The courageous traveler and celebrated writer Patrick Leigh Fermor fell for Mani’s rugged beauty, and with his wife Joan, built a house there, just outside Kardamyli, Southeast Peloponnese, only 38 km away from the city of Kalamata and 49 km away from the airport of Kalamata. Perched within an aromatic Mediterranean garden, that descends to the sea and private beach, it has been considered ‘one of the most beautiful properties in Greece’. The Leigh Fermors left their home in their will to the Benaki Museum as an inspiring space for artists but with the right to offer it as a rental for three months per year. It is a very unique place with a special appeal to those who adore combining history, beauty, and culture.
Within a Mediterranean garden of cypress trees, olive trees, aromatic shrubs, white oleanders, and wildflowers spread down to the sea, you will find three stone buildings: the Main House with three suites, the writer’s studio right next to it, which makes the Traditional House, as well as the Guest House, adjoining the Main House.
The property (341 sqm) has been carefully preserved and offers a Main House, with three double en-suite bedrooms, a Traditional House with 1 double bedroom, a study with the writer’s own desk, and a further double en-suite bedroom in the autonomous Guest House. The whole property is elegantly furnished following its sophisticated character and heritage. Of particular interest to book lovers are the writer’s two well-stocked libraries.
Vaulted colonnades provide shade for outdoor dining and lounging or reading with further seating on the terrace, some under the shade of pergolas, and all with enchanting views. There is a fountain within the scenic garden adorned with mosaics; a swimming pool (10 × 5 m, depth 0,2-1,55 m) with contemporary sun loungers is set amongst the olive groves. A small path leads down to the private beach and the city of Kardamyli is only a short drive away offering a selection of good tavernas.
Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915-2011), universally known as Paddy, was one of the most fascinating and brave personalities of the last century. An author, scholar, and decorated war hero, he is famous as one of the best travel writers of his generation. As a member of the British Military Mission to Greece, he played an important role in the Cretan resistance during the Second World War. He was a great admirer and lover of Greece. In the 1960s Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan decided to spend the rest of their lives in Greece and to build their home, giving much love and attention to it, in the picturesque coastal town of Kardamyli.
