Located in a slightly elevated position just outside the upmarket town of Porto Heli, Villa Marlina blends sophistication, vivacity and charm in equal measure. Generous, beautifully finished interiors spill out onto well-designed terraces at every opportunity, views pan out across the Aegean Sea to the beckoning island of Spetses, and flowering gardens wrap the property in a veil of multi-sensory delights. Then, just a few minutes' walk away, is an idyllic little beach.
Inside: accommodation at Villa Marlina is laid out over three levels.
From the main entrance, the first floor’s hallway leads directly to a magnificently proportioned, and extremely well-appointed open-plan communal space. Light floods in through a wall of sliding glass doors (which open out onto the main terrace), lofty wood-beamed ceilings create an airy atmosphere, and hypnotising views take in the Aegean Sea and the island of Spetses.
To one side of this space, gathering round a fireplace, are a pair of large sink-in sofas, and two large armchairs. To the other is a large wooden dining table surrounded by elegantly upholstered chairs, a super-sized picture window and a couple of accent chairs. Artworks adorn the walls, strategically positioned bibelots add character, and large classic table lamps underline the sense of easy refinement.
Off the hallway is a guest loo and the well-equipped modern kitchen, which opens out onto a shaded terrace with a portable barbecue, a wood-fired oven, and a table and chairs. Steps connect this terrace to the main terrace and al fresco kitchen below.
Five steps lead down from the hallway to an intermediate landing, off which is the first of six bedrooms:
• a spacious, elegantly presented double. Next to the door is an en-suite shower room and a separate WC. Moving through a wardrobe-flanked dressing area with sink, is the bedroom proper, which comes with double-aspect sea views, a pair of accent chairs, and sliding glass doors that access the first-floor terrace.
Back on the intermediate landing, the stairs continue down to the ground-floor hallway and the remaining five bedrooms:
• a good-sized double (down a few steps from the hallway) with en-suite shower room, sea views, and access to the pool terrace
• two bright double-twin bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, sea views and access to the pool terrace
• a generous double with a comfortable sitting area, en-suite shower room, sea views and access to the pool terrace
• another double-twin bedroom with en-suite shower room and access to a side terrace
Outside: Villa Marlina is a dream for those who love easy al fresco living. Terraces wrap around the property, bordered by colourful, climbing bougainvillea, mature trees, whispering olives and bushy shrubs. All rooms spill outside via sliding glass doors, so no matter where you are in the property, you’re never more than a few steps from an idyllic outdoor spot.
On the first floor, accessed from the open-plan living and dining area and the first bedroom is a large terrace that’s fully shaded by a wood-beamed pergola. Gazing out at the views from will become an addictive habit. To one side is a sitting area with two well-cushioned wicker sofas. To the other is a round table that’s perfect for lazy breakfasts.
Steps lead down from here (and from the terrace outside the kitchen) to the fantastic pool terrace. Four of the lower-floor bedrooms also open out, via a wide, porticoed balcony and a few steps, onto this glorious space. To one side, another large pergola provides shades for a bar, an impressive built-in barbecue, and the main al fresco dining area, making this a most convivial setting for long lunches and moonlit dinners gazing at the twinkling lights of Spetses.
To the other side, sitting in pride of place, is the tempting zero-edge pool, which is surrounded by quality sun loungers and plenty of space for everyone to find their own little slice of paradise.
Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls, steps and several drops around the grounds, children should be supervised at all times.
The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.
Please note that this property is located in a residential area and therefore has neighbours.
There is no private parking at the villa but amble of public space all around it.
Villa Marlina is located just an easy stroll from a sandy beach in the exclusive area of Kosta, south of the upmarket resort of Porto Heli, whose promenade of seafront bars and restaurants and shops is a 10-minute drive away.
For many years, the town and its surrounding area (the tip of the easternmost peninsula of the Peloponnese) has been second home to the Athenian aristocracy and Greek shipping magnates, who built sumptuous summer estates there. Today, it attracts the international jet set, from royalty to business tycoons, who come for the sophisticated atmosphere and the sense of hush-hush privacy.
Also known as the Greek Riviera, the peninsula of Porto Heli is lined with gorgeous beaches and lapped by sparkling blue seas. It's a great place for water sports, yachting and island-hopping - the cosmopolitan islands of Spetses and Hydra within easy day-trip distance (hydrofoil crossings to Spetses from the nearby port of Kosta - a 5-minute drive from Marianthi - take just 10 minutes).
In terms of beaches there's a lovely sandy-pebbly cove within easy walking distance (7mins) and plenty of other options nearby, including Kostoula (1.2km), Kosta (2.6km), Kovas (4.8km) and Kounoupiou (3.9km).
For history lovers, one must-see is the archaeological site of Epidaurus (about a 1-hour drive away). Its stunning theatre is famed not only for its size and its sensational views, but also for its crystal clear acoustics, and there is much more to see besides.
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.
