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.
lumiere is designed to showcase the quintessential corfu lifestyle, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living with captivating views. this property offers a unique combination of a two-story main house and discreetly positioned guest houses, providing both space and privacy on a generous plot. expansive outdoor terraces become an extension of the living area, framing the azure ionian sea and creating a stunning backdrop for relaxation and entertainment.
the ground floor of the main residence features a sleek kitchen and dining area, where floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside in, opening onto terraces with views that stretch across the pool towards the sea. a well-appointed double bedroom with an en-suite shower room is also located on this level.
from expansive terraces to secluded havens, discover a life orchestrated by light, space, and sea.
a striking staircase connects the entrance to the lower-level living room, a space defined by a grand, energy-efficient fireplace and glass doors that effortlessly open to the poolside terrace. this level accommodates two additional double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. one bedroom includes a generous walk-in wardrobe. both bedrooms provide direct access to the pool, further enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow.
for those seeking seclusion, stone pathways meander through the property’s olive groves to two separate, earth-sheltered accommodations. one offers a double bedroom with a partially glass ceiling, providing a unique perspective with a view up to the pool. the second is a private guest suite, complete with a comfortable living area, a compact kitchen, and a separate en-suite bedroom. this arrangement offers flexibility for guests or family, ensuring individual space and tranquility.
beyond the main terraces, a slightly elevated vantage point, just steps away, presents breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding sea and mountains. this space provides an ideal setting for enjoying corfu’s renowned sunsets, maximizing the property’s prime location.
from sun-drenched terraces to the cool embrace of olive groves, every corner is an invitation to unwind.
lumiere is designed not only for aesthetic beauty but also for modern comfort and convenience. thoughtful landscaping and the integration of indoor greenery create a serene ambiance, harmonizing the villa with its natural setting. the property is fully equipped with underfloor heating and cooling, solar panels for energy efficiency, a comprehensive alarm system, an emergency generator, and substantial reserve water tanks, ensuring both comfort and security.
ultimately, lumiere offers a distinctive corfu experience, characterized by its seamless blend of sophisticated living spaces, unique architectural elements, and a profound connection to the island’s captivating landscape.
this property is eligible for both the golden visa and the greek non dom program.