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.
‘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.
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 an 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 wild flowers, studded with gnarled olive trees and dense groves of stiffly swaying cypresses. the sophisticated north-east is known as kensington-on- sea, and is the site of the rothschild family’s imposing summer villa. it is here that the luxury villa lifestyle comes into its own, with the hillsides sprinkled with secluded, high-end properties boasting private infinity pools and awe-inspiring sea views, with the snowcapped albanian-epirote mountains rising mysteriously in the east.
positioned on a hillside above the coastline, this contemporary villa commands wide views across the ionian sea and the surrounding landscape, with the coastline unfolding below and the horizon remaining visible from nearly every principal room. the architecture combines clean geometric lines with locally sourced white stone, creating a residence that feels both modern and grounded within its natural setting. broad glazed openings, layered terraces and carefully positioned outdoor spaces allow the house to engage fully with the light, sea and changing colours of the landscape throughout the day.
the villa spans approximately 320 sqm (3,444 sqft) on a 4,200 sqm plot (45,208 sqft), arranged across three levels that follow the natural slope of the terrain. the approach is discreet, with the property framed by stone retaining walls, landscaped gardens and mature planting that soften the contemporary structure.
inside, the main living areas are organised around the views. the split-level sitting and dining room opens directly onto the pool terrace through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, creating a continuous connection between interior and exterior living. natural light moves easily through the space from morning onwards, reflecting off pale stone surfaces and soft neutral tones. the seating area sits slightly elevated above the dining space, giving the room a sense of openness while maintaining distinct zones for entertaining and daily living.
the kitchen is fully fitted with contemporary cabinetry and integrated appliances, positioned to connect naturally with both the indoor dining area and the outdoor terraces. from here, the eye moves directly toward the sea beyond the infinity-edge pool.
accommodation includes five bedrooms and five bathrooms arranged across the three levels. on the ground floor, a double guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom and private balcony opens toward the gardens and sea views. upstairs, the principal suite occupies a more secluded position, complete with en-suite bathroom, separate wc, fireplace and direct access to a private sun deck overlooking the coastline. a further en-suite bedroom on this level enjoys its own south-facing balcony and long views across the surrounding hillsides.
the lower ground floor contains an additional en-suite bedroom together with a gym, staff accommodation with private bathroom and two storage rooms, allowing the property to function comfortably both as a seasonal residence and for extended stays.
the outdoor areas are carefully landscaped, with broad lawns extending around the pool terraces and native planting softening the stone boundaries of the property. a large infinity pool faces directly toward the sea, while an outdoor jacuzzi sits slightly apart, positioned for privacy and uninterrupted sunset views. the covered barbecue and dining area creates a sheltered outdoor room beneath a timber roof structure, designed for long summer evenings beside the pool. late in the day, the water reflects the final light across the terrace while the hills behind the house begin to darken into shadow.
the property is fully enclosed by stone-built walls and accessed through a gated entrance leading to a covered garage via a private drive.
