Corfu island, Villas

Nissaki Olive Press Villa

• Facilities
• Description
• Policies

Overview
The Bella Mare apartments are located around the delightfully quiet beach of Avlaki. A beautiful pool and landscaped garden surroundings complete Set within an enchanting olive grove, overlooking the beautiful bay of Agni, the Agni Olive Press occupies the top part of a former agricultural building. Now a unique villa, it was transformed by the sure touch of its owner, Giuseppe, into a romantic and utterly delightful hideaway. It must be one of the most bewitching houses in Corfu, full of character, chic, a skilful blend of old and new. Many features of the old olive press have been incorporated into the house - vaulted brick and stone walls and openings, millstones put to use as tables. A broad paved terrace catches the sun for much of the day and looks down over the olive trees to the sea and the mainland opposite. Below the Olive Press, and quite separate, is Giuseppe's Retreat, where Giuseppe himself used to spend his summers.

Interior
The ground floor is an open-plan dining/living room with a small kitchen in one corner. The first floor, which is reached by an open wooden staircase, has two twin-bedded rooms and a family bathroom. On the second floor (which used to be the loft) is the master bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom. The whole house is constructed in local stone.

Living Area
The living area is set off by unusual curved couches constructed of stone bases with comfortable cushioning, that face the open fireplace. The walls are hung with old tools and artefacts recalling the building's past. Double French doors lead on to the large sunny terrace.

Dining Area
A large stone wheel-shaped press set down into the floor serves as the dining table, seating 6 people comfortably. Again a double French door leads onto the sun terrace. This corner of the living area has amazing character, with its steeply pitched wooden roof and vaulted arch.

Kitchen
The kitchen area is amazing - unconventional perhaps in its artistic and amusing clutter of hats and baskets, but nevertheless well-equipped. It houses all modern appliances including a dishwasher and oven (microwave/grill/conventional oven).

Bedrooms
The three bedrooms (all air-conditioned) are reached via an open wooden staircase which has been constructed using part of the old press.
At the top of the first flight of stairs and at the front of the house is a twin-bedded room, simply furnished to set off the handsome stone walls. Two windows overlook wonderful views over Agni Bay.
Next door is a smaller twin-bedded room with French doors leading to a small veranda to the rear of the house.
The master bedroom is reached via another short flight of stairs and used to be the loft of the olive press. This gorgeous room has a large double bed facing the full-width patio doors which open onto a private balcony. What a view to wake up to! In fact it will be tempting to lie in bed all day and enjoy it. Uninterrupted privacy is ensured by a unique loft 'door' that is operated by the use of a weight. A large ceiling fan will keep you cool at night. Whilst none of the bedrooms have wardrobes as such, there is plenty of hanging space and shelves for clothing.

Bathrooms
The fully modernised bathroom houses a corner bath with shower over, wash basin with vanity unit, wc and bidet. To the corner of the master bedroom are three steps which lead to the en suite bathroom, which is then situated down a few more steps. Here you will find a fully modernised bathroom with full sized bath and shower over, wash basin with vanity unit, wc and bidet.

Outside
The Olive Press is reached from the parking area via a pathway and a short flight of steps to the right-hand side of the lower house and entry is through the main double doors.
The magnificent terrace at the front of the house is an ideal place to relax or dine and has views over Agni Bay and the olive groves below. Right by the kitchen, under the olive trees, is a small secluded terrace with stone table, ideal for dining or enjoying an evening drink.
The lovely sundrenched balcony is elegantly furnished and makes a wonderful spot for some quiet and completely private relaxation with a book or a drink or simply doing nothing at all.
The house is set within an olive grove and pathways lead down to Agni Bay and up to the village of Loustri where you will find the bakery for your daily loaf of fresh warm bread.

Please Note
Because many of the old parts of the olive press have been used in the construction of the house (in particular the staircase), we would not recommend this property for the elderly or families with small children.
Larger parties of six or more might like to consider booking Giuseppe's Retreat, which is in the lower part of the building, to make this an ideal holiday house for ten persons.