sitting in the most northwesterly corner of greece, corfu is an elegant and cosmopolitan island, wearing the mantle of its colourful venetian history with style. corfu real estate is one of the most established in greece.
‘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.
on corfu’s western coastline, where the landscape opens towards uninterrupted views of the ionian sea, esperos estate occupies approximately 52,000 square metres of private land. its position overlooking the ionian sea offers magnificent sunset views, while the scale of the grounds creates an exceptional sense of privacy and seclusion.
approximately 1,050 square metres of built space are distributed across the main residence and a collection of independent buildings discreetly positioned throughout the grounds. these provide private guest accommodation, dedicated staff quarters, office and wellness facilities, as well as a charming house beside the beach. with 15 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms in total, the estate offers exceptional flexibility for hosting family and guests.
the main house features spacious living and dining areas, a library, private office and cinema room. a fully equipped kitchen, together with a separate professional kitchen, caters equally well to everyday living and entertaining. the house includes a master suite and two en-suite guest bedrooms, with an approximately 81-square-metre heated swimming pool providing a natural focus for outdoor living.
the estate includes a private tennis court, fully equipped gym, yoga pavilion, massage and wellness room, and children’s playground.
three independent guest bungalows comprise four en-suite bedrooms, complemented by a separate two-bedroom guest house and a one-bedroom beachfront house. a four-bedroom staff house and separate housekeeper’s accommodation support the smooth and discreet operation of the estate.
outdoor living is central to the property, with two heated swimming pools and approximately 242 square metres of covered pergolas providing shaded spaces for dining and relaxation. a sunset pavilion with its own outdoor kitchen and dining area offers a memorable setting overlooking the ionian sea. landscaped gardens connect the different buildings, while internal roads and golf carts make it easy to move around the extensive grounds.
at the water’s edge, a secluded beach, private jetty and wooden sunbathing platform offer direct access to the clear waters of the ionian sea.
despite its secluded setting, esperos estate remains within easy reach of corfu town and the island’s international airport, combining privacy with convenient access.
with its remarkable scale, sunset views and direct access to the ionian sea, esperos brings together privacy, space and an exceptional coastal setting.
