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Arhondiko

Vatos, Ermones, Corfu

  • 9
  • 5
  • 4

Accommodation

At a glance

  1. Sleeps 9
  2. 3 Double Bedrooms
  3. 1 Single Bedroom
  4. 1 Twin Bedroom
  5. 4 Bathrooms
  6. Air Conditioning
  7. WiFi
  8. Beach 1.5km
  9. Taverna 500m
  10. Golf 10mins
  11. Small Party Rate (up to 6 people)
  • Ground Floor: Entrance hall. Living room with fireplace (TV, WiFi). Dining room. Library. Kitchen (oven, microwave, dishwasher). Cloakroom. Double bedroom (A/C) with en suite shower room (washing machine).
  • First Floor: Double bedroom (A/C, fridge) with en suite shower room. Double bedroom (A/C) with en suite bathroom. Twin bedroom (A/C). Single bedroom. Bathroom.
  • Outside: Barbecue. Shaded and open terraces. Private parking.
  • Private swimming pool (14m x 4m) with Roman steps

We feel very privileged to be able to include such a distinguished residence in our programme. Originally owned by an aristocratic family some two hundred years ago, Arhondikó, meaning mansion, is an impressively grand villa with a unique and fascinating history. Photographs in the library show two gentlemen in front of the house - one is Constantinos Karamanlis, the first Prime Minister of Greece in modern times; the other is the former owner of the property who was his close confidante.

First glimpse of Arhondikó through the domed gateway reveals a splendid rosy-hued façade and grounds of some grandeur. This beautifully renovated nineteenth century country house has retained all the charm and elegance of times gone by whilst benefitting from many modern conveniences. It also has an excellent location being a 500 metre walk from a taverna (open evenings only) and a minimarket (800m), with sandy beaches including Ermones (1.5km) and Mirtiotissa (1.8km) also easily accessed.

Guests staying at Arhondikó will doubtless enjoy many a lingering meal on the splendid wisteria covered terrace that overlooks the generous size pool and takes in stunning views of the mountains. Elsewhere, pretty gardens and shaded terraces provide quiet space for reading and relaxation.

The interior is a lovely mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings. A welcoming split level living room full of inviting sofas has an imposing whitewashed wooden ceiling, an attractive writing desk and carved wooden trunk adding elegant touches. Pretty terracotta pots lead the way to the pool, antique botanical prints adorn the spacious, traditional kitchen while the dining room has a beautiful old dresser and decorative plates adorning the walls above the doors (a popular Ionian Island custom). A snug library acts as a secondary reception area.

From every vantage point there are fantastic views of the Ropa Valley, covered with orchards, fields and trees of every description, the distant hills glowing pink at sunset. Unique on Corfu, this is the largest area of flat land which, having a small river along its entire length, makes it incredibly fertile and rich in birdlife. Further along the coastline, beaches of beautiful golden sand are punctuated by hillsides blanketed in a patchwork of green, twisted rock formations and atmospheric sea caves.

For the more active party members, Ermones 18 hole golf course (with its excellent restaurant) is a ten minute drive away, whilst horse riding, kayaking and hiking are all popular pastimes in the vicinity. Or why not enjoy a homely pleasure and pack a picnic, head to the coast, select a choice piece of seashore and simply bask in the sunny solitude!

  • Property licence number: MHTE 0829K10TK8281001

Pricing & Availability

Additional Pricing Information

All Prices are per property, not per person.

Please note: The Greek Government has introduced a Climate Tax which is payable by guests staying in hotels and other properties. For Arhondiko the charge is a flat rate of €10 (£8.70) per night. For your convenience we will add this amount to your booking, rather than you having to pay it in resort.

Where two or more prices are shown for the same date, you pay the amount shown for the number of people in your party.
When the small party rate is paid not all beds will be prepared.

Location of Arhondiko

Locality

Great Things to Do Near Arhondiko

Take a trip to the monastery of Mirtiotissa

Not easy to find, but well worth the effort. Head out of the village of Vatos, towards Glyfada, and look out for the signposts nailed onto the olive trees along the right hand side of the road. Remember your map and your swimwear - although the latter is not essential as the beach at Mirtiotissa is a naturist beach (the only one on the island)!

Play a round of golf

You'll find the island's golf course close to Ermones on the Ropa Valley (west of Corfu Town). This excellent course (one of only half a dozen in all of Greece!) was created by the British during their time of occupation.

Enjoy a little retail therapy!

The narrow streets radiating off from the Liston, house small shops of every commercial nature. Dominated by the 'gold shops'. Corfiot craftsmen excel at designing and making Greek jewellery in gold - this coupled with competitive prices may tempt you. Among the bustle, look out for those shops and stalls selling local items like wild honey, fig cakes and handmade lace.

Photos ops from the Old Fort

One of the island's principal attractions, Corfu's Old Fort, otherwise known as Paleo Frourio, has served to protect Corfu Town throughout various historical conflicts. Construction began in the 8th century but later modifications included the Venetians adding a moat in the 16th century and the British adding various buildings inside the fort such as the church during the 19th century. Magnificent views over the city are available from the top of the fort.

Sail over to Paxos

Paxos is a tiny unspoilt idyllic island, full of olive trees and oozing with charm. There are just three coastal villages with Gaios being the most well-known. Well worth a day's visit.

Sip wine in Agias Mattheos

Home of some of the best locally produced wines in Corfu just drive into the old village, park (abandon like the locals do) your car and knock on one of the doors that are signposted 'local wines' - Yammas!

Visit Lake Korission at the southern tip of the island

Go for a walk around the lake, watch the windsurfers just off the huge expanse of golden sandy beach, and explore the nearby Gardiki castle – a busy day out for all the family. And right on your doorstep too!

Snorkelling

Take a trip down south to Alonaki beach where the water is sublimely clear and protective rocks create a perfect bay ideal for snorkelling.

Benitses Shell Museum

Not to be missed by all shell lovers, this extremely impressive collection is lovingly curated and features shells from not only the Ionian Sea, but from all over the world. The children will love it too.

Go ride a bike!

There are a number of dedicated cycle trails all over Corfu. Enquire at the ‘Giant’ mountain bike shop in Dassia for a map and information on bike hire locally. What better way to enjoy the scenery?

Try a typical Corfiot dish

One of the many local dishes created here on Corfu, Bourdetto is a spicy fish stew made from freshly caught scorpion fish. Be warned, you have to eat this dish with your fingers and a lot of bread for the salsa (sauce), as it is a very bony fish, and is far too fiddly to try to eat with a knife and fork, so eat it the local way!

Visit Pontikinissi (Mouse Island)

What a lovely way to spend a half day, take a trip out to the Kanoni peninsula and enjoy a coffee on the waterfront café there, next to the Vlahernon monastery, which is also an island, but has been connected to the Kanoni peninsula by a small causeway. It's from this small causeway that you take the regular boat crossing over to Pontikinissi about a 5 minute boat trip away. Don’t forget your swimming gear, as you can easily have a lovely swim here.

Local summer festivals

In July & August, many of the villages round about hold evening festivals, with local produce and then a communal meal is prepared with everyone joining in.

The local bakery

Why not get up early and take a short walk across to the local bakery in the village. You will find all the locals there buying their daily bread and other items, all freshly made. There is nothing nicer than having fresh baked bread or croissants for your breakfast and you are in the perfect place to do this. Go early as once they have sold everything they close.

Visit Paleokastritsa (easier to get there than to say it!)

Pa-le-o-ka-str-it-sa (pronunciation: just let it roll off the tongue!) is set around three main bays. It is famous for being Corfu's most treasured beauty spot; beware it can become busy in high season. Luxury yachts sail in to admire the backdrop of the beautiful green hills around Paleokastritsa. The best way for the views, is to go via the Troumpetas pass. Look on your map for Skipero (which is on the main Sidari road) - the pass is just above.

Theotoki winery estate

Not far from the house. Why not take a trip to this famous wine making estate on Corfu, for some wine tasting and a tour to see the process from the vine to the bottle. 

Nearby

Towns/Villages

Ermones 5 mins 
Corfu 25 mins 
Barbati 40 mins 

Beaches

Ermones 5 mins 
Glyfada 10 mins 
Paleokastritsa 25 mins 
Ipsos 30 mins 

Airports

Corfu 30 mins 

ports

Corfu 20 mins 
Times are approximate

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