Homer's Shadow

Homer's Shadow: Ionian Islands

Perched on top of a cliff at the northern tip of Zakynthos, this villa has the sort of view that has the power to bring about a reverent silence as you try to take it all in — from here, you can see Kefalonia, the Peloponesse shoreline and a vast expanse of sparkling Ionian Sea.

Thankfully, this home makes it pleasingly easy to admire this landscape. Slipping into the infinity pool with a built-in hydromassage area is one way of doing just that, but the surroundings are no less awe-inspiring from the home's terrace or alfresco dining area.

The home itself has been built in the traditional Zakythinian style, with stone walls, wooden ceiling beams and a fireplace in the living room. The galley kitchen has enough space to whip up a Mediterranean banquet, too.

One of the major perks that we should probably mention is that there's direct access to the sea via a stone path and you can borrow kayaks or snorkelling and fishing equipment, as well as binoculars, a telescope and gym equipment. The island's famous Blue Caves can be reached in ten minutes on foot, too.



Home truths:
*There's private parking available at the villa, as well as a helipad
*Three of the bedrooms are in the main villa — one of which is on the ground floor — but the fourth is in a self-contained guesthouse with its own kitchen and bathroom
*A baby cot and high chair can be provided for free
*Guests will receive a welcome gift containing drinks, wine from the local winery, fresh fruit, locally produced organic toiletries, olive oil, olives, oregano, rosemary and lavender
*Cleaning service is provided midway through week-long stays or twice-weekly for longer stays