Newly built in 2023 - though you'd hardly know it - this pair of adjacent pool villas is a wonderfully harmonious fusion of traditional and contemporary. They're set on the edge of the scattered hamlet of Matsoukata in northern Kefalonia, looking over cypress studded slopes to the Ionian Sea, with the humps of Lefkas and Ithaca breaking the horizon. At their heart is an old stone aloni, or threshing circle, positioned to catch the summer breeeze and blow away the chaff from the wheat that was once grown on these terraced hillsides. This is an ancient, tranquil and refreshingly cool spot.
But what really caught our eye with these villas was their calm, uncluttered and yet beautifully appointed interiors. There are designer details (Carl Hansen chairs, striking pendant lights), and no shortage of comforts (air-con, Sealy mattresses, bluetooth speakers); but it's as far from bling as you can imagine. Each villa has two ensuite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen-living-dining area and a gorgeous pool terrace, with plenty of spaces to eat in the shade or tan in the sun. It's a short drive (or 20 mins' walk) down to the pebbly cove and beach bar of Foki; a little further to bustling Fiskardo, with its bobbing yachts, pastel houses and seafood tavernas. The concierge can recommend guided hikes, wine tasting and quiet inland tavernas if you don't fancy cooking. Come for a week (or two) of Greek island escapery in the most soul-restoring of settings.
Highs
- We love the houses' simple lines and clean aesthetic, with handpicked designer furnishings and earthy hues
- The pool terraces (each house has one), both with tranquil sea views, are a perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon
- Turquoise seas and secluded pebbly coves are a 10-min drive away; the hotspots of Assos and Myrtos beach only 30 mins
- Owner Marina (who hails from the village) and her concierge will help you find the island's best spots
- With one double and one twin/double bedroom each, they're perfect for families with teenage kids
Lows
- Suitable for over 12s only
- Northern Kefalonia, though less developed than the south, does have quite a few villas (these, as you'll see, are a cut above)
- There are no shops or restaurants in walking distance: it's 2km (5 mins' drive) to Manganos or Foki
- Being new in 2024, the herb- and pebble gardens need time to mature
Best time to go
We think the best time to visit Kefalonia is May-June or Sept-Oct, when the weather is sunny, the sea warm enough to swim, and local tourist facilities open without being too crowded. The island gets quite busy and hot in peak season (July-Aug), but it’s also fun, with lots going on. The villas are closed from early Nov to late April.
Our top tips
Why not come with another family and take both houses together? You get handpicked neighbours, plenty of space, and independence when you want it.
Depending on timings you might want to shop en route from the airport. The nearest minimarket is in Manganos (2km), or there's a somewhat wider but pricier choice in Fiskardo (5km). On arrival you'll find a welcome basket with local goodies plus wine, water, milk, bread, yoghurt, fruit and Nespresso coffee capsules; and they can arrange a pre-arrival shop for you if needed.
Depending on timings you might want to shop en route from the airport. The nearest minimarket is in Manganos (2km), or there's a somewhat wider but pricier choice in Fiskardo (5km). On arrival you'll find a welcome basket with local goodies plus wine, water, milk, bread, yoghurt, fruit and Nespresso coffee capsules; and they can arrange a pre-arrival shop for you if needed.
- Pool Villas
- 2 houses for 4
- Self-catering; shops 2km
- Ages 12 and over are welcome
- Closed: mid Nov-mid April
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Midweek clean
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.
Airports:
- Kefalonia 53.0 km EFL
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km