The property is spread over two levels. The villa’s design is a lovely combination of clean lines, modern elements, and nods to traditional island architecture. Wood, from the flooring and the furniture to the high beamed ceilings of the first level, is an important element of the overall aesthetic, as are the exposed stone walls. These gentle hints at Zakynthos’s heritage are combined with modern floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and the stylish kitchen and bathrooms design.
The main entrance leads into a hallway and further to a spacious double-height area that occupies most of the ground level. Light pours in through huge windows, creating a wonderfully bright and airy ambiance. To one side is the well-equipped contemporary kitchen with a large island; in the center is a long dining table; and at the far side is the living area with sofas and armchairs set around a fireplace. All three areas open onto the surrounding terraces through wide sliding glass doors. The ground level also includes a double/twin bedroom (90/180 × 200) with an adjacent shower room.
The staircase near the hallway leads up to the first level, where a three-sided gallery walkway overlooking the dining area below offers access to four further bedrooms. On one side of the gallery, you will find: a master double bedroom (160 × 200) with en-suite shower room, beautiful sea views, and a private balcony overlooking the pool area; a double/twin bedroom 3 (90/180 × 200) with en-suite shower room and mountain views.
On the other side of the gallery, a little corridor leads to: a double bedroom 4 (160 × 200) with a private balcony offering the same views as the master bedroom; a double/twin bedroom 5 (90/180 × 200) with mountain views; a centrally positioned shower room shared by the two bedrooms.
The villa is nestled amidst a private 250-acre estate with vineyards, stables, and a manège of rare horse breeds, including Andalucian horses and the rare golden Akhal Teke. Outdoor life is centered around the beautifully panoramic and amazingly generous pool terrace. Accessed via wide sliding glass doors from the ground level’s open-plan communal space, it benefits from magnificent views over the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
Taking center stage is the charming infinity pool (12,4 × 5), divided into two parts by a central lounge with a sunken firepit. The main part of the pool is equipped with water jets and a hydro massage system, while the other is a shallow section (5 × 3,5). To one end of the pool is a well-furnished lounge area with a bar and a shaded dining table served by a summer kitchen with a built-in barbecue, a separate gas barbecue, a sink, and work surfaces. To the other end of the pool there is an outdoor shower and behind this, accessed down 10 steps, are two WCs. Spread out around the house and sheltered by stone walls are the other terraces bordered with greenery, flowers, and shady trees.
The villa’s dedicated staff, including a cook and villa manager, a housekeeper, and a groom, is at your service so you can sit back and relax during your stay. Service begins with dinner on the day of your arrival (selected by you from the cook’s carefully curated menu in advance) and continues through to breakfast on your departure day. The cook is available every day from 8:00-22:00 to serve you breakfast and either lunch or dinner (both can be organized if preferred at a small additional charge) - just let her know in advance when you prefer to dine at the villa and your preferences concerning menus. The cook service (for breakfast and either lunch or dinner) is included in your stay, but please pay attention that the ingredients should be paid locally in cash on presentation of receipts. The maid will clean your rooms daily and change your linen and towels mid-week.
The villa boasts a fabulous panoramic location in the southwest of Zakynthos and enjoys breathtaking views down over the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, the picturesque islet of Marathonissi, and a 6km-long stretch of sandy beach where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.
When it comes to facilities, there are several inland villages nearby with tavernas, such as Agalas, Lithakia, and Koiliomenos (all within a 10-minute drive), while down on the coast, at Agios Sostis (15 minutes) and Limni Keriou (17 minutes), there is a greater selection of amenities, such as minimarkets, cafés and bars (not to mention beaches and boat hire).
A 20-minute drive will also take you to the lovely small village of Keri (not to be confused with Limni Keriou mentioned above) on the southwestern tip of Zakynthos. It is stunning in the late afternoon when the sun begins to set into the sea, and there are several good tavernas to spend an evening.
Concerning the beaches, nearby are Agios Sostis and Limni Keriou, both offering a light summery buzz and a good choice of seafront tavernas, cafés, and bars. The long stretch of sand, a part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, is the obvious choice for many. Some sections provide beach clubs and amenitites, while others are more tranquil, out of respect for the visiting turtles. For more exciting coastal landscapes and wonderful snorkeling, head to the cliffs and rocky coves of the west coast, such as those at Porto Roxa and Porto Limnionas (around 30 minutes away).
Zakynthos's most famous, most eye-catching, and most photographed beach is Navagio, situated on the island northwest. Deriving its name from the shipwreck that has lain on its sand since the early 1980s, the bay is surrounded on three sides by breathtaking tree-topped white cliffs and is only accessible by boat. This outstanding setting and the bay's crystalline blue waters attract the crowds in high summer, but it's most certainly worth visiting and seeing, both from the viewing point above and from the water below.
Measuring just over 30km long and 20km wide, Zakynthos, also referred to as Zante, can be easily explored in a week and you're never more than an hour's drive from most places of interest. The island's hinterland is dotted with other villages, a few of which, such as Lithakia and Exo Chora (this latter with 16th-century houses, a 17th-century church, and a 2,000-year-old olive tree) survived the earthquake of 1953 relatively undamaged.
Finally, just half an hour's drive away from the villa is the capital of Zakynthos, Chora (or Zakynthos Town), which is a must-visit. Showcasing a few remaining historic Venetian buildings, it boasts some interesting museums and galleries, and its streets and squares are filled with a summery buzz of bars, cafés and tavernas.
