Inside Ionian Legacy: a breathtaking clifftop estate redefining luxury living on Corfu’s north-east coast

There’s a particular kind of magic to the Greek islands. A feeling that lingers along the dramatic coastlines where terraced villas cling tightly and sun-bleached stone and whitewashed walls rise from olive groves and rocky cliffs, always oriented towards the sea.

On the exclusive north-east coast of the island of Corfu, Ionian Legacy is a striking embodiment of that magic. Cascading down the hillside above Kaminaki Bay, the private clifftop estate appears to float between sea and sky.

The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom property is nothing short of breathtaking, starting from the moment you walk in the front door.

“The gates open, the hillside falls away, and the Ionian fills the frame,” says Despina Laou, head of private office at Greece Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s a cinematic reveal – first awe, then calm. Absolute privacy paired with understated elegance and a genuinely homely feeling.”

Set on more than 8000 square metres of waterfront land, the estate unfolds in layers, following the contours of the landscape. The main house has two levels, with floor-to-ceiling glass showcasing a captivating Mediterranean panorama.

Entry is via the upper level, where a grand piano sets the tone for the sprawling open-plan living and dining area, all bathed in sea views.

One end houses a study and expansive kitchen, which boasts ample appliances, a granite island, a butler’s pantry and access to a staff office. Alongside it, the formal dining room boasts a fireplace, stunning views and space to seat 12.

The other end of the home is anchored by the upper main-bedroom suite, which has a dressing room, a spa-like bathroom and access to a private jacuzzi terrace.

Downstairs, the lower main-bedroom suite offers equal comfort and seclusion, with a dressing area, an en suite and a sitting room with bar. Two further guest bedrooms each have en suites and walk-in wardrobes.

At the opposite end, leisure takes centre stage with a fully equipped gym, a mosaic-tiled hammam-style steam room, a cinema room and another living zone.

A self-contained guesthouse adds two more bedrooms, each with an en suite and dressing room, plus a private kitchen, sitting room, and dining space. It’s spacious and comfortable enough to accommodate multigenerational living, or ensure you’d never be short of visiting guests.

And that’s all before you even step outside, where multiple indoor–outdoor lounges, dining terraces and bars orbit twin pools.

A private, glass-walled lift provides direct access to the sea, travelling three storeys from the main house to a seafront terrace with loungers and parasols, while a lower-level terrace offers an idyllic setting for morning yoga by the sea.

“The showstopper is the pair of cascading infinity pools – two tiers that merge visually with the Ionian, perfect for sunrise laps and sunset lounging,” Laou says. “The private lift to the bathing terrace is a rare luxury, offering effortless, anytime sea access.”

The estate was the creation of a British owner–developer, who personally oversaw the project from concept to completion.

“Inspired by years of travel, he sought to fuse contemporary engineering with Corfu’s architectural vernacular – terraced living, hand-worked stone, and water as a constant theme,” Laou says.

The property is offered fully furnished, with interiors that balance contemporary comfort with global touches. Oak floors and exposed beams set the design tone, while Moroccan and Indian artefacts give the estate a distinctive character.

The home enjoys complete privacy, while still being well-connected. Kaminaki beach is just one kilometre away, while Gouvia Marina is 14 kilometres, and Corfu Town and the airport sit 20 kilometres beyond.

“Ionian Legacy commands sunrise views over Corfu town, the channel to Albania, and the UNESCO landscape of Butrint,” Laou says. “Cypress and olive groves frame the estate, while sheltered coves lie below.

“Summers bring lively bays and boating, spring and autumn offer serenity and crystal-clear seas, winters are mild and peaceful, while Corfu Town remains vibrant year-round.”

While you’re there

Corfu is the kind of island where days stretch out easily, between coves and cafes, hikes and harbours, culture and calm.

Coastlines and coves

Nearby coves like Kaminaki, Nissaki and Agni offer tucked-away tavernas, sun-drenched shorelines, sparkling clear water and seaside dining – all easily reached by car or boat. Further afield, island-hop to Paxos and Antipaxos, while connections to mainland Greece are also within easy reach. Or head to the western side of Corfu to the village of Paleokastritsa for some of the island’s most incredible views. The calm, crystal-clear waters of Liapades Beach are the perfect spot for a snorkel.

Culture with a view

Wander the cobbled lanes of Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, take in the panoramic views from Mount Pantokrator, or visit the neoclassical Achilleion Palace. The atmospheric village of Old Perithia offers a step back in time, while Venetian fortresses and Byzantine churches dot the island. End your day with seafood and wine, watching the sky shift over the Ionian.