THE FACTS ABOUT KATAVOLOS HOUSE

Greece Corfu

Between the sheer crags of Mount Pantocrator and the northern coastline of Corfu, the village of Katavolos is rarely visited and largely abandoned. Its best-kept secret is Katavolos House, a rustic mountain retreat among the olive trees. All the traditional features of these converted farmhouses remain intact - thick stone walls, a porch set on stone pillars, an olive press, and an idyllic Italianate garden - but if the exterior is unchanged, the interior has been redesigned to meet distinctly modern standards. The entire ground floor is open-plan - a farmhouse kitchen, huge white living room with sun-dappled window seating and blue-and-white-striped cushions tossed about artfully. Lawns lead down to the pool, where an olive tree provides shade for long lunches. A joy for ramblers, Katavolos is only a 10-minute drive from the seaside tavernas and water sports of the coastal resort of Nissaki. SLEEPS 10 (four doubles and one twin-bedded room, all en-suite) COST From £4,050 per week including flights, transfers, maid service (six days a week) and welcome hamper CONTACT CV Travel (0870 606 0013; fax: 020 7384 5899; www.cvtravel.co.uk)