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 runningbetween 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.
ionian legacy is one of the most iconic private estates in the ionian. infinite care and a deep respect for tradition converge to create an exceptional home. the villa enjoys an extraordinary connection to the sea, with rare private access. innovative design and modern technology elevate every detail.
the villa features a virtually seamless glass frontage, framing an unparalleled panorama of the ionian sea. to the east, majestic mountains rise above unspoiled coastlines, with the ancient site of butrint in clear view. to the south, the vista stretches across mainland greece and the scattered ionian islands. this creates one of the mediterranean’s most sublime panoramas—a captivating tableau where two cultures meet across the shimmering straits.
comfort and space define the design. contemporary elements are complemented by indian and moroccan artefacts, adding character and depth. the dramatic entrance opens into a spacious sitting room, where oak floors and exposed beams blend with the soft glow of led uplighting. remote-controlled curtains frame a breathtaking vista down the corfu channel towards butrint. the muted furnishings are both comfortable and tasteful, with signature pieces like a grand piano and a bronze coffee table made from antique jaipur doors.
a colonial plantation ceiling fan enhances the villa′s distinctive character. on the west side, a study opens onto the outdoor terrace, while the dining room, with a table for twelve, features a fireplace and cozy armchairs, ideal for relaxed gatherings.
ionian legacy offers seven air-conditioned bedroom suites, each with an en suite bathroom, dressing room, and super king-sized bed the two master suites provide enhanced luxury with en suite baths, walk-in showers, dressing rooms, and private touches such as a landscaped terrace and jacuzzi. bedrooms three and four offer flexible layouts with twin bed options, his-and-hers walk-in showers and dressing rooms. the exclusive guest suite elevates your guest experience, offering a private sanctuary where comfort and breathtaking sea views combine.
an independent guest suite includes bedrooms five and six, each with an en suite bath and shower. this suite also has a private sitting and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a beautiful terrace with exceptional sea views.
the kitchen is designed around a large granite island with bar seating. it features two ovens, a microwave, coffee machine, two warming drawers, a six-ring gas hob, and a tv. additional spaces include a walk-in larder, staff office, and private staff entrance. steps from the kitchen lead directly to the bar area and main pool terrace.
throughout the house, exquisite views are on display from every vantage point. lawned terraces, mature trees, and vibrant plants frame the sea at every level.
a fully equipped gym and a mosaic-tiled hammam steam room with heated stone seating cater to wellness and fitness.
a lower-level pergola offers a sea-view setting for yoga. the private terrace adjacent to the upper master bedroom hosts a covered jacuzzi beneath a thatched pergola, overlooking the sea. the cinema room features two oversized sofas, an 80-inch samsung smart tv, surround sound, blu-ray player, apple tv, and iptv.
outdoors, the freshwater infinity pools are divided across two levels. the upper pool drains into the lower via a planted waterfall. both pools feature a pebbletec finish. a pool cabana provides a covered dining area, bar, and pool shower.
for direct access to the sea, a private lift with glass doors descends three levels from the villa to the upper seafront terrace, which then leads to a lower bathing terrace with loungers and parasols.
two bedroom suites are located in a self-contained annex with a private entrance. this area includes its own sitting room, kitchen, and dining space, as well as private terraces connected to the main pool terrace.
the property also holds a valuable additional building license for a two-bedroom guesthouse.
