sitting in the most northwesterly corner of greece, corfu is an elegant and cosmopolitan island, wearing the mantle of its colourful venetian history with style.
‘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 runningbetween 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.
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 an 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 wild flowers, studded with gnarled olive trees and dense groves of stiffly swaying cypresses. the sophisticated north-east is known as kensington-on- sea, and is the site of the rothschild family’s imposing summer villa. it is here that the luxury villa lifestyle comes into its own, with the hillsides sprinkled with secluded, high-end properties boasting private infinity pools and awe-inspiring sea views, with the snowcapped albanian-epirote mountains rising mysteriously in the east.
anassa is an amazing opportunity to stay in one of the few residences in the most sought after northeast coast of corfu the stunning property offers breathtaking views of the ionian sea and enjoys a most -desired feeling of privacy in all its areas
the estate consists of three properties: the main property of approximately 620 sq.m in a plot of 7113 sq.m., a villa of 187 sq.m. in a plot of 2735 sq.m. and a villa of 68 sq.m. in a plot of 1984 sq.m. there are additional garage and auxiliary utility areas of 146 sq.m. each property is a hidden gem on a hillside before agni bay with breathtaking sea views.
anassa is located just off the main road to agni bay and has been built with local stone, maintaining the traditional character of the area. set in a plot of sloped terrain, the previous owners have carried out extensive landscaping including stone walls around the boundaries of the estate.
double gates open up onto a tarmac driveway which leads to a large garage. a passageway leads to an elevator, which leads to the main entrance of the villa and its guesthouse.
the main property consists of 6 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a steam room, gym and cinema. the interiors are elegant and romantic, furnished in pastel tones for a luxurious yet relaxed ambiance.
part of the terrace is carved into the rock, providing natural protection for the shaded lounge/ dining area. the decked terrace leads to a free-form infinity pool with spectacular sea views. the terrace leads down to a small private cove the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the crystal clear waters.
the stone-built villa of 187 sq.m. with four bedrooms sits also overlooking the azure bay and boasts a truly select location for relaxed living with luxurious amenities.
the sandstone hues of the villa ensure that it blends in harmoniously with the surrounding greenery of the hillside and gardens, sitting on a plot of 2,735 sq.m.. the airy interiors are a mix of traditional and chic, creating a warm atmosphere for those who appreciate contemporary influences and home comforts. three en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen area and lounge with a fireplace, plus a studio apartment on the first floor, offer the perfect escape for family and friends all year round.
the outdoor areas really pay homage to the art of island living, with shaded terraces and a bbq area offering the perfect spot for al fresco dining, while the irresistible infinity pool beckons you to soak up all the energy of the greek sunshine.
finally, the main feature of the third villa with 2 bedrooms is the way it merges effortlessly into its natural surroundings while offering truly contemporary living spaces.
sitting on a plot of 1,984 sq. m., the family-friendly home has its independence and panoramic vistas. taking its cue from the immutable light of greece, every aspect of this property in the estate exudes a radiance sure to bewitch the owner. with white-toned interiors with flashes of lilacs and beiges in the en-suite bedrooms to the bright living area and outdoor lounge overlooking the azures of the private pool and the bay below, this property is the perfect retreat for those seeking privacy within a gated community.
just a short walk away from the picturesque agni bay, there could be no better way to experience an authentic corfiot lifestyle than by taking up residence in the mesmerising anassa
