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.
in the early morning sunlight, the pastel-hued houses overlook corfu town’s historic port. they create a charming medley of slender levels interconnected by narrow alleyways. laundry hangs from every balcony, resembling vibrant festive bunting swaying in the breeze.
towering venetian mansions, bearing ancient coats of colourful paint softened by countless winters, give town visitors the sensation of stepping into a watercolour masterpiece.
corfu has rightfully earned its reputation as greece’s music capital
the island boasts a multitude of music associations, orchestras, bands, and a musical tradition dating back 400 years to the venetian era of the island.
at the heart of the town lies a broad tree-lined promenade known as the spianada. elegant french arcades reminiscent of rue de rivoli echo through the air. an intriguing british influence can be discovered on this grand square. it transforms into a cricket pitch during the summer, a unique feature as it’s the only operational sports field within a unesco world heritage site.
meanwhile , the corfiot countryside showcases a mournful beauty unparalleled across greece. it contrasts starkly with the stark barrenness of the aegean. drenched in brilliant white sunlight during summer, the island undergoes a sublime transformation thanks to winter rains. this causes lush greenery to blanket the inland valleys, which are thickly carpeted with wildflowers and adorned with gnarled olive trees, while dense groves of swaying cypresses punctuate the landscape.
in the sophisticated northeast, known as “kensington-on-sea,” you’ll find the finest real estate in greece. the imposing summer villa of the rothschild family anchors it. here, the luxury villa lifestyle reigns supreme. hillside properties are secluded amidst the landscape, boasting private infinity pools and awe-inspiring sea views. the enigmatic epirote mountains, crowned in snow, loom mysteriously in the east.
set on the hillside of north east corfu, this contemporary villa is positioned to capture wide views across the sea and the surrounding countryside. currently under construction and scheduled for completion in summer 2025, the house combines clean architectural lines with natural stone detailing and expansive glazing, creating a residence that feels both modern and connected to its landscape.
the main living area unfolds as a single open-plan space, where floor-to-ceiling sliding doors draw light through the interior and open directly onto the terraces and pool. soft neutral tones, timber finishes and restrained materials create a calm atmosphere throughout the house, while the orientation ensures uninterrupted views from nearly every principal room. the transition between interior and exterior spaces is fluid, designed for long summer days shaped around the terrace and the horizon beyond.
at the centre of the living space, the kitchen is arranged around a large island with seating for eight, positioned to face the sea through the full-height glazing. the layout is both practical and social, allowing the kitchen, dining and sitting areas to remain visually connected while maintaining distinct zones within the open space.
the villa will contain five en-suite bedrooms, each designed with privacy and natural light in mind. large openings frame views of the coastline, while the restrained palette of stone, wood and soft fabrics keeps the focus on the landscape outside. morning light moves gradually across the bedrooms and terraces, changing the atmosphere throughout the day.
a lower-ground level introduces additional flexibility to the property, with space planned for either a gym, cinema room or secondary lounge area. outdoors, broad terraces extend around the infinity pool, which visually merges with the sea beyond. landscaped gardens soften the architecture, while the outdoor kitchen and dining area create a sheltered setting for meals during the warmer months.
the property sits on a 2,157 sqm plot in one of corfu’s most established residential areas, combining privacy with convenient access to nearby beaches, tavernas and harbours along the north-eastern coastline.
please note that the images shown are architectural visualisations and are indicative of the completed property.
