When you hear that a British Naval officer was posted to Greece during the Second World War and fell in love with a celebrated Athenian ballet dancer, it sounds like the opening to a movie. Yet it was the beginning of a romance with such heart that you can feel it woven into the very fabric of their sons’ two villas – built on Meganissi to honour their Greek heritage.
Michael and John Shepherd were raised in England but spent blissful family holidays in Greece with their mother’s family and grew up fluent in the language and well-versed in its rich cultures and traditions. Named after their mother and grandmother respectively, Villas Mimi and Xeni represent a poignant and beautiful tribute to their treasured childhood memories.
With mesmerising views across the Ionian to the unspoilt islands of Kalamos and Kastos, suspended in the infinite blue of sea and sky, the villas offer a sense of peace and harmony matched only by the natural serenity of their exquisite island home.
Villa Xeni belongs to John, whose love of the island shines through in the design and execution of this classically elegant four-bedroom home. From the fossil-imprinted limestone of its walls to the spectacular south-east facing location on the terraces of an old olive grove, it is an attractive blend of sympathetic contemporary styling and relaxed chic, perfect for comfortable living. Its elevated position ensures the villa basks in day-long sunshine and early risers are rewarded with the slow-burning spectacle of sunrise over Kalamos Island, heralding another delightfully indolent day on this most restful of islands.
The view from the infinity pool is spellbinding at any hour, and the glorious terrace offers a variety of restful seating options, perfect for quiet contemplation or leisurely lunches in the shade of the pretty pergola. And when the lure of the sea becomes overwhelming there are steps, shared only with Villa Mimi, leading down to a stone terrace, ideal for dolphin spotting.
Though only a 10-minute drive from the charming harbour in Vathy, with its pretty shops and waterside tavernas, Villa Xeni is an inspiring oasis born out of a legacy of wartime love and romance, set in a magical and secluded part of the island.
Good to know…
Villa Xeni and Villa Mimi are a comfortable distance apart and the enjoyment of this spectacular location is not compromised by their proximity to one another. They are designed to be booked separately, however, larger groups may wish to consider both villas for a sophisticated island gathering.
Layout
- 4-bedroom villa (sleeps 2-8)
Ground floor
- Living/dining area with wood-burner, TV (English speaking channels), DVD/Blu-Ray player, leads to pool terrace
- Fully fitted open-plan kitchen with oven, hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher
- Utility room with washing machine
- Double bedroom (queen-size bed) with en-suite shower room, leads to patio
- Twin bedroom (can be converted into a double on request) with en-suite shower room (no WC), leads to patio
- WC
First floor
- Double bedroom (queen size four-poster bed) accessed by own staircase with dressing room and en-suite shower room, leads to two private balconies
- Double bedroom (queen size bed) accessed from living room staircase, with en-suite bathroom with shower, separate WC, dressing room, leads to private balcony
General
- Complimentary WiFi (accessible from ground floor and patio)
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Iron, ironing board
- Hairdryers in all bedrooms
- Simpson Travel pool towels
- Outside dining area
- Barbecue
- Poolroom with shower and WC
- Private swimming pool 4m x 11m (depth 1m – 1.80m)
- Separate parking areas (15m and 30m from garden entrance)
- Security deposit (£1,500) required 3 weeks prior to departure
WiFi
- All properties with WiFi are able to support basic functionality such as web browsing and checking emails. We aim to offer an uninterrupted service but sometimes, due to factors beyond our control, reliability can be affected.
Location
- Limonari beach 5min drive
- Katomeri (tavernas, supermarkets) 25min walk or 5min drive
- Vathy 45min or 10min drive
- Nidri on Lefkada 40min boat trip from Spilia or Vathy
From prices are per person sharing for 1 week
Including accommodation, flights (inc. 1 hold bag per person), transfers or car hire unless otherwise stated, Welcome pack (if self-catering), Pre-departure & overseas concierge services.
Prices start from £3,541
All prices and details are subject to change and availability, please check at the time of booking. Full ATOL protection. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are for guidance.
Or call us for further information
01206 508888 |
Holiday Name : Villa Xeni
Reference : STA
Reference : STA