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 gentle hilltop between corfu town and the island’s golf club, this contemporary villa looks out across rolling olive groves and the layered landscape of the corfiot countryside. surrounded by mature trees and landscaped gardens, the property combines clean architectural lines with the quieter character of the island’s inland scenery, while remaining within easy reach of the coast and corfu’s main amenities.
the residence extends across 440 sqm (4,736 sq.ft.) on a 4,500 sqm plot and has been designed over two levels to maximise accessibility, natural light and the relationship between the interiors and the surrounding grounds. pale stone façades, wide terraces and soft neutral finishes give the house a restrained architectural presence that sits naturally within the landscape.
arrival is through a broad driveway bordered by lawns, olive trees and low stone walls, leading to the main entrance and covered parking areas. inside, the principal living spaces unfold beneath high vaulted ceilings finished in exposed timber beams, bringing warmth and scale to the interiors. large sliding doors frame uninterrupted countryside views while connecting the sitting room directly to the terraces and pool beyond.
the open-plan kitchen and dining area form the centre of the house, designed equally for daily family living and longer summer stays. a large central island, twin ovens and generous preparation surfaces are complemented by direct access to the outdoor dining terrace and barbecue pavilion. throughout the day, natural light moves across the stone floors and soft-toned interiors, while the elevated position allows cooling airflow to circulate naturally through the house.
the villa includes five bedrooms arranged across both levels. the principal suite occupies a more private position on the main floor and incorporates a dressing room, en suite bathroom with twin showers and a private balcony overlooking the surrounding hills. two further bedrooms are located on the ground floor, while the lower-level bedrooms open directly onto the gardens, creating independent guest accommodation with separate external access.
the lower ground floor has been carefully planned for accessibility, with wide openings and level flooring throughout. this level also contains a media and games area, storage rooms and a closed double garage.
the outdoor spaces are arranged around a long infinity-edge swimming pool positioned to face the open landscape. lawns, terraces and shaded seating areas create multiple outdoor living spaces throughout the property, while a separate stone-built barbecue pavilion and dining terrace sit slightly apart from the main house beneath mature trees. in the evening, the pool reflects the final light across the hills while the surrounding countryside becomes almost completely quiet apart from the movement of the wind through the olive groves.
additional features include central heating, air conditioning, alarm system, eco-conscious technical systems, fireplace, storage facilities and extensive parking.
despite its peaceful setting, the property remains conveniently connected to corfu town, the marina, golf club and nearby beaches, making it suitable both as a permanent residence and as a seasonal island retreat.
