Empire of the Sea

Empire of the Sea: Corfu

With a sea view like this, it's no surprise this contemporary hillside home has more terraces, balconies and outdoor seating spots than we could count. Designed to make the most of the fact it faces the Ionian Sea, it's set in a huge, private grove – planted with cypress trees, olives and oaks. Part of the Achilleion estate, a summer palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the late 1800s, it commands some of the best views on Corfu and comes with private access to the beach below.

The styling here is strictly contemporary, with sleek, modern furnishings and neutral tones. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors flood each and every room with natural light and state-of-the-art technology can be seen throughout. Six stylish bedrooms offer plenty of room for a group of up to twelve, and combined with a ten-minute drive to Corfu's Old Town, it's a great option if you're here to eat, drink and make merry in the sunshine together. The home's impressive features even include a cinema room, a wellness studio and a wine cellar.

But it's the outside space that really makes this place stand out from the crowd. With covered terraces, sun decks, a choice of outdoor lounges and dining spots, you'll always have somewhere private to escape to. And there's a stunning infinity pool with waterfalls, naturally.

A couple of minutes by car from the pretty fishing village of Benitses, you'll be within easy reach of a number of restaurants and Corfu Town has all the nightlife you could need.

Home truths:
*Daily cleaning (except Sundays) is included, as is pool cleaning twice a week
*All six bedrooms have direct access to the outdoors
*Bathrobes, slippers and beach towels are provided
*There's a security system and safes for your valuables
*You'll have private parking
*The host offers a concierge service
*You'll have access to a wine cellar of the finest Greek wines
*A cot and high chair can be provided for little ones