Staying at Villa Aetos is like being on a private island: 60 acres of coastal pine woods wrap around the property, secluding it in a veil of greenery; 180-degree panoramas of the sea mesmerise; and a track leads down through the grounds to a virtually private beach. The property's beautifully appointed interiors offer space galore, its tranquil terraces induce a sense of carefree languor, and its staff are on hand to cater to your every need. What more could you desire?
Accommodation at Villa Aetos is arranged over a main house on two floors, and two independent guesthouses, named the Guardhouse and the Studio.
Inside the main house: the main house has three wings - west, north and east - that wrap around a central courtyard.
A series of French windows in the central north wing open into a fabulously proportioned, double-sized living room, which captivates at first sight and links the two wings. Its views out to sea, its discreet sense of luxury, and its timeless sense of style combine to create an atmosphere of serenity and order. Bronze-hued marble floors flow around two separate sitting areas, each with white sink-in sofas and armchairs gathered around a fireplace; lofty ceilings add to the airiness; and a second set of French doors, mirroring the ones opening in from the courtyard, allow the space to flow out onto a shady sea-view terrace.
One of two doors in the living room opens into the west wing and a spacious, open-plan kitchen-diner. To one side is a large wooden table and chairs and a well-cushioned, U-shaped window seat surrounding a breakfast table. To the other is the fully equipped and well-laid-out country kitchen, which includes a central island work station. Two sets of French doors bring in the sea views and provide access to the terraces and the gardens.
A door at the end of the kitchen opens into a corridor with windows and access to the central courtyard, a guest WC, and a staircase leading up to the sleeping quarters of the west wing (of which more anon).
Heading back through the living area, a second door opens into the ground floor of the east wing, which hosts:
• the principal suite, a spacious, double-aspect double bedroom with accent chairs, a desk, sea views, access to the terraces, and a walk-through wardrobe leading to a gorgeous en-suite bathroom with free-standing tub, separate shower, double sinks, and soft pink onyx cladding both the walls and the floors
• a vivacious library and TV room, with green, book-filled shelves, floral wallpaper, a colourful sofa and armchairs, and a desk
A staircase between the principal suite and the library leads up to the first floor of the east wing, which is home to two bedrooms:
• a suite with a double bedroom, fabulous sea views, French windows with Juliet balconies, a large walk-through dressing room with day bed (that could be a single for a child), and a luxuriously finished en-suite shower room
• a double-twin bedroom with a luxuriously finished en-suite shower room
The first floor of the west wing, which is accessed from stairs near the kitchen, is a mirror image of the east wing, bringing the total number of bedrooms in the main house up to five.
Inside the guardhouse: the guardhouse comprises an open-plan living and dining area, a kitchen, two bedrooms (a double and a double-twin) and a shared shower room.
Inside the studio: the studio has a more contemporary feel, both architecturally and in terms of interior design. Generously proportioned throughout, it has a long, open-plan communal space with a wall of sliding glass doors looking out to sea and accessing a terrace, a bank of skylights, marble floors, a sitting area with a corner sofa, a sleek kitchen and dining area, and two bedrooms:
• an extremely spacious double with sitting area, a walk-in wardrobe, and a luxuriously finished en-suite bathroom with striking blue-grey marble cladding, a free-standing tub, and a separate shower
• a second, good-sized double with a similarly opulent en-suite shower room
The studio and the guardhouse are located just a few metres from the main house.
Outside: Villa Aetos is immersed in a 60-acre coastal estate, most of which is given over to fragrant pine-tree woods that descend down to the sea below.
Immediately surrounding the main house is a series of al fresco areas where guests can gather for sociable moments or retreat with a book for a little quiet time. The courtyard at the centre of the two wings has a colonnaded terrace enlivened by bougainvillea and other climbing plants, and there is plenty of room here in which to relax in the shade.
On the other side of the house, accessed from the living room and the principal suite, is a large, well-furnished and well-shaded terrace looking out over the gardens and woods to the sea. This space flows round to another expanse of sea-view terrace (also accessed from the kitchen-diner), which is dedicated to al fresco dining.
Where the terraces end there are large expanses of emerald lawn, shady trees and paths weaving through the well-stocked, floral gardens. One such leads down to the glorious pool area, which is some 45m from the main house. Here, amidst a stone flagged surround, overlooked by a large shady pergola, and served by a WC, is the electric-blue, heatable pool. More glorious views pan out over the coastline and the cobalt sea.
Both guesthouses have their own area of terrace.
One of the highlights of Villa Aetos’s al fresco areas is the track that wends down for some 1.6km through the grounds to an idyllic little cove lapped by the transparent waters of the Aegean. Although not strictly private, it is rare that you will find anyone else there, and the walk is most certainly worth the effort. Just make sure to take provisions with you.
Last but not least is the fully equipped gym which is housed in a separate building near the entrance to the estate.
Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the extensive grounds, children should be supervised at all times.
Please note that there is no real shallow end in the pool (min. depth is 1.3m).
Because of natural changes to the coastline from season to season, the cove below this property may not look as it does in the photos.
Located some 20km southeast of Corinth in the Peloponnese, Villa Aetos rises on its own hill in a private coastal estate of nearly 60 acres. The sense of privacy and tranquillity afforded by this unrivalled location is hard to leave, but should you wish to explore the area, there is a great deal on offer.
In terms of beaches (notwithstanding your virtually private beach below the house) there are numerous options within a five-to-ten-minute drive, including those at Siderona (excellent fish taverna included), Lichnari and Almyri. A little further afield is the popular beach of Loutraki on the other side of the isthmus from Corinth. Facing west, it is a good option for an afternoon swim.
For shopping, cafés and bars, head to the villages of Almyri (8mins) or Loutra Oraias Elenis (12mins), which have a decent selection of amenities between them.
Corinth, with its world-famous canal is well worth a visit or two, especially as it's only about 30 minutes away. The nearby archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, however, is a must-see, thanks to its numerous remains, which include a Temple of Apollo, a theatre, a Roman marketplace, baths and a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius and Hygiene. Ancient Corinth was, of course, visited by St Paul several times during his peregrinations, and the Steps of the Apostle, where he is thought to have held forth, are also fascinating to see.
Other recommended day trips include the archaeological site and renowned theatre of Epidaurus, and Nafplio, a charming seafront town that was first capital of Greece during the War of Independence.
A good option if you have younger children in your group is The Ranch, a Wild West-themed park where it is possible to go horse-riding and take a train tour to see goats and deer and other sights.
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.
