Aloni Design Houses

The Straight House

The higher and slightly larger of the houses, at 115 sqm indoor space (plus 150 sqm of terrace and patio), is built in a long barn shape fronting a similarly long, thin pool. The architect's aim was to evoke canalside living - the water is visible from every room - with a series of five double French windows allowing an easy flow between indoors and outdoors. Furnished with Italian easy chairs and outdoor pouffes, the terrace overlooks the old threshing floor, with glimpses of the sea between cypress, pine and holm oak trees. There's also a smaller patio to the rear for shady alfresco dining amid lavender, oregano and rosemary shrubs.

Step into the open-plan living-dining-kitchen area and, beneath 5-metre ceilings, you'll find striking pendant lamps, handmade plaster walls in a blond sand hue, a modular Flexform sofa (usable as a daybed), circular Carl Hansen stools; and a high-spec kitchen - finished in Canaletto walnut - along the rear wall. The effect is chic, natural and very calming. But it's also very functional: air-con, satellite TV, Bluetooth speakers, fridge-freezer, oven, microwave, Nespresso machine, juicer and washing machine are all subtly present and correct.

Off this, one on either side, are the two equally lovely bedrooms - both also opening onto the pool and those views. One has a kingsize double bed; the other has two single beds that can form a double if preferred. Expect Sealy mattresses, 100% cotton percale sheets, beautiful (and bright) bedside lamps, and ensuite shower rooms with Olive Era toiletries and sensuous ceramic basins.

The Corner House

Tucked just below, but not feeling overlooked thanks to the embrace of its L shape, is the Corner House. It comes with 90 sqm of indoor area and the same in outdoor terraces, making 180 sqm of lovely liveable space. You get the same indoor-outdoor flow, thanks to four French windows and plenty of outdoor furniture. A slightly squarer pool allows for a dining table out front - and more choice of sunlounger positioning.

Inside, it's a similar story of thoughtful, handpicked design and natural hues. The open-plan living-dining space has sand-coloured plaster walls, 4-metre ceilings, walnut-faced kitchen units, and shapely ceramics; plus, here, a bespoke cement rotunda dining table and jet-black accents in the conical lampshades, kettle, toaster and coffee machine. Air-con, WiFi, satellite TV and Bluetooth speakers are all here, too.

The two bedrooms, again one kingsize double and one twin/double, are placed either side of the living space, each with ensuite shower room, Olive Era toiletries and good natural ventilation.

Activities

• The nearest beach is Foki, 5 mins' drive down the lane, with gin-clear waters, sun-bleached pebbles and a simple taverna-bar; or hike to tiny, shady Xylokaravo nearby
  
• A little further are west-facing Jerusalem Cove (15 mins) and spectacular Myrtos Beach (30 mins), set below a dramatic cliff, with white sand, bars, loungers and improbably turquoise seas
  
• Take a boat - there are water taxis in summer, or hire a dinghy in Fiskardo - to the inaccessible coves of Dafnoudi, Kimilia or Kaminia; or even across the strait to neighbouring Ithaca
  
• Visit the pretty fishing village of Fiskardo (10 mins' drive), with its upscale seafood tavernas and pastel-coloured houses fringing a busy little harbour
  
• Picture-postcard Assos (also 30 mins) is tucked in a deep inlet, with a scattering of fishermen's houses, several swimming spots and a ruined castle on the hill
  
• Hike along old footpaths through cypress and olive groves, or past old watermills and flower-covered terraces in spring; or up to the fir-covered 1500m (5000ft) summit of Mt. Ainos
  
• Sample a wine-tasting tour - there are several wineries, mostly in the south of the island, offering crisp white robola to try or take home
  
• Explore the island’s caves, close to Sami: Drogarati has a big chamber filled with stalactites, while Melissani is home to an underground salt-water lake
  
• Try scuba diving with Fiskardo Divers - they run courses for complete beginners, and arrange dives to underwater caves and shipwrecks for those with experience

Kids

This would be a great option for a family with two teens - who don't need nightlife or retail distraction. Each house has two bedrooms (one double, one twin/double) and its own pool, plus fast WiFi, a satellite TV and bluetooth speakers. There are beaches and boat trips a short drive away; scuba-diving, kayaking, hiking and horse riding can be found. But do bear in mind that this northern part of the island doesn't have much nightlife - a few bars in Fiskardo, and that's about it.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Family Rooms

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The houses are set on the edge of Matsoukata, a peaceful hamlet on an east-facing hillside, overlooking the Ionian Sea and close to the northern tip of Kefalonia. The fishing village of Fiskardo lies a 5-minute drive away.

By Air
Fly into Kefalonia (53km - served by charter flights from the UK throughout the summer), or Athens then get a connecting flight.

From The Airport
We strongly recommend hiring a car, because the nearest beaches, shops and tavernas are all around 2km from the houses.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.