hidden riviera of the peloponnese, where exclusive estates and private beaches whisper of crystalline waters and refined seclusion.
porto heli is a little known area to outsiders even though it’s just a couple of hours drive from athens or a few hours by yacht. exclusiveness is its hallmark and, although on first sight it looks just like any other small greek coastal town, if you dig a little deeper you will discover that it is actually an area full of stately hillside mansions and very private beaches that usually come with their own super yacht jetties.
known endearingly as the riviera of the peloponnese, it’s not difficult to understand why. the late former king of greece, constantine ii, had an impressive palm-shaded property there. its stunning natural harbour and protected cove offers crystalline waters, lovely pine-clad hillsides and pretty fishing boat vistas. the small hamlets of aghios aimilianos, ververontas and costa are the privé playgrounds of the kind of mega rich who don’t need to draw attention to themselves. luxury resorts sit in the wings, such as amanzoe in kranidi, a fabulous escape for jet setters seeking solace for all the senses, while the trendy nikki beach offers miami style vacations to affluent european sun seekers with mediterranean trimmings.
you can jump on a water taxi to the cosmopolitan island of spetses which sits just opposite, and step back in time to the elegant past of the belle époque, with its horse-drawn carriages, captain’s mansions and french riviera feel. otherwise, speed over to the charismatic island of hydra, where artists like leonard cohen found their creative juices running and so decided to take up permanent residence there it’s all oh-so-positano and the beauty of it is that you can zip from one stunning location to another and still be back home for dinner, whether that be a selection of the finest seafood on a waterfront taverna or a discreet dinner on your moored pleasure yacht.
located directly on the beachfront in petrothalassa, one of porto heli’s most desirable coastal settings, lila is a substantial waterfront estate with the unmistakable character of a much-loved mediterranean home.
the sea is the defining presence here. the property occupies approximately 4,056 sq.m. of landscaped grounds extending towards the shoreline, with broad lawns, mature mediterranean planting and palms framing uninterrupted views across the water. steps from the garden lead directly to the beach, creating an exceptionally natural connection between the house, its grounds and the sea.
a home made for long summers, open doors and life by the water.
rather than a formal showpiece, lila has the warmth and ease of a home created for long summers spent together. its bright interiors are relaxed and welcoming, with whitewashed spaces, natural materials, artwork and comfortable living areas opening towards terraces, gardens and sea views. generous living and dining spaces encourage an informal rhythm of indoor-outdoor life, while fully equipped kitchens allow different parts of the residence to operate independently when desired.
the principal residential accommodation extends to approximately 466 sq.m. and is arranged to provide considerable flexibility for family and guests. two interconnected living areas contain six bedrooms, while a semi-detached two-bedroom residence offers greater independence and privacy.
outdoors, the estate comes into its own. an approximately 147 sq.m. swimming pool sits within the lawns overlooking the sea, surrounded by terraces and areas for relaxing in the sun. a covered dining and barbecue pavilion creates a natural gathering place for long lunches and evenings outdoors, complemented by shaded terraces and seating areas throughout the gardens.
direct beach access, mature gardens and the authenticity of an established coastal home.
a separate 1 bedroom caretaker’s residence of approximately 40 sq.m., four storage areas totalling approximately 56 sq.m., dedicated pool facilities and approximately 60 sq.m. of covered parking complete the property.
lila’s appeal lies as much in its atmosphere as in its scale: a genuine beachfront home where the garden meets the shore, spaces have been shaped around family life, and the sea remains part of the experience from morning until evening. private yet within convenient reach of porto heli and the wider argolic gulf, it offers the increasingly rare combination of direct beach access, substantial grounds and the authenticity of an established coastal home.
