Serene infinity pool overlooking a tranquil bay, framed by lush greenery and distant mountains during sunset.

A Contemporary Holiday House in Corfu Seamlessly Woven into the Landscape

Words by Yatzer

Corfu, Greece

Nestled on a verdant hillside overlooking a tranquil bay in Corfu, Greece, a newly completed holiday home by architects Tony WynbourneGeorgios Apostolopoulos, and engineer Makis Gisdakis showcases a masterful synthesis of the island’s vernacular architecture with a pared-back contemporary aesthetic. At its core, the project is an exercise in balance—between tradition and modernity, structure and landscape, and solidity and openness. Hand-shaped local stone, meticulously crafted by regional artisans, anchors the house to its setting, while expansive glazing and refined detailing propel it firmly into the 21st century.

Modern stone architectural design features textured walls and geometric shapes, blending with minimalist surroundings and soft lighting.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone villa with a sleek design, featuring glass railings, lush greenery, and a serene sunset backdrop.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone villa with glass balconies, lush greenery, and a serene pool, showcasing contemporary architecture against a soft sky.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern architectural design featuring natural stone elements and a rock integration, with a minimalist staircase and lush greenery.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

The house's relationship with its setting is paramount, not only in its materiality but also in its design ethos. Rather than removing the rocky outcrops that define the site, the structure is built around them, seamlessly integrating these natural features into the design with the use of locally sourced stone ensuring for harmony as well as reinforcing the house’s deep connection to Corfu’s architectural heritage. Minimalist window frames and all-glass balustrades introduce a contemporary sensibility without disrupting the dialogue between tradition and modernity, while a series of cascading steps and terraces further embed the structure into the landscape, with the lowest-level swimming pool visually dissolving into the horizon.

Modern stone villa with large windows, surrounded by greenery, featuring a pool and minimalist design elements.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone house with large glass windows, surrounded by lush greenery and lavender, framed by an olive tree branch.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone house with large glass windows, a minimalist pool, and lush greenery, set against a tranquil landscape.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Stone steps and walls adorned with greenery lead to a hillside, framed by a serene sky, blending nature and architecture harmoniously.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern living space with glass doors partially open, revealing a stone wall and lush green foliage outside in a serene setting.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

An open glass door reveals a modern stone building with textured walls and minimalistic design, set against a soft sky backdrop.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern living room with a gray sofa and large glass windows showcasing a scenic view of mountains and a serene ocean.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Oriented along an east-west axis to allow for uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea from every space, the house unfolds across two levels. On the ground floor, an entrance vestibule delineates two distinct zones: on the one side, the communal living areas, namely an open-plan living and dining area and the kitchen, with the other side dedicated entirely to the master bedroom. Four additional bedrooms, each with its own bathroom complete the accommodation on the lower ground floor, highlighted by a loggia-like space at the rear, where exposed natural rock formations—gently illuminated by overhead skylights—offer a serene retreat, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature.

A person stands by a large window, gazing at mountains and water, in a modern, minimalist interior with a sofa and chair.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern living room featuring a gray sofa and black leather chair, with large windows offering a scenic view of mountains and a lake.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern living room featuring a high, wooden ceiling, a television, a sleek sofa, and large windows opening to an outdoor view.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern kitchen with a marble backdrop, a round table draped in beige, a wooden chair, and a scenic window view of nature.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern kitchen featuring gray cabinets, a marble backsplash, and a round table with a simple mug and paper. Bright natural light floods the space.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A minimalist interior view through a doorway featuring a light wood chair, white cabinetry, and soft gray curtains.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Minimalist bedroom featuring white walls, high ceiling, a green curtain, and a doorway revealing a natural landscape outside.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

The house’s interiors embrace an aesthetic of understated elegance, where minimalism serves not merely as a stylistic statement but as a means of amplifying the surrounding landscape. White walls, pale grey stone flooring, and softly painted ceiling beams establish a calming monochromatic palette, while veined off-white marble and glossy grey surfaces lend a refined sheen to the kitchen and bathrooms.

With existing rock formations are seamlessly integrated into the circulation spaces, heightening the home’s organic character, this Corfu house is a testament to thoughtful design and sensitive execution. Both deeply rooted and effortlessly forward-looking, the house provides both owners and guests with an immersive yet restrained experience of the island’s extraordinary natural beauty.

A minimalist staircase with pale stone steps and a glass railing, illuminated by natural light in a white-walled interior.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern hallway featuring natural stone walls, light gray tile flooring, and large windows allowing natural light to enter.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

An open doorway reveals a minimalist room with a wooden chair and textured stone walls, illuminated by soft natural light.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone house with large windows, surrounded by a glass railing, overlooking serene waters and distant mountains at sunset.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern bathroom with two marble sinks, sleek mirrors, and minimalist design, featuring soft lighting and neutral tones.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern bathroom with a marble vessel sink, sleek faucet, and minimalist design, featuring a shower and subtle lighting.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern bathroom featuring a marble sink, minimalist countertop, sleek mirror, and neutral tones for a serene aesthetic.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Open door view showcasing a serene landscape of mountains and water, framed by modern architecture and lush greenery.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Minimalist bedroom featuring a light bedspread, a desk with a laptop, and an open door revealing green foliage outside.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Serene infinity pool overlooking a tranquil bay, framed by lush greenery and distant mountains during sunset.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

  • Modern stone villa with large windows, overlooking a tranquil landscape at sunset, featuring a pool and rocky natural elements.

    Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

  • Modern stone house beside a pool, surrounded by vibrant gardens and a stunning sunset view over rolling hills.

    Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone villa with a sleek design, outdoor steps leading to a pool, set against a tranquil evening sky.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

A modern stone house at dusk, featuring large glass windows and a sleek balcony, surrounded by lush greenery.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Modern stone house at dusk with a pool, featuring large glass windows and a curved balcony surrounded by lush greenery.

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.