Featured: Fundana

A calming serenity and palpable sense of history pervade this lovely, unspoilt setting. Nestled in the grounds of one of Corfu’s most historic country estates, delightful Fundana enjoys gorgeous far-reaching views over wooded hillsides to Mount Pantokrator, the picturesque hillside village of Doukades, rugged shores of southern Albania and distant Greek mainland.

Meandering up to the entrance through banks of bougainvillea, hibiscus, laurel, almond trees and medieval olive-groves you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped back in time. Once the home of celebrated Greek landscape painter Angelos Giallina, the 17th Century Venetian manor house (now a small boutique hotel) which oversees the estate, also featured prominently in the 1987 BBC TV series “My family and other animals” as ‘the strawberry-pink villa’ belonging to the Durrell family.

You own private retreat in this most appealing of settings, Fundana’s sympathetic architecture, sleek contemporary lines and judicious use of local materials house a cool, crisp interior that takes its cue from the natural environment; soothing shades of cream, pale grey and slate blue with white marble and warm accents of sandy natural sandstone create an appealingly minimalist aesthetic. Thoughtfully appointed and with an equitable balance of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, Fundana is ideal for laid-back summer living.

Outside, shaded by the boughs of an ancient olive tree, the dining terrace and inviting swimming pool both take full advantage of uninterrupted views across the valley. Referred to by many as ‘Corfu’s own Lake District’ the surrounding paths and hiking trails reveal a wealth of indigenous flora and fauna that includes over twenty different species of wild orchids and equally numerous species of butterfly. Two scenic nature trails can, in fact, be started directly from the estate itself; one leading to the ancient Monastery of Saint Onufrio, the other fringing the important wetland habitat of the Ropa Valley.

Considered one of the most attractive coastal towns in Corfu, nearby Paleokastritsa (6.5km) boasts a substantial selection of amenities including tavernas, sophisticated beach bars, numerous minimarkets and shops. Exceptional scenery backs its many horseshoe-shaped beaches where various water sports including pedalos, scuba diving, fishing trips, boat hire and visits to the Blue Caves are all available.

Even closer to home, sleepy Doukades (5.1km) has an appealing handful of family-owned tavernas while the village of Makrades (12km) is ideal for traditional souvenirs such as lace, olive wood handicrafts and locally produced honey.