‘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.
eurybia occupies a commanding position on corfu’s sought-after northeast coastline, set between the sheltered waters of chouchoulio beach and the curve of kalami bay. positioned within walking distance of both beaches, the property enjoys uninterrupted sea views in two directions, with the coastline unfolding toward corfu town on one side and the wooded headlands of the bay on the other. surrounded by olive trees, stone terraces and mature mediterranean planting, the estate carries the quiet atmosphere of a long-established corfiot retreat.
arranged across three separate buildings, the property balances privacy with a natural sense of connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. traditional tiled roofs, timber-beamed ceilings and pale stone paving reinforce the island character of the architecture, while large openings frame the sea from almost every principal room. morning light moves across the terraces and pool area early in the day, while the elevated position allows cooling airflow to pass naturally through the grounds during the warmer months.
the main house centres around an open-plan living and dining room with high timber ceilings and broad patio doors opening directly toward the terraces and sea beyond. the interiors feel relaxed and understated, with terracotta floors, warm timber finishes and soft natural light creating a comfortable year-round atmosphere. the kitchen sits independently from the living area while maintaining direct visual connection to the surrounding landscape and outdoor dining spaces.
two bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes and two bathrooms are located within the principal residence, while a second guest building contains an additional two bedrooms and two bathrooms, allowing guests to remain comfortably independent. a third building functions as a separate studio apartment, discreetly positioned within the gardens for additional privacy. beneath the property, a 40 sqm basement area provides the possibility for two further bedrooms or ancillary accommodation, alongside covered parking and storage.
the outdoor spaces are particularly well integrated into the landscape. stone pathways connect terraces, gardens and shaded seating areas beneath mature olive trees, while flowering shrubs and low mediterranean planting soften the edges of the estate. at the centre, the swimming pool faces directly toward the sea, bordered by wide stone terraces and a covered barbecue area designed for long outdoor lunches and evenings beside the water. subtle exterior lighting placed throughout the gardens and pathways creates a quieter atmosphere after sunset, when the coastline becomes illuminated across the bay.
despite its strong sense of privacy, eurybia remains closely connected to the villages, tavernas and harbours of northeast corfu, while retaining immediate access to some of the island’s most scenic coves and swimming spots.
