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.
in the early morning sunlight, the pastel-hued houses overlook corfu town’s historic port. they create a charming medley of slender levels interconnected by narrow alleyways. laundry hangs from every balcony, resembling vibrant festive bunting swaying in the breeze.
towering venetian mansions, bearing ancient coats of colourful paint softened by countless winters, give town visitors the sensation of stepping into a watercolour masterpiece.
corfu has rightfully earned its reputation as greece’s music capital
the island boasts a multitude of music associations, orchestras, bands, and a musical tradition dating back 400 years to the venetian era of the island.
at the heart of the town lies a broad tree-lined promenade known as the spianada. elegant french arcades reminiscent of rue de rivoli echo through the air. an intriguing british influence can be discovered on this grand square. it transforms into a cricket pitch during the summer, a unique feature as it’s the only operational sports field within a unesco world heritage site.
meanwhile , the corfiot countryside showcases a mournful beauty unparalleled across greece. it contrasts starkly with the stark barrenness of the aegean. drenched in brilliant white sunlight during summer, the island undergoes a sublime transformation thanks to winter rains. this causes lush greenery to blanket the inland valleys, which are thickly carpeted with wildflowers and adorned with gnarled olive trees, while dense groves of swaying cypresses punctuate the landscape.
in the sophisticated northeast, known as “kensington-on-sea,” you’ll find the finest real estate in greece. the imposing summer villa of the rothschild family anchors it. here, the luxury villa lifestyle reigns supreme. hillside properties are secluded amidst the landscape, boasting private infinity pools and awe-inspiring sea views. the enigmatic epirote mountains, crowned in snow, loom mysteriously in the east.
Zander, an indulgent combination of sophistication and comfort, encapsulated in a contemporary design of stone, wood and glass, all coming together to create an elegant environment, superbly located just 500m from Agios Georgios beach.
Open plan, clearly defined, airy spaces, chic and uncomplicated, offer flawless functionality. Full length windows across the living and dining areas showcase beautifully the pool, gardens and vast sunken seating pit, ideal for entertaining and enjoying long balmy evenings. Bespoke wooden shelving in the living room makes a striking feature in the minimal space.
The main level includes a fully equipped modern kitchen to satisfy even the most demanding chefs, as well as two of the four bedrooms, both of which are en-suite.
On the upper level, another two en-suite bedrooms with patio doors opening out onto a sun terrace with views of the lagoon. Sitting here is peaceful, the ideal place to take a book and a moment of private contemplation. If relaxing by the pool or on the sun terrace is not enough enjoy laying back in one of the two jacuzzis.
Zander is fully air conditioned, has a beautiful outdoor BBQ area, and makes for the perfect family home, private and yet close to beaches and all amenities.
