‘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.
emerging in the early morning sunshine, the pastel-hued houses above corfu town’s old port are a jumble of slim tiers with narrow passages running between them, made brilliant with washing hung out to dry from every balcony like festive bunting. the tall venetian mansions display ancient coats of coloured paint, blurred by successive winters and giving visitors to the town the feeling of stepping into a watercolour painting.
corfu has rightfully earner the title of the music capital of greece because of its hundreds of music associations and dozens of orchestras, bands, opera music events a tradition dating back to 400 years of venetian rule of the island.
the town is centred on a wide tree-lined esplanade called the spianada, whose french arcades echo the rue de rivoli. a drop of britishness is to be found on the noble sweep of this square, which is transformed into a cricket pitch throughout the summer – the world’s only working sports field within a unesco world heritage site.
meanwhile , the corfiot countryside boasts elegiac greenery, unrivalled across greece and contrasting remarkably with the solemn barrenness of the aegean. bathed in brilliant white sunlight throughout the summer months, the winter rains ensure a sublime frondescence across the island, with the inland valleys thickly carpeted with wildflowers, studded with gnarled olive trees and dense groves of stiffly swaying cypresses.
set on a hillside above corfu’s northeastern coastline, mulberry is a restored stone residence positioned within one of the island’s most established residential areas, close to kalami, kouloura and agni. the property occupies a peaceful elevated setting with open views across the ionian sea towards the mountains of the mainland, combining the enduring character of traditional corfiot architecture with the comfort and functionality of contemporary living.
constructed entirely in local stone and carefully renovated, the house retains a strong connection to its origins while responding naturally to its surroundings. thick masonry walls, exposed timber ceilings and a series of interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces create a sense of permanence and authenticity throughout the property. the architecture follows the contours of the hillside, allowing the residence to sit comfortably within the landscape while maintaining uninterrupted sea views from its principal rooms and terraces.
the main living area is defined by generous proportions and high vaulted ceilings that bring volume and light into the interior. large openings on multiple sides draw the landscape into the house and allow daylight to move gradually through the spaces during the course of the day. the sitting and dining areas are arranged within a single open-plan environment centred around a fireplace, where natural materials and restrained finishes create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
adjacent to the reception spaces, the kitchen has been designed to complement the character of the house while providing the practicality expected of a modern residence. positioned close to the covered veranda, it forms part of a natural flow between interior and exterior living spaces. from here, the elevated setting maintains a constant visual connection to the sea, while the orientation of the house benefits from natural airflow throughout the warmer months.
the three bedrooms are arranged to ensure privacy while maintaining a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape. each enjoys views across the coastline and the wider countryside, with large openings allowing natural light and sea air to enter the interiors. throughout the private accommodation, the palette remains consistent, combining stone, timber and whitewashed surfaces in a way that feels understated and timeless.
outside, the property unfolds across a series of terraces that follow the natural topography of the hillside. the infinity pool occupies a position overlooking the coastline, reinforcing the connection between the house and the wider seascape beyond. the outdoor areas have been designed as an extension of the residence itself, creating a seamless transition between architecture and landscape while preserving the privacy of the setting.
despite its peaceful atmosphere, the property remains close to some of corfu’s most sought-after coastal villages, beaches and waterfront destinations. kalami, agni and kouloura are all within easy reach, while the elevated position allows the house to feel distinctly removed from the seasonal activity along the shoreline below.
the character of mulberry lies in the balance it achieves between traditional architecture, contemporary comfort and its elevated coastal setting. as the afternoon light moves across the stone façades and the sea beyond, the landscape becomes an integral part of the experience of the house itself.
eligible for the greek golden visa programme.
