somewhere between calabria and corfu the blue really begin s…you are aware of a change in the heart of things: aware of the horizon begin ning to stain at the rim of the world: aware of islands coming out of the darkness to meet you’.
so begin s lawrence durrell’s 1945 ode to corfu, prospero’s cell. even today, visitors to the island often arrive by sea, approaching from italy in the west, of the greek mainland in the east.
emerging in the early morning sunshine, the pastel-hued houses above corfu town’s old port are a jumble of slim tiers with narrow passages running between them, made brilliant with washing hung out to dry from every balcony like festive bunting. the tall venetian mansions display ancient coats of coloured paint, blurred by successive winters and giving visitors to the town the feeling of stepping into a watercolour painting.
corfu has rightfully earner the title of the music capital of greece because of its hundreds of music associations and dozens of orchestras, bands, opera music events a tradition dating back to 400 years of venetian rule of the island.
the town is centred on a wide tree-lined esplanade called the spianada, whose french arcades echo the rue de rivoli. a drop of britishness is to be found on the noble sweep of this square, which is transformed into a cricket pitch throughout the summer – the world’s only working sports field within a unesco world heritage site.
meanwhile , the corfiot countryside boasts elegiac greenery, unrivalled across greece and contrasting remarkably with the solemn barrenness of the aegean. bathed in brilliant white sunlight throughout the summer months, the winter rains ensure a sublime frondescence across the island, with the inland valleys thickly carpeted with wildflowers, studded with gnarled olive trees and dense groves of stiffly swaying cypresses.
the sophisticated north-east is known as kensington-on- sea and is the site of the finest real estate in greece with its epicentre the rothschild family’s imposing summer villa.
it is here that the luxury villa lifestyle comes into its own, with the hillsides sprinkled with secluded, high-end properties boasting private infinity pools and awe-inspiring sea views, with the snowcapped albanian-epirote mountains rising mysteriously in the east.
located in agni, ayline is situated just a brief stroll from the picturesque bay and its famous beachfront restaurants. the villa showcases a unique blend of corfiot and venetian architectural influences fused with modern aesthetics. two distinctive features are the windows that amplify the panoramic views and the stone used on the façade and exterior walls, which was sourced directly from the property’s grounds. each stone was meticulously hand-shaped by a skilled craftsman and fitted together like pieces of an intricate puzzle.
ayline is on two levels and the living spaces are enhanced by exquisite interior design featuring contemporary french and italian furnishings.
initially planned for nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the property has been modified and currently consists of six exceptionally comfortable and impeccably designed bedrooms. the remaining three rooms have been repurposed to meet various needs. one of the rooms now serves as a spacious office with its own private entrance, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. another room has been transformed into a gym, with stunning sea vistas and lastly, the third room serves as an additional office or library area.
on the lower ground floor, you’ll be captivated by the artistic atmosphere of the dual-purpose space—a dynamic art gallery meticulously designed to replicate a museum ambiance, allowing for the effortless rotation and change of exhibited art. at the push of a button, the room turns into a cutting-edge home cinema featuring state-of-the-art audio-visual systems for a cinematic experience rivaling that of a professional theater.
the spacious living/dining area and kitchen, with large, sleek-framed windows and soaring beamed ceilings, is filled with abundant natural light, openness, and airiness. all these spaces provide access to the outdoor areas and the pool.
this beautiful property has direct access to the sea via a private jetty. imagine being able to step out of your home and have the coastal waters just a few steps away.
ayline is surrounded by an expansive mediterranean garden unveiling a wide variety of flora, including over 50 olive trees and more than 100 diverse species of flowers, shrubs, and trees such as fig, pistachio, pine, pomegranate, jacaranda, lemon, orange, robinia, and kumquat. the abundant stone terracing across the property provides delightful outdoor living spaces. the pool area features 285sqm of terraces, some of which is covered by automatic bioclimatic pergolas. these areas provide an ideal relaxation and open-air dining setting while immersing in the picturesque views.
the infinity pool, strategically situated, gives the illusion of merging as one with the sea offering a sense of infinite space. steps from the pool area lead first to a yoga and meditation spot with a panoramic sea view, followed by a waterside deck designed for sunbeds and access to the boat jetty.
a gated private entrance and a driveway lined with trees leads to the parking area. a staircase descends to a paved courtyard at the main double-doored front entrance. it is a sight to behold, adorned with vibrant cascading flowers and strategically planted shrubs within the surrounding walls, adding to its beauty.
the buyer of this property is eligible for the greek golden visa program.
