Paradiso Perduto, Corfu

PARADISO PERDUTO, CORFU

At the heart of a traditional Corfiot village in the northern part of the island lies this historic estate, the home of a famous Greek painter two centuries ago. Its grand entrance arch is now cloaked with lush vegetation which also carpets the grounds of 71,000 m² together with plentiful mature trees. The buildings date to the 16th century during the period of Venetian rule over Corfu. The two structures, a main house and stables, are near the entrance to the property and include total ground floor space of 565 m² as well as an upper floor of 192 m². The estate's coat of arms is displayed on the exterior of the house, and the spacious interior rooms feature high ceilings, fireplaces and large windows. The air of a bygone romantic era is abundant throughout. Here the artist received Empress Sissi of Austria who was his great admirer. They spent hours chatting in the house and walking in the extensive gardens, where she reportedly gifted him with her glove. This charming hidden paradise is a rare and historical piece of art which is waiting to be brought back to life by its new owners.