• 7 Bedrooms –
• 14 Guests –
• Price on application –

Nissaki, Corfu, Greece

Set on a 9-stremma cliff top site with private seafront access in Corfu, the six-bedroom, virtually glass-walled along its entire frontage, overlooks the sea, east to the coast and mountains of Albania, with the magical site of ancient Butrint in full view, and south to mainland Greece and the islands of the Ionian.

This is one of the Mediterranean’s most sublime views, where two entirely different cultures face each other as if they were simply on opposite sides of a shimmering lake.

Everything about the house is designed for comfort and space, its contemporary design highlighted here and there by skilful use of traditional artifacts from India and Morocco, with some examples of Colonial living, such as a plantation ceiling fan that is a work of art in its own right. The white stone that was excavated over a period of three years has been used to create the terraces and dry stone walling in order to achieve the owner’s vision.

Water is a distinctive feature of the house, its sound a gentle accompaniment to the business of relaxation. The guest is greeted at the porticoed entrance by a bespoke copper-panelled water feature, combining huge wooden doors from India with a glass chandelier, potted trees and hydrangeas. The house sleeps 12 in six suites including two master suites; all feature en suite bath or shower rooms and dressing rooms.

The dramatic entrance to the villa opens into a spacious sitting room with oak floors and exposed ceiling beams, where a plantation ceiling fan strikes an unusual note. The ceiling is lit with linear LED up lighting, remote controlled electric curtains that, when necessary, shade the windows with their breathtaking view south down the Corfu Channel and east to ancient Butrint.

The kitchen has an enormous granite-topped island unit in the centre where it can seat 4 persons at bar seats. There are two ovens, a microwave oven, coffee machine, 2 warming drawers, 6-ring gas hob, TV and plenty of storage, plus all the usual fixtures that you would expect to find in a well equipped kitchen. Adjoining the kitchen is a walk in larder/storage room, staff office and staff entrance. There are steps from the kitchen door leading to the bar area and main pool. The dining room has a large dining table seating 12 persons. A fireplace in this room is offset by comfortable armchairs for pre-dinner drinks.

The property features a mosaic tiled hammam with heated stone seating. Situated on the lower floor, the gym is air conditioned, has mirrored walls, and is equipped with a rack of weights, Swiss ball, Yoga Mats, Trackmaster running machine, Cross trainer and Elite NordicTrack exercise bike. There is a large wall-mounted TV and a fridge for chilled drinks. This is also a relaxation area, suitable for massage.

There are six air conditioned bedrooms suites in all, all with en suites and equipped with super king-sized beds, two of which can be made up as twins if desired and all with dressing rooms. All bedrooms are furnished with particularly comfortable beds with bespoke padded headboards, matching seating and the four main bedrooms have TV.

There are unexpected and impressive features for every bedroom and suite for example the upper Master bedroom has access to a private landscaped area with its own covered Jacuzzi. The bathroom harks back perhaps to Roman times, with 3 wide marble steps leading up to a sunken double bath with a picture window looking out across the sea and mountains. The massive walk in shower has a stone backlit Jali with ancient wood and stone pillars.

The second master bedroom suite on the lower floor has its own sitting area with TV and fridge and separate dressing room. The bathroom features a large freestanding egg-shaped bath illuminated by a chandelier.

The two master suites have en suite bath, walk in shower, dressing rooms and TVs. Bedrooms 3 and 4 have en suite his-and-hers walk in shower rooms, TVs and dressing rooms and can be made up as twins. Bedrooms 5 & 6 with ensuite bath and shower rooms are in an independent guest suite with its own entrance; they share a private sitting/dining room all opening on to a beautiful private terrace overlooking the sea and the superb views. It also has a fully equipped kitchen.

At every level, there are lawned terraces with plants and trees framing exquisite views. Whether you wish to enjoy al fresco meals or refreshments as a couple or in company, your needs are amply provided for, with exceptionally comfortable seating, shade and sun. Steps connect the various levels, and a lift with glass doors encased in the seafront tower provides easy access to the private sea and sun bathing terraces.

A lift with glass doors, housed in a purpose-built tower, descends the three levels between the villa and the seafront. Two separate areas have been carved out of the rocks, to provide terraces for bathing and lounging, with sun loungers, and parasols.

Facilities for outdoor living are of course the priority. Several areas are specially equipped for outdoor dining, enjoying a drink, or just chilling out.

The freshwater swimming pool is divided into two sections, one draining from the upper terrace into the lower by means of a lavishly planted waterfall feature. The upper pool is 22m x 12m; the lower 12m x 6m. The two infinity pools are finished with highly attractive and very practical Pebbletec finish. There is a pool cabana with a covered dining area, bar and pool shower.

The Ionian Islands, lying between the Adriatic Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, are strung like a necklace of precious stones along the northwestern shores of Greece. They are unique in many ways, green and fertile, a startling contrast to the austere islands of the Aegean.

Their beauty has inspired – and occasionally defeated – writers and artists throughout the centuries, from Homer and Byron to Henry Miller and the Durrells. But before the writers and artists of our experience, the islands featured in numerous myths and legends, usually peopled by gods and nymphs.

In those legendary times, a god such as Poseidon only had to strike the rocks with his trident for a beautiful palace, fit for the current object of his desire, to emerge. The legendary King Alkinoos created gardens of stunning magnificence with a little more, virtually human, effort.

In our own times, the breathtaking beauty of Corfu’s northeastern coast continues to exert its magical allure, and discerning people continue to build exquisite villas overlooking the jewel-bright Ionian Sea. But today’s palaces require more than the stroke of a trident or a magic wand to emerge from the limestone crags and cliffs of this spectacular coast.

• 7 Bedrooms
• 14 Guests
• Price on application

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