The hillside on which the villa sits, is at the head of a valley in an area known as Ratzakli on Keflonia. To the east is the laid back beach resort of Katelios with a good selection of fish tavernas on the water’s edge. To the west, bordering several kilometres of sandy beach, is the more cosmopolitan resort of Skala. Right in the middle, between these two coastal towns and just below villa Stafida, is Kefalonia’s renowned turtle nesting beach of Mounda or Kaminia.

Tucked in amongst the wild olive and cypress trees, close to Old Skala, Villa Stafida is an oasis of calm and decadent indulgence. First impressions as you approach the property is that it is more of a mansion than a holiday home. Your attention, although distracted by the view, is soon drawn to the large infinity edged swimming pool, surrounded by an expanse of terrace with accommodating sun loungers just waiting to welcome you. A wide shaded veranda with comfortable sofas, whose cushions just seem to be inviting you to sink in, runs the full width of the villa. Designed and built in a fashion that effortlessly blends traditional stone facades with ultra modern, cool interiors, the villa will appeal to those seeking a high degree of comfort and style. The lounge, kitchen and dining areas are open plan, with a stunning Italian designed, kitchen with black granite work tops as the focal point at the centre of the villa. Three sets of sliding patio doors lead out to the shaded veranda, pool terrace and outdoor “al fresco” dining area. The low level, white lounge suite is at the far end, again with easy access to the outside and with great views from the entire room. All four tastefully furnished bedrooms are upstairs. They all face the sea and have been cleverly designed so that the beds in each room face the balcony doors and the view beyond. One of the most attractive features of these rooms are the high exposed pine beamed ceilings and individual balconies with panoramic sea views.

The area of Ratzakli is a peaceful residential community located between the sleepy fishing village of Katelios with its beach-front tavernas and the more quietly vibrant resort of Skala on Kefalonia. Kaminia or Mounda, the island’s major turtle nesting beach, is the stunning backcloth of the spectacular panoramic views enjoyed from this splendid villa. Nestling between ancient olive and wild oak trees on the western slopes, bordering Old Skala, Caretta is a tribute to modern standards of comfort and design.

With its large infinity edged swimming pool, extending across almost the entire frontage of the villa and an abundant terrace on which to soak up the sun and admire the views, it is hard to imagine a more perfect combination. Inside, the villa continues to impress with open plan, comfortable and well equipped living space, matched by clean lines and pastel coloured complimentary furnishings. The lounge and kitchen area are together in the centre of the villa, with patio doors leading out to the shaded outdoor “al fresco” dining area. Off to the left hand side is a hexagonal shaped indoor dining area, again with patio doors out to the swimming pool terrace. On the far right is the ground floor bedroom, which is great for anyone who does not like steps and perhaps enjoys just being a few steps away from that delightful swimming pool. Upstairs is again an inspiration, with three beautifully appointed bedrooms. All have high exposed pine beamed ceilings with individual terraces or balconies and panoramic sea views. The master suite is worthy of special mention as its shaded, hexagonal shaped, pavillion style private terrace, is the perfect vantage spot, from where its fortunate occupants can chill out over a frosted glass of the local Robola wine or catch up on that ubiquitous holiday novel !