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 among olive trees and mature greenery in the coastal area of paramonas, solandris is a collection of three independent stone villas designed to balance privacy, outdoor living and uninterrupted sea views. positioned on a 2,130 sqm (22,927 sq.ft.) plot a short walk from the beach, the residences follow the natural contours of the land, allowing each villa its own orientation toward the ionian sea while maintaining separation from the others.
the architecture combines contemporary lines with traditional corfiot materials. locally sourced stone, pale render, timber details and shaded pergolas give the homes a grounded, tactile quality that sits naturally within the landscape. throughout the property, soft neutral tones and textured surfaces reflect the surrounding coastline and olive groves, while large openings draw light and sea views deep into the interiors.
together, the villas span 285 sqm (3,067 sq.ft.) with six bedrooms and six bathrooms distributed across the three residences. each villa has its own entrance, private infinity pool and outdoor living areas, allowing the compound to function equally well as a private family retreat or a hospitality-driven investment property.
villa one is defined by its vaulted exposed-beam ceiling and open-plan living space, where the kitchen, dining and sitting areas flow directly toward the pool terrace. full-height sliding doors dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, while the elevated pool looks outward toward the sea beyond the trees. the upper level contains the principal bedroom suite, positioned for privacy and morning light.
villa two follows a similar architectural language, with shaded terraces and open-plan interiors softened by natural materials and warm lighting. a hydro spa is integrated into the outdoor terrace, while the upper-level principal bedroom opens onto a private veranda overlooking the coastline. the orientation of the villa captures both sea views and prevailing summer breezes moving inland from the shore.
villa three sits slightly forward on the plot, closer to the view, and includes two bedrooms arranged around a compact open-plan living space. its private infinity pool extends toward the sea, framed by stone walls, planted terraces and mature vegetation that create a strong sense of seclusion despite the property’s proximity to the coast.
outdoor areas throughout solandris are designed as extensions of the interiors rather than separate entertaining spaces. pergola-covered dining areas, built-in seating, textured stone courtyards and shaded terraces create a sequence of calm exterior rooms connected by pathways and planted gardens. olive trees and mediterranean planting soften the architecture, while the sound of cicadas and sea air define the atmosphere during the warmer months.
the villas incorporate energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious materials selected for durability and climatic performance, helping maintain cooler interior temperatures during summer while preserving the natural character of the property.
paramonas beach lies within walking distance, along with a small collection of traditional tavernas along the coast. despite this accessibility, the setting remains quiet and residential, surrounded by greenery and uninterrupted sea views rather than dense development.
as evening light settles across the hillside, the pools reflect the changing colours of the ionian sea while the stone façades take on the warmer tones of the landscape around them.
