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Welcome to the Historic Summer-Home "Despotiko" !
"A one-of-a-kind escape in one of Greece's most beautiful locations"
Our family had the great honor and fortuity to take over this piece of Greek history and continue it's story. Almost unbelievable - but the earliest fundaments of the house date back to the 15th century, which mark these grounds as a historic monument of Byzantine heritage. Almost floating atop of the little hill of Syvota, the Despotiko is located minutes from the Sea, minutes from the village's center, harbour and surrounded by beautiful Beaches, ready to be explored.
Extended by the Ottomans in the early 19th century during their siege of Greece, this beautiful house is now a rentable historic experience for individualists and free spirits of all nationalities. A breathtaking view over the Mediterranian Sea and the neighbouring islands, such as Corfu and Saint Nikolaos, paired with a luxuriant Vegetation all around, make a visit unforgettable. Built like a little Fortress, the estate - with an overall surface area of approximately 1.100m² - also features a more modern house, our "Atelier House", next to the historical residence, further down the property and closer towards the sea. Last but surely not the least, we have our fantastical garden that stretches throughout the property.
A Little Overview of the Rental:
Due to the very spacious layout of the property we can comfortably accommodate up to 12 people for a stay. Six double bedrooms, two kitchens, two living rooms, multiple dining opportunities outside and multiple terraces to sunbathe and relax make the house an unforgettable retreat for larger groups and smaller families alike. It is very important to note that if you decide to stay with us, you always have the entire estate for yourself. No matter if you decide to visit alone or in a larger group, everyone and all configurations are whole-heartedly Welcome. PHILOXENIA is written in capital letters in Greece.
A recent Visitor described the Despotiko as something like "A Hippie-Paradise from ancient Time". Even after months of brainstorming we could not have found a better description for these grounds! Every day reveals a new facet of the magical Vegetation, Surroundings and House. The Detox- and Recharge effects of a stay can only be really understood after a visit. It is a spectatcular Privilege and true Joy for us, to share this experience and cherish the Stories and Memories made by our Guests!
Our family is very passionate about this historic estate, and we are beyond happy to continue its rich history by sharing it with guests who value the Despotiko, as we do. The proceeds of the rental go back into maintaining the house, its spirit and reinvesting in making sure the people who stay here have the most beautiful experience. We hope, through that, we might be able to ignite a little bit of our passion in others - in order to maintain the cultural riches and treasures that are handed down from history for generations to come.
With the Sea and Garden as the Soul, the Byzantine Main House most definetely marks the Heart of the Estate. This hub features 3 main chambers, which include one saloon and two beautiful bedrooms - and two additional bedrooms, with individual bathrooms, on the ground floor. Every bedroom features air condition and the living room is decorated with portable fans as it is with gorgeous artworks.
Layout of the Ground Floor
The grand courtyard with altogether three outside dining and relaxing areas is situated in front of the historic main house and is accessed directly through the front gate. Shaded by a multitude of flora such as palm trees and a gorgeous centenary olive tree, this yard represents the "small town's square" of our little Despotiko-Castello. It also leads directly into the central, independent Kitchen, which you can explore scrolling further down.
After a small set of Stone Stairs... The magnificent First Floor
The cultural center of the main house is the living room. It features a hand carved wooden ceiling from the early 19th century, of Turkish heritage, and a myriad of antique artefacts. A similar ceiling from the same period with a striking "Golden Ratio" design can be found in one of the two upper bedrooms. A highlight is the big terrace of the second upstairs bedroom, offering a mind-bending view on the sea, the garden and the neighbouring islands.
Descending the path leading deeper into the Garden, we get closer and closer to the Sea and eventually make it to:
Our Atelier House is closest to the sea and secluded deep within the garden. It marks a rustic and newer counterpoint to the Byzantine Main House and radiates the free spirit of a retired fisherman's home and newly found atelier. We cherish the artworks made by our guests and exhibit many of them in here! In the front you find yet another outdoor dining table, a barbeque and further down: A final wonderful terrace, ideal for sunbathing and boat watching!
The shade granting front porch is wonderfully fit to be used as a place to recharge or paint - even when the sun is at its highest. From here you can listen to the sounds of the Mediterranian Sea and let its magical breeze carry you and your imagination away. Inside the House you find two seperate apartments, each with their own bathrooms and air conditioning. The second flat also features the second smaller kitchen of the estate, equipped with all essentials for cooking, a livingroom, a bedroom with air condition and king size bed and a neighboring bathroom. The Atelier House also features an outside shower.
A House Filled with Inspiration and Evolving Beauty
Our valued Guests throughout the years have not only been Families and Travelling Groups - but also a number of highly renowned Individuals like director Jean Cocteau, Beauty & The Beast actor Jean Marais, designer Guy Laroche or writer André Gide who all came to the Despotiko for inspiration and returned with invigoratingly new Perspectives from their time in Syvota.
