Ophira - Sept Chambres Villa, Couchages 14

Set amidst 1.5 acres of graceful cypresses, wise old olive trees, exotic palms, fragrant pines, colourful blooms and manicured emerald lawns, Ophira is a beautifully appointed villa with pedigree, space aplenty, and an irresistible pool. The serene views over Gouvia Bay and the evocative white chapel of Ypapanti are hypnotic, and the numerous terraces offer the perfect vantage point from which to take in this most Greek of scenes.

Inside: accommodation at Ophira is laid out over several floors.

The main entrance leads into a central hallway, off which much of the accommodation flows. On stepping over the threshold, one is immediately struck by the quality of the property, with its grand staircase, its arches and pillars, and its use of marble, oak, Honduran mahogany and cherry wood. Colonial in style, it charmingly blends local Corfiot traditions with more exotic features, and all the rooms are generously proportioned.

The two main reception rooms are on opposite sides of the hallway. The living room, a luminous space, hosts a sitting area gathered around a fireplace and a large L-shaped corner sofa. Wide glass door bring in the garden and sea views and allow easy access onto a shaded colonnade. The dining room is similar in style and proportions and also accesses a well-furnished terrace to the side of the house.

At the end of the hallway (but also accessed from the dining room) is the large, split-level kitchen and breakfast room. Above is the kitchen, with its bespoke cabinetry, central island and access to a shaded al fresco dining area; a couple of steps down is a wooden table seating eight, and stairs leading down to the lower ground floor level (of which more anon).

Back in the hallway, heading towards the sea-facing side of the house, are two suites, one down a few stairs, the other up a few stairs:

• the former is a sizeable double with a sofa and armchairs, a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with double sinks and a tub, views over Gouvia Bay and Ypapanti church, and access to the terraces and gardens
• the latter is also a spacious double with an en-suite shower room, a sitting area and a private balcony with garden, pool and sea views

The impressive open staircase in the hallway leads up to the first floor, where there are four more bedrooms:

• two large sea-view doubles with sitting areas, en-suite bathrooms with tubs and access to private sea-view terraces
• a double-twin and a twin sharing a shower room and a terrace

The lower ground floor is accessed, as mentioned above, via a staircase from the kitchen-diner. It is home to a twin bedroom with en-suite shower room (best for teenagers or a nanny), and a recreation room with a pair of comfy sofas and a TV, and a well-equipped gym with sauna.

Outside: Ophira is cocooned in fabulous, mature, extremely well-tended gardens and the possibilities for living a carefree al fresco life are numerous and enticing.

Most action (or lazy inaction) takes place on the sea-facing terraces and gardens in front of the house. Here, looking out over Gouvia Bay and whitewashed Ypapanti church, is a wide sweep of terrace, bordered by a shady colonnade, well-furnished paved areas and one of the star attractions: a voluminous wood-framed pavilion that has the feel of a safari lodge about it. Hosting a dining area, a bar and a barbecue area and wood-burning oven, this spot is great at all times of the day, but really comes into its own as evening calls, drinks are served, and dinner is underway.

A few steps down from the terraces is the fabulous 16m-long, curvaceous zero-edge pool. Flanked by emerald green lawns, loungers and shade-giving trees, this super pool will delight both keen swimmers and those who prefer more leisurely immersions. This latter group may enjoy the heatable plunge pool with water jets hidden away at one end of the pool.

The gardens and terraces fan out around the house, with mature Mediterranean pines, sky-reaching cypresses and vibrantly coloured bougainvillea providing a wonderful sensation of privacy, seclusion and fragrant wellbeing.

All the rooms, both on the ground and the first floor, flow outside on to terraces: the kitchen opens out onto a shady spot that's perfect for cool breakfasts, the dining room has its own terrace to the side of the house; the living area accesses the colonnade to the front of the property; and the bedrooms all have their own panoramic terraces, most looking out over Gouvia Bay, the others over the gardens.

The first floor is also home to a communal terrace, accessed from the landing. This leads to a walkway above the colonnade and then steps down to the gardens.

Last but not least, a gate at the bottom of the garden opens out onto a road which you will need to cross to get to Gouvia Bay, where you can make good use of the property's stand up paddle boards and canoe. There's also a boat hire supplier a 200m walk away.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.
Ophira is situated on the exclusive Kommeno promontory, just 11km (a 15min drive or taxi ride) north of Corfu Town, whose Venetian fortifications, UNESCO World Heritage Site old town centre, labyrinth of pretty streets and excellent range of shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife are well worth exploring.

The best beaches nearby are at Spiaggia Bianca and Dassia, both of which are around 5 minutes away, while in terms of tavernas, apart from the one within easy walking distance (600m), there are plenty of options just a short drive away up and down the coast.

For shops, bars and cafés, there is a good selection in and around Gouvia just across the bay, and there is a boat hire provider within a few minutes' stroll from Ophira.

Heading to the northeast of Corfu are the delightful little bays, beaches and villages of Agni, Kalami, Agios Stefanos and Avlaki, and the bustling little harbour town of Kassiopi.

If you're travelling with kids, there are plenty of stimulating activities and attractions for children within easy reach.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.