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 former king of greece, constantine ii, has an impressive palm-shaded property there, with neighbours including sean connery, roman abramovic and several wealthy greek magnates, amongst others. it’s 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.
aurelia is an exquisite 19th century country residence, set against the picturesque backdrop of the mediterranean countryside on some 5 acres of private, peaceful grounds.
stepping into this two level residence feels like you’re stepping back in time. your eyes are immediately drawn to the rich emerald green and brown marbled walls and the beautifully frescoed ceilings. take a few more steps inside and note more stunning features, the well-preserved period furnishings and vintage tiled floors, that give aurelia its ‘historic’ status.
you can almost hear classical music playing in the background as you walk through the spacious sunlit interiors. on the living and dining room walls family portraits and paintings make you wonder about the lives of the aristocratic family who made this their summer residence over a century ago.
aurelia offers an excellent opportunity to own a historic estate with sea views on the eastern shores of the peloponnese.
a gorgeous wooden circular staircase leads to the second floor. more charming period furniture decorates the airy bedrooms. from this level two terraces overlook the estate gardens, the surrounding countryside and ermioni bay.
outdoors, the picturesque gardens offer something for every member of the family. for early risers, the front patio is the perfect spot to enjoy tranquil moments. the ancient pine trees offer plenty of shade for alfresco dining and entertaining.
strolling through the expansive grounds filled with countless olive and fruit trees reminds you of the beautiful greek nature. complete privacy is ensured by a three meter high stone fence that lines the property.
aurelia is ideally situated near beaches and from ermioni port the islands of hydra and spetses are within easy reach. athens is just a two hour drive and the ancient theater of epidaurus is under one hour away.
the buyer of this property is eligible for the greek golden visa program.
