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.
in the early morning sunlight, the pastel-hued houses overlook corfu town’s historic port. they create a charming medley of slender levels interconnected by narrow alleyways. laundry hangs from every balcony, resembling vibrant festive bunting swaying in the breeze.
towering venetian mansions, bearing ancient coats of colourful paint softened by countless winters, give town visitors the sensation of stepping into a watercolour masterpiece.
corfu has rightfully earned its reputation as greece’s music capital
the island boasts a multitude of music associations, orchestras, bands, and a musical tradition dating back 400 years to the venetian era of the island.
at the heart of the town lies a broad tree-lined promenade known as the spianada. elegant french arcades reminiscent of rue de rivoli echo through the air. an intriguing british influence can be discovered on this grand square. it transforms into a cricket pitch during the summer, a unique feature as it’s the only operational sports field within a unesco world heritage site.
meanwhile , the corfiot countryside showcases a mournful beauty unparalleled across greece. it contrasts starkly with the stark barrenness of the aegean. drenched in brilliant white sunlight during summer, the island undergoes a sublime transformation thanks to winter rains. this causes lush greenery to blanket the inland valleys, which are thickly carpeted with wildflowers and adorned with gnarled olive trees, while dense groves of swaying cypresses punctuate the landscape.
in the sophisticated northeast, known as “kensington-on-sea,” you’ll find the finest real estate in greece. the imposing summer villa of the rothschild family anchors it. here, the luxury villa lifestyle reigns supreme. hillside properties are secluded amidst the landscape, boasting private infinity pools and awe-inspiring sea views. the enigmatic epirote mountains, crowned in snow, loom mysteriously in the east.
set on a hillside in north east corfu, this contemporary residence is positioned to take full advantage of its elevated setting, with wide views extending across the sea and the surrounding countryside. currently under construction and scheduled for completion in summer 2025, the villa combines clean architectural forms with natural materials, creating a house that sits comfortably within its landscape while maintaining a distinctly contemporary character.
arranged to maximise light, views and connection to the outdoors, the principal living spaces unfold across an open-plan layout facing the coastline. expansive glazing spans the seaward elevations, allowing natural light to move through the interiors throughout the day while maintaining uninterrupted views from the main rooms. a restrained palette of stone, timber and neutral finishes creates a calm atmosphere, placing emphasis on the setting beyond rather than decorative detail. the transition between interior and exterior spaces is seamless, with terraces extending naturally from the living areas and reinforcing the relationship between the house and its surroundings.
the accommodation will comprise five en-suite bedrooms, each positioned to benefit from natural light and views across the landscape. large openings frame the changing colours of the sea and countryside, while the consistent use of natural materials throughout the private areas creates a sense of continuity across the house. the orientation allows morning light to enter the bedrooms gradually, giving each space a distinct atmosphere as the day unfolds.
a lower-ground level introduces additional flexibility to the layout, with space that can be adapted to suit a variety of requirements, whether as a wellness area, private cinema, secondary living space or additional leisure facilities. this level complements the main accommodation while preserving the simplicity and flow of the principal living areas above.
outside, the architecture extends naturally into a series of terraces arranged around the pool and positioned towards the view. the outdoor spaces have been designed as an integral part of the property rather than a separate element, allowing the house to engage fully with its elevated position and the surrounding landscape. carefully planned planting softens the architecture and strengthens the connection between the residence and its natural setting.
the villa occupies a 2,157 sqm (23,218 sq.ft.) plot within one of corfu’s most established residential areas, combining privacy with convenient access to nearby beaches, waterfront villages, tavernas and harbours along the island’s north-eastern coastline. as the light softens across the sea in the late afternoon, the elevated position reveals the full breadth of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the sense of openness that defines the property.
please note that the images shown are architectural visualisations and are indicative of the completed property.
