especially, the region “keri” are considered paradises for those who love scuba diving, as they offer the chance to explore caverns and tunnels. furthermore, lovers of marine life are attracted to the island to see the beach of laganas gulf, where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. laganas beach is a protected area and belongs to the national marine park of zakynthos.
zakynthos is the birthplace of many intellectuals, among them dionysios solomos, the greek poet who wrote the “hymn to liberty” that became the national anthem. also, the island has a long musical tradition of serenade love songs sung by men, expressing their feelings under the moonlight.
in ancient times, zakynthos was part of odysseus’s kingdom, while during contemporary history the island incurred many years of venetian, french and british domination until 1864 when it was united with greece. the island’s history interweaves with earthquakes, so the building regulations are stringent.
the island’s patron saint, saint dionysios, is considered a remarkable example of forgiveness as, according to tradition, he saved the murder of his beloved brother. his body remains intact and rests in the church of saint dionysios in the capital of the island.
positioned on the northern coast of zakynthos near agios nikolaos, this private estate unfolds across 7,500 sqm of landscaped grounds overlooking the ionian sea. surrounded by olive trees, cypress and native stone terraces, the property consists of two independent villas designed in a restrained interpretation of traditional ionian architecture, combining natural materials with broad open views toward the coastline and the distant mountains of kefalonia.
built from local stone and softened with timber detailing, both houses sit comfortably within the landscape, connected by paved pathways and planted terraces that follow the gentle slope of the land. the setting feels notably quiet, with uninterrupted sea views from almost every outdoor space and the coastline unfolding gradually below the estate.
the principal villa centres around a spacious open-plan living and dining area where exposed wood-beam ceilings and pale stone walls create a warm, grounded atmosphere. large openings frame the sea directly ahead, while soft natural tones and simple furnishings allow the surrounding landscape to remain the focal point. the kitchen is fully integrated into the living space and positioned beside the dining area, maintaining a natural flow toward the terraces and pool beyond.
bedrooms are arranged with privacy in mind, each featuring en suite bathrooms and views across either the gardens or the sea. the interiors maintain a consistent material palette throughout, combining stone textures, timber ceilings and muted finishes that reflect the character of the island without becoming overly decorative.
the second villa mirrors the same architectural language on a slightly more intimate scale. here, the living spaces open directly onto a separate pool terrace and shaded outdoor dining area, creating an independent guest residence equally suited for extended stays. throughout the estate, floor-to-ceiling openings allow the interior spaces to remain closely connected to the outdoors, while the thick stone walls and positioning of the buildings help maintain cooler interiors during the height of summer.
the outdoor areas unfold gradually between terraces, pergolas and stone-paved courtyards. two swimming pools sit oriented toward the sea, bordered by low walls and native planting that preserve the openness of the view while creating discreet privacy between the villas. covered dining areas and built-in barbecue spaces are integrated naturally into the architecture rather than treated as separate additions.
as the day progresses, the light shifts across the stone façades and timber ceilings, while the sea below changes from deep blue to silver with the movement of the sun. in the evening, the estate becomes quieter still, with soft lighting tracing the terraces and the sound of the water carrying faintly upward from the coastline below.
