Arhondiko - Five Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 9

Ground Floor: Entrance hall. Living room with fireplace (TV, WiFi). Dining room. Library. Kitchen (oven, microwave, dishwasher). Cloakroom. Double bedroom (A/C) with en suite shower room (washing machine). First Floor: Double bedroom (A/C, fridge) with en suite shower room. Double bedroom (A/C) with en suite bathroom. Twin bedroom (A/C). Single bedroom. Bathroom. Outside: Barbecue. Shaded and open terraces. Private parking. Private swimming pool (14m x 4m) with Roman steps

We feel very privileged to be able to include such a distinguished residence in our programme. Originally owned by an aristocratic family some two hundred years ago, Arhondikó, meaning mansion, is an impressively grand villa with a unique and fascinating history. Photographs in the library show two gentlemen in front of the house - one is Constantinos Karamanlis, the first Prime Minister of Greece in modern times; the other is the former owner of the property who was his close confidante.
First glimpse of Arhondikó through the domed gateway reveals a splendid rosy-hued façade and grounds of some grandeur. This beautifully renovated nineteenth century country house has retained all the charm and elegance of times gone by whilst benefitting from many modern conveniences. It also has an excellent location being a 500 metre walk from a taverna (open evenings only) and a minimarket (800m), with sandy beaches including Ermones (1.5km) and Mirtiotissa (1.8km) also easily accessed.

Guests staying at Arhondikó will doubtless enjoy many a lingering meal on the splendid wisteria covered terrace that overlooks the generous size pool and takes in stunning views of the mountains. Elsewhere, pretty gardens and shaded terraces provide quiet space for reading and relaxation.

The interior is a lovely mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings. A welcoming split level living room full of inviting sofas has an imposing whitewashed wooden ceiling, an attractive writing desk and carved wooden trunk adding elegant touches. Pretty terracotta pots lead the way to the pool, antique botanical prints adorn the spacious, traditional kitchen while the dining room has a beautiful old dresser and decorative plates adorning the walls above the doors (a popular Ionian Island custom). A snug library acts as a secondary reception area.

From every vantage point there are fantastic views of the Ropa Valley, covered with orchards, fields and trees of every description, the distant hills glowing pink at sunset. Unique on Corfu, this is the largest area of flat land which, having a small river along its entire length, makes it incredibly fertile and rich in birdlife. Further along the coastline, beaches of beautiful golden sand are punctuated by hillsides blanketed in a patchwork of green, twisted rock formations and atmospheric sea caves.

For the more active party members, Ermones 18 hole golf course (with its excellent restaurant) is a ten minute drive away, whilst horse riding, kayaking and hiking are all popular pastimes in the vicinity. Or why not enjoy a homely pleasure and pack a picnic, head to the coast, select a choice piece of seashore and simply bask in the sunny solitude!

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Please note: The Greek Government charge a Climate Tax which is payable by guests staying in hotels and other properties. For Arhondiko the charge is a flat rate of €15 (£13.04) per night. For your convenience we will add this amount to your booking, rather than you having to pay it in resort.