‘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 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.
corfu has rightfully earner the title of the music capital of greece because of its hundreds of music associations and dozens of orchestras, bands, opera music events a tradition dating back to 400 years of venetian rule of the island.
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 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 finest real estate in greece with its epicentre the rothschild family’s imposing summer villa.
lavender breeze is one of the most private and exclusive residences within the rou estate, enjoying an enchanting blend of sea and mountain views that serve as an captivating backdrop to its extraordinary ambience. nestled amidst stunning grounds, this exclusive property boasts a private infinity swimming pool, gracefully adorned with built-in seating that gently curves around ancient and majestic olive trees.
the upper level of the villa boasts a striking living area. the beamed ceilings add character to the space, while the large sea-view windows allow ample natural light and stunning views to permeate the room. moving beyond the living area, you will find stone archways that lead you to a fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen and an elegant dining room. this level is surrounded entirely by a panoramic terrace, offering a unique dining experience with breathtaking views of the water. the terrace provides a separate outdoor lounging area equipped with a chef’s double barbecue.
the lower level of the house offers an impressive selection of amenities. there are four air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, all of which have arched windows that lead directly to the pool. additionally, there is a fifth bedroom that can also be used as a games room.
the lower level of the house presents 4 air conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a fifth bedroom/ games room as well as a kitchenette with pool fridge. all 5 bedrooms are air conditioned and have arched windows leading directly to the pool. the master bedroom features a walk in wardrobe and adjoining nursery. this home is meticulously designed with conveniences like an indoor laundry room and a glassed mini-gym with washing facilities.
the private gardens lead directly from the parking area to the house, through olive trees, scented lavender and herb walkway. leaving this garden via the private doorway one can wonder along the rou village through wisteria walkways and landscaped flower and herb gardens, before reaching the rou spa and rou infinity pool. this exclusive secluded complex is made up of 16 houses and outbuildings dating back to over 200 years. in 2005, british architect dominic skinner purchased the abandoned hamlet and embarked on the development and restoration of the entire village back to its former glory. the distinctive design of the village and its traditional concept make it one of the remaining of its kind on the island.
