On Ithaka everything has its place. Even mighty Odysseus has to take his turn in everyday life! Kioni is a perfect example. Elegant houses and tavernas line a beautiful small harbour, a favourite port of call for any cruising yachtsman but every morning the fishing boats thread their way past the mooring lines and anchor chains because Kioni fishes. Climb the hill above the village to the hamlet of Raki and farming takes pride of place. The land is rich up here, good for olives, vines and sheep for the feta cheese. All this gives the island its unique atmosphere, and these two new villas built into the steep hillside at the top of the village have been sensitively designed to blend in with the older houses around.

Approached by a narrow track where the speed limit is dictated by the hens pecking on the verge, steps lead down from the parking place to the villas. The view from the verandahs and pool terraces is suitably spectacular, out across the sea to Arkoudi Island and the White Mountains of Lefkada.

The interior of this lovely villa, built into the steep hill on two levels matches the views across the Akrotiri peninsula with its sentinel ruined windmill to the mountains of Lefkas and the smaller islands of the Ionian Sea.

The living room and kitchen has double French windows leading to a large balcony. Also on this floor there is a double bedroom with a French window to the side. Stairs lead down to the lower ground floor and two more bedrooms. Local stone has been used imaginatively in the luxurious main double bedroom with its integral bathroom, a separate toilet and a dressing room. French windows open out onto a spacious terrace. The second twin bedroom has an en suite bathroom, again with French windows opening out to the shaded verandah overlooking the private swimming pool.

Though adjacent both villa Marina and Joanna are completely private, but they do share the same superb panorama. Ithaka at its best!