Ionion Estates x Rae Feather
Hello Everyone
Is it too early to say Summertime is here??.....Well almost here.
Last week I had the great privilege to visit Corfu and Paxos as a guest of Ionian Estates. One of the most premium villa rental companies for Greece (and growing into other countries) Lesley the Co- Founder of Ionian Estates, a dear and very old friend and I, were having coffee a few months ago. We met for an hour and 3 hours later were still talking. Lesley is passionate about Greece, having first visited Corfu as a child and spent all her holidays there, visiting every year and now enjoys having a business there.
I had been a client of Ionian Estates last summer on Corfu. We rented the most perfect villa just above Kassiopi in the North of the island, Villa Acacia
Villa Acacia is set up among the olive groves with spectacular views across the bay and was so quiet and relaxing. No stone was left unturned with regards to ones needs. The kitchen better equipped than my home, washing machine, coffee machine, fresh fluffy towels, beautiful bedding and the list goes on. Value for money, I'd score it 10/10.
During my visit Lesley suggested I might like to look at one of Corfu's most iconic houses which is part of Ionian Estates portfolio, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Kouloura is probably one of the islands most spectacular houses. Privately owned it screams of everything elegant and chic. The owner, a brilliant artist (hobby only) has filled the house full of her art which she has painted while on holiday - one piece more covetable than the last. I won't gush any more and will allow the photos of Kouloura to relay its personality, uniqueness and utter beauty.
Another house Ionian Estates has on their books is The Durrell House. I for one was obsessed with the TV program. I literally could not wait for every episode, each one more enchanting than the last. The house has been updated so empathetically. One can recognise so many memorable scenes from the TV series being shot around the house and gardens. It sits almost on the sea and no matter where you are on the property you can hear the waves breaking. The views are incredible and sunrise is magical.
The above aside, during my coffee with Lesley she suggested we do a little collaboration. I would create an Ionian Collection of Kaftans and we would shoot it on Paxos, maybe one of the most magical Greek islands.
Paxos - a small Greek island in the Ionian Sea, south of Corfu. It’s known for turquoise water, olive groves, sea caves, and quieter tourism compared with larger Greek islands.
The best way to get to Paxos is to fly to Corfu and connect by sea taxi (1 hr 15 mins) or by ferry. Ferries travel regularly. If you are unable to make the ferry/ flight connections Ionian Estates offer the most beautiful range of Suites in Corfu Town which can be booked on a nightly basis. With the airport only a 15 mins drive from Corfu Town, this is a perfect opportunity to explore this wonderful town, enjoy a lovely supper and head off to Paxos the next morning relaxed and refreshed. I stayed in one of the Garden Suites, Hibiscus, close to the sea and just a 15 min walk to the Liston in the centre of Corfu Old Town.
For those in search of a Mykonos vibe holiday, Paxos is not for you. Paxos is raw, laid back chic. Bird song, rugged landscapes, olive trees and sea views for miles (dolphin sightings not unusual). The village of Loggos, I fell in love with immediately.
This trip we visited a few villas, all very different. We were based at the very beautiful and elegant Villa Pelagos. which sits above Kipos beach.
Villa Pelagos, has 6 bedrooms and is ideal for larger groups, a couple of families or perfect for a special occasion. Walking distance to Kipos beach ( 5 mins ) Kipiadi beach and also the very charming fishing village of Loggos. Beautifully decorated, so incredibly comfortable. The owners art is scattered throughout the property. Each piece more wonderful than the last. I think the thing that stands out is you feel like a house guest as opposed to a client.
Ionian Estates portfolio of villas are extensive and for those wanting a real home from home feel, The Music House ticks so many boxes. I felt transported back in time, old and new mixed. Beautiful antique mahogony furniture, touches of old school British Interior Design and books shelves packed to the brim with everything from girly easy reads to books on history, politics, and art. I wanted to move in instantly.
Photo Credit Clive Nichols
One of the newest villas in the Ionian Estates portfolio is Villa Paloma, a beautifully restored traditional Paxiot villa with stunning interiors, amazing views and under a 10-minute walk to Magazia, with some lovely tavernas and the wonderful traditional Kafeneio - Bournaos.
Great for smaller groups. It feels intimate and so relaxing. If I were a writer, I'd go to Villa Paloma to write. Simple in design and incredibly comfortable. Again this house, like all the others feels really homely. No stone is left unturned.
We also visited villa Ioulia which is also a newly renovated traditional Paxiot house just outside Gaios. This Villa has real Formentara/uber cool vibes. The pool area dreamy. Lots of open stone work everywhere. You feel very at one with nature at this Villa.
Villa Ioulia is walkable to Gaios, with all the wonderful tavernas and bars, perfect for families with teenagers who want to be independent. It is also walkable to a couple of beaches.
Well safe to say, I left a little piece of my heart in Paxos. The island, sea, food, people, properties and I could go on score 100%. I will be back.
Thank you so much Lesley / Ionian Estates for an unforgettable mini break and......as a thank you from Ionian Estates, Rae Feather clients who book a villa will enjoy a day on a skippered boat during their stay as Ionian Estates guests.
Lots of love
Rae xx
