Kalogerou was built in 1844 at the mountainous Horio settlement on the island of Othoni. The house’s first inhabitant was a monk (kalogeros in Greek), hence the name. Original stone carvings on architectural elements chiseled-in by the monk himself can still be seen on the facades.

 

The property is 9 km or about a 15 min drive from the port of Avlakia and the main settlement of Ammos.

 

The land is located on a small plateau at the outskirts of Horio overlooking the mountain of Imerovigli, the northern coastline of Corfu, and the mountains of Albania. Kalogerou’s land is surrounded by an ancient olive grove featuring soaring olive trees as well as cypresses. The property offers privacy from the neighbouring settlement and shelter even during the etesian north-easterly winds. Horio has only semi-permanent residents so most of the year calm and quiet are daily companions.

The building is a 110 sq. meter stone-house with two floors and an 80 sq. meter roofed veranda that shades two large built sofas and a dinning space. The house can sleep up to 4 guests in two double bedrooms. Its restoration included equipping the kitchen with a new gas stove and electric oven as well as installing a modern bathroom with an en-suite spacious shower. There is also a second, outdoor, open-air kitchen and barbecue. The houses’ climate is regulated by a wood heater and fans, though the sea, and evening breezes usually provide ample cooling. The house has a landline with broadband and wifi as well as tablet, cellular phone and  mobile wifi. There is a radio, portable sound system and no television. We recommend you to try to go ‘offline', if possible, so as to “breathe in” the unbelievable serenity Kalogerou and Othoni can offer.

 
Kalogerou was restored in the beginning of the 21st century   using traditional building techniques and materials. Reclaimed wood, marble, and stone (most sourced directly from the island)  were used for the renovation. Research of the islands' architecture, information gathered from island elders, and work with local builders and stone masons was essential to complete the difficult task of restoring Kalogerou due to the islands extreme remoteness. Othonian stone, lime-washed walls, hand mixed cement mortar, local and reclaimed timber, traditional metalwork, and antique handmade ceramic roof tiles are used throughout.

 

Sustainability

Othoni and the seas surrounding it, are part of the  pan-European NATURA 2000 network of protected natural habitats.

The roof of Kalogerou is designed  to collect and store rainwater in a sterna (water-tank) throughout the rainy winter  season so the house can use filtered rainwater for the bathroom, kitchen and for watering the gardens.

We suggest you regulate your water use with the utmost care. 

 

At Kalogerou, we use biodegradable cleaning  and personal hygiene products. Paper, plastic, metal and glass are recycled, and we kindly ask you follow our guidelines and we welcome all suggestions towards our goal of a zero-waste, carbon positive Othoni.

 

The land of Kalogerou where the house is located, is a work-in-progress where bulbs, flowers and trees found in the old gardens of Othoni and Corfu are collected and replanted. Olive and lemon trees, geraniums, lavender, rosemary, cannas, agapanthus, chicas, jasmines, roses, clivias, hyacinths, amaryllis amongst other flower species are mixed with lillies, daisies, wild asparagus, prickly pears and other plants and trees originally found on the land itself. The result is a truly Mediterranean garden-in-progress  Finally, the land is surrounded by the traditional dry-stone walling found in Othoni.

 

Walks and hiking are  highly recommended  to fully experience your stay on the island as well as, of course, the unparalleled snorkelling and scuba diving to view the outstanding, marine life of  Othoni.

 

Kalogerou is a tranquil state of mind

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