The Io House Residence
Property perks
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ConciergeA concierge service is available for this property
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Baby rental
equipment partnerWe work with a carefully-chosen baby equipment rental partner in this location -
Kid & Coe
selectKid & Coe Select properties have been visited by our team and checked for their suitability for family travelers -
ItineraryWe provide a family-focused itinerary for properties in this destination
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Professional
partnerThis property is professionally managed by a trusted partner
Perks for the Parents
An elegant stone villa set amongst olive groves and meadows with its own natural swimming pool and views of the beautiful Ionian Sea. It sleeps 4. Built by local craftsmen using traditional materials and styled by interior and costume designer Marcus Love, the villa combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The latest eco technologies have also been incorporated to provide a Natralysis water filter tap and a chlorine-free swimming pool purified by an award-winning water filtration system. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and its own balcony terrace for enjoying a sunrise coffee or sundowner cocktail in peace. The smart kitchen is fully equipped, though for those seeking a break from cooking, the hosts are happy to help arrange for private in-house chefs. The cosmopolitan harbor of Fiskardo is just 5 minutes away by car for boutiques, cafes, bakeries and smart, waterside restaurants. The host has 2 other properties on the same estate which can be rented in addition to the villa to accommodate larger groups: Io Cottage and The Lime Residence.
Why Kids Love it
Kids will love this island hub with beaches on the doorstep and their own private, chlorine-free pool - ideal for little ones with delicate skin. The interiors have air conditioning and under floor heating to ensure comfort whatever the time of year. The residence has broadband WiFi, with plenty of comfy sofas and contemporary sun loungers for chill out time, while the Marshall Amp sound system and gas BBQ make for fun alfresco meals. Mini adventurers will enjoy hitting the monopati (walking trails) which lead straight from the villa to local beaches and villages with family-friendly tavernas. Alternatively, take a rug to the beach to picnic beneath the olive trees at one of the local coves. Some have water sports in peak season while all have clear waters ideal for both little paddlers and confident swimmers. A crib and highchair are provided with a baby bath available on request.
Things to Know
Minimum stay: 7 nights during the high season though shorter stays may be possible on request. We would recommend this residence for families with children over 5 ideally - there are hazards for crawling babies and toddlers including an ungated pool, an ungated steep staircase, non-toddler safe balcony, and steps not compatible with strollers. Please note that the pool is unheated. There are no bathtubs. A housekeeping service, garden maintenance and pool cleaning are included as part of the rental. There is good broadband WiFi, air conditioning and under floor heating throughout the residence. Private parking is provided; car rental is recommended but not essential, as there are beaches, cafes and tavernas in walking distance. Sorry, no pets. The local footpaths can be rocky so solid footwear is advised. The hosts offer a full concierge service including private boat hire, excursions, massage and tailor-made yoga classes all bookable prior to your holiday or in resort.
About the Location
The residence is nestled on the beautiful northern tip of Kefalonia known for its peaceful coves and trendy harbor towns. An ancient stone footpath runs alongside the villa leading to the charming hamlet of Antipata (around 5 minutes’ walk) where there’s a traditional taverna and an Italian wine bar. The closest beach is Dafnoudi, a 20-minute walk away along one of the local trails or a 5-minute drive. Most local beaches are pebbly but for those seeking something softer, Alaties bay is semi-sandy. Agia Jerusalem is recommended for families with sun beds and parasols for hire in the high season and a beachside taverna serving up relaxed local cuisine. The Smart Venetian town of Fiskardo is just 5 minutes’ drive away – the center is car free with plenty of boutiques, cafes, bars, bakeries and restaurants to explore on foot. Kefalonia Airport is the closest, 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive.
Accommodation Details
The cottage has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms set over 2 floors. The ground floor is open plan including a living area, kitchen and dining space. The living room has a sofa, coffee table and chairs with large terrace doors opening up onto the patio/ pool area. Beyond is a modern, fully equipped kitchen with everything a guest would expect including a coffee machine, dishwasher and toaster. The dining nook is off to one side for privacy with a rustic dining table seating 6. A staircase from the living room leads upstairs where there are 2 bedrooms with double beds, ensuite shower rooms and private balconies overlooking the pool, meadows and sea beyond. The outside space is set in pretty Mediterranean gardens and includes a partly shaded sun terrace with sun loungers and a pergola space with a gas BBQ, an inbuilt sofa and handcrafted dining table seating 6. The natural swimming pool is just below with a surrounding sun deck and loungers.
Style Notes
Rustic chic. Traditional materials and the creative eye of designer Marcus Love combine to create a smart, stylish and homely island base. Interiors revel in stripped back simplicity with exposed stone walls, concrete surfaces, wooden shutters and whitewashed walls. Theatrical style extends to a range of vintage finds dotted throughout including large amphoras, feature wall art and handcrafted tables. Contemporary lux design is injected through textiles, modern art, stylish lighting and in the latest eco tech, including the smart filter water tap, and sleek naturally purified pool. We love the private bedroom balconies, with rolling country/coastal views and contemporary furniture inviting you to sit back and relax with a Greek coffee or glass of local wine.
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Air Conditioning
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Baby Bath
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Baby Monitor
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Babysitter / Nanny
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Backyard / Garden
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Balcony
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Bathtub
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Bed Rails
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Bicycles
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Cabinet Locks
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Changing Table
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Chef / Catering
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Children's Dinnerware
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Corner Guards
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DVD Library
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DVD Player
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Dishwasher
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Elevator
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Fireplace Guards
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Game Console
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High Chair
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Housekeeper
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Outlet Plugs
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Parking
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Pet-friendly
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Pool
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Pool Gate
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Stair Gates
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Television
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Toys / Children's Books
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Washer / Dryer
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Wifi
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Window Guards
Kefalonia, Greek Islands
Poppy fields and hidden beaches
The largest of the Ionian islands in western Greece, Kefalonia is a paradise island for families. It’s all about the white sand beaches, picnics in poppy fields and boat trips to hidden beaches. Visit the glamorous town of Fiskado in the north, go snorkelling in the clear water or hike in the hills.
