‘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.
positioned within 5,500 sqm (59,202 sq.ft.) of private grounds in viros, magnus is a contemporary residence defined by clean architectural lines, generous proportions and a strong connection to its surrounding landscape. although only a short drive from corfu town and the beaches of the island’s southern coastline, the property enjoys a notably private setting, surrounded by mature greenery and open views towards the sea in the distance.
the architecture follows a distinctly modern language, composed of crisp geometric volumes, expansive glazing and carefully balanced solid surfaces. white façades, broad overhangs and floor-to-ceiling openings create a sense of lightness throughout the structure, while allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interiors. the house is arranged across three levels, with each floor designed to maximise openness, natural light and visual continuity between interior and exterior spaces.
extending across 380 sqm (4,090 sq.ft.), the principal living areas unfold through a series of interconnected spaces where large glazed openings frame the gardens and surrounding landscape. the restrained material palette and clean architectural detailing reinforce the contemporary character of the residence, while the extensive use of glass creates an ongoing dialogue between the house and its outdoor environment. throughout the day, changing light moves across the interiors, emphasising the simplicity of the architecture and the scale of the spaces.
the accommodation comprises four bedrooms arranged across the upper levels of the residence. the principal suite occupies a privileged position with elevated views across the grounds and towards the coastline beyond, while the remaining bedrooms are designed with the same emphasis on light, proportion and privacy. large openings throughout the private areas maintain a visual connection to the landscape, ensuring that the surrounding greenery remains a constant presence within the house.
outdoor spaces form an integral part of the overall design. the residence is organised around a substantial pool courtyard that acts as a central architectural element, visually linking different parts of the house while extending the living areas into the landscape. broad lawns, mature trees and carefully planned planting soften the contemporary architecture, creating a setting that feels established and private. the generous scale of the grounds allows the house to sit comfortably within its environment, maintaining openness on all sides.
despite its tranquil setting, magnus remains well connected to corfu town, the island′s marina, international airport and the beaches of the south coast. this balance between accessibility and privacy makes the property particularly well suited to year-round living as well as seasonal use.
as evening light settles across the gardens, the strong geometric forms of the architecture become increasingly defined against the surrounding landscape, while the reflections across the water and glazing reinforce the calm and measured character of the residence.
eligible for the greek golden visa and greek non-dom programme.
