The Kouloura House

Rooms

There are three bedrooms with kingsize beds, ensuite bathrooms and private terraces. The main bedroom upstairs has an interior bathtub and outside shower; and the second upstairs bedroom has a walk-in shower and a balcony with a table and chairs. The downstairs bedroom has an exterior bathtub and seating area as well as a walk-in shower in the ensuite. As this is on the same level as the kitchen, living areas and outdoor space, it’s the perfect room for older family members on a multi-generational holiday. In the basement, there is a fourth, smaller room with twin beds that can be used as an extra bedroom for guests not wanting to share.

As with the rest of the house, the décor here emphasises clean, comfortable elegance. Whitewashed walls, white rattan chairs, white cotton bedding and natural stone-tiled flooring are offset with gentle pops of colour (ash pink, spearmint, dusty greys) to create a homely, welcoming stay.

Bathrobes, toiletries and beach towels are provided, and there is WiFi throughout as well as air-conditioning and ceiling fans. There's also a TV room, sauna, gym and laundry in the basement.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Toiletries
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

The fully-equipped, open-plan kitchen-living room comes with a fridge, gas stove, electric oven, microwave, blender, soda stream, nespresso machine and everything else you could need for a fully self-catered stay. Our very useful welcome package had olive oil, bread, coffee pods, wine, water, fresh feta and fruit. There are several supermarkets within a few kilometres which have fresh produce, or you can arrange for the concierge to do your shopping ahead of your stay; gathering all the freshest ingredients and stocking you up on the best local goods. There is also the opportunity to have a home-cooked meal by the local shop-owner's sister-in-law in a local bakery. It’s a great way to support local businesses and a lovely way to arrive your first night.

Nearby Kalami, perhaps most famous as the former home of (writer) Laurence and Gerald (zookeeper) Durrell (although For Your Eyes Only was also filmed there), is a great place to explore and sample the local cuisine. It used to be a tzatziki and souvlaki kind of place – low-key and unpretentious, with several little tavernas huddled by the waterfront – and is transforming into a cool destination with upmarket restaurants, without losing sight of its roots. You can also catch a pre-booked water taxi in Kalami to any of the neighbouring bays (including Kassiopi, Kerasia, Agni, Nissaki, Glyfa, San Stefanos and Avlaki) for supper.

The Durrells' former home is now the White House Restaurant, where you can dine al fresco on saffron-scented sea stone fish soup, strawberry gazpacho with crayfish tartar, octopus carpaccio and sea bream ceviche. It’s at the pricier end but recommended for a special occasion, as is Callao for its superb and modern cuisine.

Features include:

• Bar
• Barbecue
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Food blender
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Meal delivery service
• Microwave
• Oven
• Shopping service

Activities

• The nearest beach is Kalami (8 minutes), with its crystal waters, white pebbles and shingle. It's small and often busy with sunbathers but makes an excellent diving, swimming and snorkelling spot, and paddleboards are also available. Kerasia is 17 minutes away – spend the whole day and lunch at the taverna there
  
• Enjoy a walk along the coastal path or the Corfu trail; also recommended is a hike up Mount Pantokrator
  
• For a slice of history, head to Kassiopi Castle, a one-time Roman fort and one of the most imposing architectural remains in the Ionian Islands. Or visit the nearby Church of Panagia Kassopitra, supposedly built on an ancient Greek temple to the God Zeus
  
• Kassiopi or San Stefano on the island’s north coast (25 mins) are both perfect for great seafood, shopping, and lively nightlife – making them an ideal choice for families with teens
  
• Perithia, once the wealthiest village on the island, was pretty much abandoned in the '60s. A wander among its mossy ruins is both haunting and fascinating – although a couple of tavernas have reopened to refresh visitors
  
• Corfu is quite well-known for its wine, and there are several tours to vineyards both near to Kalami and further afield. They’re usually small and family-run – and generous with their samples!
  
• The helpful owners will provide a list of local activities including horse riding, bike hire, tennis clubs, and recommend traditional Greek evenings in a local village and the concierge service are on hand to plan any other activities, including boat trips and massages at the villa

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Watersports
• Wine tasting

Kids

Due to the lovely interiors, steep drops and unfenced pool, kids between 2 and 12 are not permitted. Teenagers will enjoy the pool and the watersports in the area. Note that there are no extra beds and the three double bedrooms can't be configured as twins. However, there is an extra twin room in addition to the 3 stunning double bedrooms. This basement room is more basic, and doesn't have air conditioning. But teens will like this room as its separated from the other bedrooms and is on the same level as the gym and multimedia room.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Kouloura House is situated about 4km outside Kalami on the northeastern coast of Corfu, 8 minutes from the beach.

By Air:
It's about 31km from Corfu Airport.

From the Airport
Car rental is available at the airport, and there's parking at the house, otherwise airport transfers are also available. Hoppa buses are also available for shared transfers. You can also take a bus from Corfu Town, which is about an hour’s journey. That said, you will want a car to explore the area.

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