‘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.
Ianthe, built directly above the sea, is a luxurious, brand new villa offering unbeatable panoramic sea views and complete privacy.
This magnificent two levelled property is stylish and minimal whilst offering comfort, technology and modern finishes.
Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows and 150 square meters of terraces, it is obvious that emphasis has been put on enjoying the breathtaking sea views and the stunning golden sunsets.
Outdoors are blessed with manicured gardens, a 53 square meter heated infinity pool and a Jacuzzi. An ideal setting to enjoy the glistening waters as the sun sets over the horizon.
Entering from the ground floor, you are welcomed by a large modern living room with fireplace.Here you can enjoy movie night with friends and family, using the state of the art projector.
A refined and elegant kitchen-dining room is located adjacent to the living room and has direct access to one of the villas many sea view terraces.
Accommodation is complete with two ensuite bedrooms on the ground floor and one further ensuite bedroom on the first floor.
Created with care for comfort and technology, Ianthe is a smart home, with alarm system, security cameras, solar panels and underfloor heating and cooling system.
