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 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 running between 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 wildflowers, 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. here, 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.
nestled in serene seclusion, the grand estate boasts 160sqm of prime sea frontage, commanding breathtaking vistas of the shimmering ionian sea against a backdrop of majestic mountains. undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of the ionian islands, this magnificent estate offers a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury.
the villa boasts a sprawling 518 square meters of luxurious living space, complemented by an additional 194 square meters of auxiliary areas, culminating in a grand total of 710 square meters. this ample expanse offers the perfect fusion of relaxation and entertainment, ensuring a truly indulgent experience.
step beneath the pergola and follow the stone pathway to discover the pièce de résistance: a sprawling infinity pool that seems to merge seamlessly with the horizon.
adorned with expansive sun terraces and a generously sized covered dining area, this aquatic oasis is complemented by a charming stone-built pool house, providing a self-contained haven for relaxation.
meander through the extensive shaded gardens, where the air is perfumed with the delicate fragrance of jasmine and wisteria, creating an idyllic retreat for contemplation and leisure.
upon entering the main house, be greeted by a grand double-height hallway adorned with colonial-style sweeping staircases—a stunning prelude to the opulence that awaits within. floor-to-ceiling terrace doors beckon, revealing an awe-inspiring panorama that transcends description. the spacious sitting room, adorned with a majestic stone fireplace, seamlessly extends onto the terrace, offering an ideal setting for sophisticated gatherings and entertainment.
the well-appointed kitchen flows effortlessly into the dining area, where a magnificent pink marble table awaits, perfectly poised for convivial gatherings. each of the five luxurious double bedrooms, nestled within the main house and all facing the sea, boasts lavish en-suite bath and shower rooms, each affording captivating sea views.
a meandering drive, lined with cypress and olive trees, descends to a private sea terrace, offering exclusive access for boating and bathing enthusiasts alike.
to the estate’s west, a stone staircase ascends to a hilltop-covered terrace, providing panoramic 360-degree views of the island—a vantage point of unparalleled splendour. adjacent to the olive-lined drive, a three-car garage conceals a substantial one-bedroom apartment above, ideal for accommodating staff or guests seeking privacy.
for those with a penchant for aquatic adventures, the option to obtain a license for a private jetty ensures effortless access to the azure waters beyond.
the grand estate represents a golden opportunity—an invitation to embrace a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and tranquility in one of the most coveted locales in the ionian islands.
