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 former king of greece, constantine ii, has an impressive palm-shaded property there, with neighbours including sean connery, roman abramovic and several wealthy greek magnates, amongst others. it’s 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.
alexander occupies a rare waterfront position on the southeastern coast of the peloponnese, where the land curves gently toward the sea opposite spetses. hidden behind mature pine trees and landscaped gardens, the estate combines the scale and privacy of a substantial family compound with direct access to the water — an increasingly uncommon feature in this part of the coastline.
approached through gated grounds, the property unfolds gradually. broad terraces, stone pathways and planted gardens surround the main residence, while the sea remains constantly present beyond the trees and open lawns. at the centre of the outdoor spaces lies an expansive saltwater swimming pool, positioned to face the water and bordered by shaded seating areas that remain cool throughout the afternoon.
the main residence extends across approximately 1,000 sqm and has been designed with generous proportions and strong visual connections to the outdoors. large sliding openings allow the principal reception rooms to flow directly onto terraces overlooking the sea, while polished stone floors and restrained contemporary finishes create interiors that feel bright, uncluttered and calm. several sitting areas are arranged throughout the house, offering both formal entertaining spaces and quieter corners oriented toward the gardens and pool.
the kitchen and dining areas are substantial yet understated, designed for practical everyday use as much as larger gatherings during the summer months. light moves easily through the interiors from morning until evening, particularly across the upper-floor terraces where the coastline and neighbouring islands gradually emerge into view.
accommodation is distributed between the principal residence and two independent guest houses of approximately 60 sqm and 120 sqm respectively, allowing guests or extended family complete autonomy while remaining connected to the estate. many of the bedrooms open directly onto terraces or balconies facing the sea, with several suites incorporating seating areas and fireplaces that soften the scale of the rooms.
beyond the main house, the estate has been carefully organised to encourage outdoor living. a private tennis court sits discreetly within the grounds, partially screened by trees, while pathways lead toward multiple shaded lounging areas and outdoor dining terraces. the gardens themselves feel established and sheltered, with tall pines, palms and mediterranean planting creating privacy throughout the property.
one of the estate’s defining features is its direct relationship with the sea. a private tunnel leads discreetly down to the waterfront, where a fully equipped jetty accommodates boats with both water and electricity connections already installed. this allows immediate access to nearby islands and the coastline around porto cheli and spetses, transforming the property into a practical base for exploring the argolic gulf by sea.
despite the sense of seclusion, porto cheli and its marina remain within easy reach, while spetses sits just across the water. the balance between privacy, infrastructure and direct waterfront access gives the estate unusual versatility, equally suited as a private residence, multigenerational summer home or long-term hospitality retreat.
as evening settles across the bay, the terraces become almost silent apart from the movement of the water below the jetty and the lights begin ning to appear gradually across the coastline opposite.
