Further Description:
The property
The property occupies a gently sloping site on the hillside above Avlaki. About 600 metres from the beach by country road, it comprises two entirely separate plots of land, each with a sublime view of the sea and the surrounding hills. Looking down, the islet of Kaparelli is to be seen, and beyond, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic, lies the charismatic coastline of southern Albania.
The property is surrounded by olive groves on three sides, and the undulating nature of the site ensures that each property will not only enjoy outstanding views but will also retain its own character and privacy. In front of it is Forestry Commission land that guarantees that those views remain unimpeded in the future. The peace and quiet of the area is broken only by birdsong and the sound of goat bells or the chatter of the cicadas in summer.
The present owner?s acquisition of the land is in itself one of those classic stories you read about ? sixteen separate landowners, all trying to cheat each other and the buyer, had to be orchestrated into selling their property. Every olive tree had to be fought over. It goes without saying that the remaining trees have been kindly treated ? pruned and fertilized and encouraged to go on producing their crop - the olives that appear in abundance every other winter. What could be more satisfying than to have just enough trees to provide your own olive oil?
Some of the plots also have cherry trees on them.
A variety of possibilities is available to the prospective buyer.
To purchase a plot of land with building licence and house plans.
To purchase a plot of land with partially-completed house
To purchase a plot of land with completed house.
The purchaser may of course make changes to the suggested building plans, according to his own taste and needs. The property would be a fantastic opportunity for someone to acquire a beautiful country house surrounded by a large area of private grounds for maximum seclusion.
Proposed KAPARELLI HOUSE
This is the highest of the two plots and the first one encountered after leaving the local road from Sinies to Avlaki. There is a clear view over the surrounding olive groves and maquis-covered hills and headlands to the north-east, to the sea and the magnificent coastline of Albania. Just offshore, marking the entrance to the Corfu Channel, is the islet of Kaparelli.
The proposed house, Kaparelli House, occupies two floors, and comprises the main house, with three bedrooms, and a guest house with two bedrooms. Designed to take full advantage of the views, it has large windows and spacious terraces on both levels. Just a few steps separate the house from the attractive freshwater swimming pool, 14m x 6m in size, with heating. Inside the main house, on the ground floor, there is a central hall, and, leading off it, a spacious kitchen with breakfast area, opening on to its own terrace.
A large living/dining room occupies a central position, with a fireplace and large windows that open on to a shaded terrace ? ideal for al fresco dining - and frame the beautiful view. Also on the ground floor, a double bedroom, with en suite bathroom, opens on to its own private terrace.
Upstairs, on the first floor, there is a splendid master double bedroom, with en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, and its own private terrace. A third double bedroom also has its own en suite bathroom and terrace. High ceilings and spacious rooms are designed to keep the house cool and ventilated during the summer months, whether or not you choose to use the air-conditioning. In the winter, or early and late in the summer, a fireplace and central heating maintain a comfortable temperature throughout.
The basement offers a flexible area that can be divided into garaging for cars and boats, a games room or teenagers? den, and accommodation for staff,
A very practical and attractive guest house provides accommodation for the visitors you will undoubtedly be inviting to enjoy a stay in your beautiful new home. Just behind the main house and to one side, it has its own kitchen with living/dining area, two bedrooms, one with en suite shower room, and a separate shower room, The kitchen opens on to a private terrace perfect for a quiet open-air breakfast.
Proposed CHERRY TREE HOUSE
On a lower level of the hillside, Cherry Tree House is named after the fruit-bearing cherry trees that alternate with the established olives on this beautiful piece of land. In early spring, the snowy cherry blossom echoes the sight of the snow topped mountains opposite. The house stands amidst the cherry trees on a broad terrace, overlooking a fine freshwater swimming pool, 14m x 6m in size, heated in spring and autumn, and lovely, harmonious views of the sea framed by the surrounding hillsides.
The design of the house retains some of the most attractive typically Corfiot features, such as the arches and traditional columns that support the tiled roofs of the verandas and terraces, without sacrificing the benefits of modern touches such as large windows, high ceilings and open interior spaces.
The house occupies two floors, with two bedrooms upstairs and one on the ground floor. There is a convenient guest house with another two bedrooms, one of which has an en suite shower room, and a second separate shower room.
From the entrance hall, with its independent bathroom, a few steps give access to the spacious living room that has fine, large windows opening on to a covered veranda. A separate dining-room and kitchen open on to another terrace, making outdoor dining both practical and comfortable.
A double bedroom with its own en suite bathroom gives on to a private terrace. On the first floor, the master double bedroom has en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe; there is also a second double bedroom with en suite bathroom. Both bedrooms have private terraces.
The separate guest house has an open-plan living area with kitchenette, two double bedrooms, one with en suite shower room, plus a separate shower room. There is also a terrace.
The property occupies a gently sloping site on the hillside above Avlaki. About 600 metres from the beach by country road, it comprises two entirely separate plots of land, each with a sublime view of the sea and the surrounding hills. Looking down, the islet of Kaparelli is to be seen, and beyond, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic, lies the charismatic coastline of southern Albania.
The property is surrounded by olive groves on three sides, and the undulating nature of the site ensures that each property will not only enjoy outstanding views but will also retain its own character and privacy. In front of it is Forestry Commission land that guarantees that those views remain unimpeded in the future. The peace and quiet of the area is broken only by birdsong and the sound of goat bells or the chatter of the cicadas in summer.
Cherry Tree House is destined to be one of the most beautiful new houses in Corfu, thanks to its design and situation. It brings together all the most attractive aspects of living in Corfu � light and airy living spaces, peaceful surroundings, idyllic views. The best of Corfu, in winter or summer, is to be found here.
THE AREA
Kassiopi area, Avlaki
The north-eastern region of Corfu, an island noted for the outstanding beauty and variety of its scenery, is set apart by the harmony of its landscape, a perfect marriage of mountain and sea, forest and olive grove. It is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean, and is already home to some of the most desirable properties in Greece. No wonder, then, that it is now one of the most sought-after areas.
Avlaki is one of many particularly lovely bays in this area, but is unique in that half its area is protected from development being Forestry Commission land. One of the two headlands that embrace the graceful curve of the bay is covered in thick undergrowth, a fragrant blend of shrubs and herbs that shelters wild flowers and wildlife of all kinds. Sea eagles soar over the bay and sea-lilies grow at the very edge of the white beach, with its smooth, egg-shaped pebbles and clear, clean water.
A fresh breeze blows here every afternoon, bringing respite from the heat of summer and providing hours of wonderful sailing and windsurfing weather. Yet, with all its advantages, Avlaki is never crowded, and remains virtually unknown, even to the majority of the inhabitants of Corfu itself. In this unspoiled corner of Corfu, this property has so far remained a secret, invisible, inviolate, the perfect setting for a Corfiot home in the sun.
Only an hour?s drive from the airport, the port, the town of Corfu and the Gouvia yacht marina, and a few minutes away from the amenities of the attractive resort of Kassiopi, Avlaki retains a serene exclusivity, attracting those who seek tranquillity. There are two excellent tavernas right on the beach, a sailing school, and boats and pedaloes can be hired. Just across the headland is the pretty little harbour of St. Stephano, popular with yachtsmen and a favourite with up-market villa companies and their clients.
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