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.
set within approximately 21,000 sqm (226,042 sq.ft.) of private grounds overlooking the eastern peloponnese coastline, aurelia is a late 19th century estate that preserves the scale, proportions and architectural character of its period. positioned above ermioni bay and surrounded by open countryside, the property combines a sense of seclusion with close proximity to the sea and the nearby coastal settlements of the argolid.
the residence is defined by a balanced and elegant architectural composition, distinguished by its terracotta-coloured façade, marble detailing and tall, symmetrical openings. originally constructed as a summer residence for an aristocratic family, the house has retained its historic identity while remaining entirely suited to contemporary living. throughout, the architecture reflects the craftsmanship and attention to proportion characteristic of the era, creating spaces that feel both refined and welcoming.
inside, the house unfolds through a sequence of generously scaled rooms where original architectural details remain remarkably intact. high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, marble finishes and period flooring establish a strong sense of continuity throughout the interiors. natural light enters through tall windows on multiple sides of the building, moving gently through the rooms during the day and emphasising the depth, texture and proportions of the spaces.
the principal reception areas maintain a quiet sense of formality without feeling imposing. their scale, symmetry and architectural detailing create interiors that feel grounded in history yet comfortable in everyday use. rather than relying on ornament alone, the atmosphere of the house is shaped by its proportions, craftsmanship and the subtle patina developed over generations.
a central staircase connects the upper floor, where the private accommodation continues the same architectural language. several rooms benefit from elevated views across the estate, the surrounding hillsides and the waters of ermioni bay beyond. the positioning of the house allows natural airflow to move through the interiors during the warmer months, while the elevated setting provides an enduring connection to both the landscape and the sea.
the grounds extend across a gently unfolding landscape that reinforces the sense of privacy surrounding the residence. the scale of the estate creates generous separation from neighbouring properties while preserving open views across the countryside. established planting, mature vegetation and natural changes in elevation soften the transition between the house and its surroundings, allowing the architecture to sit comfortably within the landscape rather than dominate it.
despite its peaceful setting, the property remains well connected to the wider region. beaches and small coves are within easy reach, while ermioni’s port provides direct access to hydra and spetses. the ancient theatre of epidaurus lies less than an hour away, and athens can be reached in approximately two hours by road.
the combination of architectural integrity, privacy and coastal proximity gives aurelia a rare sense of permanence. as the afternoon light settles across ermioni bay, the house remains closely connected to its setting, shaped as much by the landscape around it as by the history contained within its walls.
