But the interior, too, is the last word in upmarket chic. The focus of the house is the open-plan kitchen and living area – airy and bright due to the French windows, the cream-washed walls and comfy chairs and sofas, with just a few pops of pastel to add to the homely atmosphere. It’s a perfect hideaway for those looking to escape the daily grind, with verandahs, niches and porticos allowing the chance to sneak off with a book, shelter from the sun or relax with a drink and a sunset spectacular. But it’s also ideal as a base from which to explore this historic, endlessly appealing island.
Highs
- Set back from the road in its own enclave, it’s peaceful and quiet but close enough to nearby Kalami for when you want to sample the local culture and restaurants
- It’s spacious and intimately designed that even with full occupancy there’s plenty of quiet areas to be on your own
- There are beaches nearby but you’ll do most of your sunbathing around the 8-metre pool with its plentiful sun loungers, cushioned loggia, umbrellas and views
- Very well-equipped, with all mod cons in the kitchen, and a generous welcome hamper, a sauna and gym in the basement, plus a laundry room
Lows
- You’ll certainly need a car. Kalami is a decent stroll away and transport is limited, especially if you want to see anything else of Corfu
- While babies and kids over 12 are welcome, the pristine white interiors and unprotected pool means it's not ideal for younger children
- The bedrooms can't be configured as twins
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Beach Villa
- 3 bedrooms
- Self-catering, restaurants nearby
- Under 2s and 13+yo welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Sauna
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
There are three double bedrooms, all with kingsize beds, ensuite bathrooms and private terraces. The downstairs bedroom has an exterior bathtub as well as a walk-in shower in the ensuite; the main bedroom upstairs has an interior bathtub and outside shower; and the second upstairs bedroom has a walk-in shower.
As with the rest of the house, the décor here emphasises clean, comfortable elegance. Whitewashed walls, white rattan chairs, white cotton bedding and natural stone-tiled flooring are offset with gentle pops of colour (ash pink, spearmint, dusty greys) to create a homely, welcoming stay.
Bathrobes, toiletries and beach towels are provided, and there is WiFi throughout as well as air-conditioning and ceiling fans. There's also a TV room, sauna, gym and laundry in the basement.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The fully-equipped, open-plan kitchen-living room comes with a fridge, gas stove, electric oven, microwave and blender, and has everything you need for a fully self-catered stay. The very useful welcome pack usually has olive oil, coffee pods, wine, water, crackers, cheese and some fruit. You'll take your meals outside on the terrace (which has a barbecue) or at the breakfast bar indoors. There are several supermarkets within a few kilometres, which will supply most of your needs, including fresh produce. A couple of them deliver, too.
Nearby Kalami, perhaps most famous as the former home of (writer) Laurence and Gerald (zookeeper) Durrell (although For Your Eyes Only was also filmed there), is a great place to explore and sample the local cuisine. It used to be a tzatsiki and souvlaki kind of place – low-key and unpretentious, with several little tavernas huddled by the waterfront – and is transforming into a cool destination with upmarket restaurants, without losing sight of its roots. You can also catch a pre-booked water taxi in Kalami to any of the neighbouring bays (including Kassiopi, Kerasia, Agni, Nissaki) for supper.
The Durrells' former home is now the White House Restaurant, where you can dine al fresco on saffron-scented sea stone fish soup, strawberry gazpacho with crayfish tartar, octopus carpaccio and sea bream ceviche. It’s at the pricier end but recommended for a special occasion, as is Callao for its superb and modern cuisine.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Microwave
- Oven
- Shopping service
Activities
- The nearest beach is Kalami (8 minutes), with its crystal waters, white pebbles and shingle. It's small and often busy with sunbathers but makes an excellent diving, swimming and snorkelling spot, and paddleboards are also available. Kerasia is 17 minutes away – spend the whole day and lunch at the taverna there
- Enjoy a walk along the coastal path or the Corfu trail; also recommended is a hike up Mount Pantokrator
- For a slice of history, head to Kassiopi Castle, a one-time Roman fort and one of the most imposing architectural remains in the Ionian Islands. Or visit the nearby Church of Panagia Kassopitra, supposedly built on an ancient Greek temple to the God Zeus
- Perithia, once the wealthiest village on the island, was pretty much abandoned in the '60s. A wander among its mossy ruins is both haunting and fascinating – although a couple of tavernas have reopened to refresh visitors
- Corfu is quite well-known for its wine, and there are several tours to vineyards both near to Kalami and further afield. They’re usually small and family-run – and generous with their samples!
- The helpful owners will provide a list of local activities including horse riding, bike hire, tennis clubs, and recommend traditional Greek evenings in a local village
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Wine tasting
Kids
Due to the lovely interiors, steep drops and unfenced pool, kids between 2 and 12 are not permitted. Teenagers will enjoy the pool and the watersports in the area. Note that there are no extra beds and the three double bedrooms can't be configured as twins.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Kouloura House is situated about 4km outside Kalami on the northeastern coast of Corfu, 8 minutes from the beach.
By Air:
It's about 31km from Corfu Airport.
From the Airport
Car rental is available at the airport, and there's parking at the house, otherwise airport transfers are also available. Hoppa buses are also available for shared transfers. You can also take a bus from Corfu Town, which is about an hour’s journey.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Corfu Airport 31.0 km CFU
Other:
- Beach 3.6 km
- Shops 2.5 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km