Ionian Islands, Corfu, Perithia, Greece

This 16th century manor house, historically was owned by an aristocratic family until the early 20th century. The cobblestone drive, leads past the house entrance and on to the undulating flagstones outside the original stables now converted to living quarters. The local neighbours, many of whom were in service in the house, remember hearing the large white horse trotting up the hill, boasting the only horse in the area to be shod..

It was bought by a British couple in the early 1990's, who have carefully and lovingly restored and converted the extensive property into a large and flexible family home. The imposing Olive Press, which once provided olive oil for the whole area, is used as a rustic lecture room for Durrell lectures and provides ample space for renovation, either into further accommodation or a boutique hotel or similar.

The proud and original wrought iron gated entrance, leads you onto the outside-in vine covered terrace, with original stone flagged floor, with magnificent views over the valley to the sea and distant mountain range. Current owners spend most of their time in this outside room. Entry to the main house leads into the kitchen – a welcome cool due to the depth of the original stone walls. A large archway divides the room and at one end is a useful laundry and ground floor WC. Marble stairs lead up to a comfortable sitting room with an open fireplace and original beams. Patio doors open onto the original 'bodzo', a small terrace with stone sills, built by the same Maltese stone masons who built the Palace of St Michael in Corfu Town. The view from the bodzo is calming and tranquil, inviting time to reflect across the top of the grapevine covered terrace below out to the Ionian Sea and mountain tops beyond. On this first floor, is the master bedroom with en-suite shower room, a private balcony overlooking multiples terraces, the garden, swimming pool and beyond. A flight of wooden stairs leads up to the second floor with two more bedrooms; one a twin/double room and the other, a generous family room of considerable proportions, with a Juliet balcony. The family bathroom is shared by these two rooms. All bedrooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans.

Adjacent to the main house, the converted stables offer flexible living accommodation. Currently self-contained with one-bedroom and en-suite including living area, lower ground floor kitchen and private terrace and courtyard which leads down to an additional multi-purpose room and WC accessible from the swimming pool. Services include an additional laundry area, hidden washing lines flanked by orange and lemon trees. Ideal as a staff house or additional annexe.

Leading from the main terrace, steps sweep down to one of the many outside seating areas, followed by a gated arched entrance to the well-designed swimming pool area. The pool, which includes an integral baby pool, tiled in soft-green mosaics provides the second most used outside rooms of the property. Days can be sent lounging in the direct sun or under the citrus trees for shade. Night times create the most wonderful ambience, lit by original Moroccan lighting. From the pool area, the view looks out over peaceful olive groves, down to the sea.

Off-street private parking is available, comfortable to service all living quarters of the villa.