zakynthos (zante) is one of the ionian islands. it is reachable by air (duration of the flight is 50 minutes from the athens international airport) as well as by sea (ferryboats from kyllini, peloponnese – duration of travel less than 2 hours). kyllini is located 80 kilometres south of the port of patra that links peloponnese to italy.
due to its diverse underwater environment, zakynthos and especially the region “keri” is considered a paradise for those who love scuba diving, as it offers the chance to explore caverns and tunnels. furthermore, lovers of marine life are attracted to the island in order to see the beach of laganas gulf, where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. laganas beach is considered 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 serenades, love songs that were 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 history of the island interweaves with earthquakes and this is why the building regulation is very strict.
the patron saint of the island, saint dionysios is considered a remarkable example of forgiveness as according to tradition he saved the murdered of his beloved brother. his body remains intact and rests in the church of saint dionysios in the capital of the island.
positioned directly above the ionian shoreline on the western coast of zakynthos, evander occupies a rare waterfront setting where the land descends gently towards the sea and uninterrupted views extend across the water to kefalonia. built in local stone and integrated into a series of natural terraces, the property draws on the architectural traditions of the island while maintaining a strong connection to its coastal surroundings.
set within approximately 8,000 sqm (86,111 sq.ft.) of land, the residence enjoys a notable sense of privacy and openness. its elevated position allows wide sea views from throughout the property, while the orientation captures the changing character of the ionian throughout the day. the architecture follows the contours of the site, creating a natural relationship between the built form, the landscape and the coastline below.
the main residence extends across approximately 250 sqm (2,691 sq.ft.), with interiors defined by natural materials, generous proportions and a calm, understated atmosphere. exposed stone walls, timber ceilings and wide openings reinforce the connection between the house and its setting, while sea views remain a constant presence throughout the principal living spaces. the layout balances openness with privacy, allowing the house to function comfortably both as a seasonal retreat and as a residence for longer stays.
three en-suite bedrooms are arranged within the main house, each positioned to benefit from either sea views or direct access to surrounding terraces. the private areas continue the same restrained architectural language found throughout the property, with natural materials and carefully proportioned spaces creating a sense of continuity from room to room.
a separate guest suite sits independently from the main residence, providing additional accommodation while preserving privacy for both residents and visitors. positioned to face the coastline, it shares the same visual connection to the sea that defines the wider property.
outdoor spaces unfold across a series of terraces that follow the natural topography of the site. the arrangement allows the residence to maintain an uninterrupted relationship with the water, while multiple areas for outdoor living are distributed across the property rather than concentrated in a single location. the transition between interior and exterior spaces feels natural and unforced, shaped by the terrain and the orientation of the house rather than formal design gestures.
a private footpath leads directly from the grounds to the shoreline below, creating immediate access to the sea while maintaining the sense of seclusion that characterises the property. despite its peaceful waterfront setting, the residence remains within convenient reach of zakynthos town, the island′s amenities and international airport.
as the afternoon light moves across the western coastline, the sea becomes the defining feature of the setting, with open views extending towards kefalonia and the horizon beyond.
