porto heli is a little known area to outsiders even though it’s just a couple of hours drive from athens or a few hours by yacht. exclusiveness is its hallmark and, although on first sight it looks just like any other small greek coastal town, if you dig a little deeper you will discover that it is actually an area full of stately hillside mansions and very private beaches that usually come with their own super yacht jetties.
known endearingly as the riviera of the peloponnese, it’s not difficult to understand why. the late former king of greece, constantine ii, had an impressive palm-shaded property there. its stunning natural harbour and protected cove offers crystalline waters, lovely pine-clad hillsides and pretty fishing boat vistas. the small hamlets of aghios aimilianos, ververontas and costa are the privé playgrounds of the kind of mega rich who don’t need to draw attention to themselves. luxury resorts sit in the wings, such as amanzoe in kranidi, a fabulous escape for jet setters seeking solace for all the senses, while the trendy nikki beach offers miami style vacations to affluent european sun seekers with mediterranean trimmings.
you can jump on a water taxi to the cosmopolitan island of spetses which sits just opposite, and step back in time to the elegant past of the belle époque, with its horse-drawn carriages, captain’s mansions and french riviera feel. otherwise, speed over to the charismatic island of hydra, where artists like leonard cohen found their creative juices running and so decided to take up permanent residence there it’s all oh-so-positano and the beauty of it is that you can zip from one stunning location to another and still be back home for dinner, whether that be a selection of the finest seafood on a waterfront taverna or a discreet dinner on your moored pleasure yacht.
set on a hillside above porto heli, elaion takes its name from the olive groves that surround it. conceived as a contemporary home that sits quietly within the landscape rather than imposing upon it, the property combines stone architecture with warm natural tones and expansive views across the argolic gulf and its scattering of islands.
extending to approximately 800 sq.m within 7,500 sq.m of grounds, elaion is arranged across three levels and comprises nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms. its architecture is defined by a series of low, horizontal volumes, extensive stonework and deep shaded terraces, with mature olive trees and mediterranean planting woven into the overall composition. large openings frame the landscape and sea, while sheltered courtyards and pergolas create a gradual transition from the interiors to the surrounding grounds.
at entrance level, expansive glazing opens the main living spaces towards the sea and brings the landscape into the heart of the home. generous sitting and dining areas are conceived as a continuous space, with natural textures, warm timber elements and stone surfaces creating a sophisticated yet understated interior. coffered ceilings are complemented by timber-lined sections and discreet integrated lighting, while full-height glazing introduces abundant natural light and far-reaching views.
the connection with the outdoors is central to the design, with architecture, landscape and sea brought together throughout.
the living and dining areas extend directly onto covered terraces, an exterior kitchen and a shaded dining pergola, allowing much of daily life to move outside during the warmer months. beyond, a 25-metre infinity pool stretches across the sea-facing terrace, accompanied by an adjoining jacuzzi and generous areas for sunbathing and relaxation.
two bedrooms are also positioned on the entrance level, while the first floor is given over to a further bedroom suite opening onto its own pool terrace. on the lower level are four additional bedrooms and a private lounge, together with staff accommodation, laundry, storage and technical facilities.
throughout the interiors, the design favours a warm, natural palette. textured stone walls are balanced by extensive timber joinery, neutral upholstery and carefully integrated lighting, while sculptural elements, built-in shelving and large expanses of glass add depth and architectural interest. the result is contemporary without feeling stark, with the materials and tones chosen to reflect the landscape outside.
the grounds continue the same architectural language, with broad terraces, stone pathways, shaded outdoor dining and seating areas and established mediterranean planting. olive trees form focal points within courtyards and terraces, while pergolas cast changing patterns of light and shade throughout the day.
a private tennis court completes the outdoor amenities, and a pathway will connect the property with the beach below.
the elevated position gives elaion sweeping views across the sea and surrounding landscape, while its setting above porto heli places it within one of the peloponnese’s most desirable coastal destinations.
currently under construction and scheduled for completion in summer 2028, elaion represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a substantial contemporary home in porto heli, distinguished by its scale, architecture and remarkable relationship with the landscape and sea.
the property images shown are architectural renderings and are provided for reference purposes.
