corfu is one of the ionian islands, located in the most northwestern part of the ionian sea. it is reachable by air (duration of flight is 45 minutes from the athens international airport, while there are also flights from thessaloniki and major european cities) as well as by sea (links to patra, igoumenitsa and ports of italy). also, boats link corfu to the island group paxoi and the small islands othonoi, ereikoussa and lazaretto.
the island of corfu was a favorite destination of empress elizabeth of austria, who built there a summer palace and named it achilleion, after achilles, the hero of the trojan war. her palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is open to visitors as a museum. on the island one can find many museums of great interest, such as the museum of far eastern art (the only one of its kind in greece) and the olives museum that displays traditional tools and processes for olive oil production.
corfu is a destination of elegance and nobility. the island has incurred a long period of venetian dominance and this is depicted in the uniqueness of its architecture and monuments. the old town of corfu is included in the world heritage list of unesco, while spianada is the biggest square in the balkans. fortresses, palaces and picturesque villages along with tiny islands and romantic beaches combine into a unique mosaic.
terra verde occupies a private hillside position in aghios markos, one of corfu’s most established inland settings, surrounded by mature greenery and overlooking the landscape towards the ionian sea. designed by greek architect pericles laskaris, the residence draws upon the architectural traditions of the island, combining natural materials, generous proportions and a strong connection to its surroundings. set within nearly 4,900 sqm (52,744 sq.ft.) of grounds, the property feels integrated into the landscape, with the architecture following the character of the site rather than competing with it.
the house is approached through a sequence of landscaped terraces that gradually reveal the residence within its setting. stone, timber and plaster form the principal material palette, creating a sense of permanence and continuity with the surrounding hillside. the architecture is characterised by shaded outdoor areas, thick walls and carefully framed openings that respond naturally to the corfiot climate, balancing light, privacy and airflow throughout the day.
the principal living spaces occupy the heart of the residence and are arranged to maintain a constant relationship with the landscape beyond. high timber ceilings, natural materials and soft architectural detailing create interiors that feel calm and inviting without becoming formal. openings are positioned to capture views across the surrounding hills and towards the distant coastline, while natural light enters gently throughout the day, reinforcing the relaxed atmosphere of the house.
the kitchen continues the same architectural language, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, texture and authenticity rather than ornamentation. throughout the interiors, materials have been selected for their warmth and longevity, creating a residence that feels established and deeply connected to its setting.
arranged across two levels, the accommodation provides a clear separation between shared and private spaces. the principal suite occupies a distinctive position within the house, incorporating a turret-like architectural element that commands wide views across the countryside and towards the sea. the remaining bedrooms enjoy the same sense of privacy and connection to the landscape, while bathrooms are finished in natural materials that complement the overall character of the residence.
the outdoor areas unfold across a series of terraced levels that follow the natural topography of the site. rather than concentrating activity in a single area, the property is organised around multiple outdoor spaces that emerge naturally from the landscape. the swimming pool occupies an elevated position overlooking the surrounding greenery and distant coastline, strengthening the relationship between the house and its wider setting.
although immersed in privacy and nature, terra verde remains within easy reach of ipsos beach and the northeast coast of corfu. the elevated position benefits from cooling air movement during the summer months while maintaining open views across the countryside and sea. as the afternoon light moves across the hillsides, the changing landscape becomes an integral part of the experience of the property, reinforcing the sense of connection between the residence and its surroundings.
