The White House is one of the most famous buildings on Corfu and part of the island’s rich cultural heritage. It is the former residence of British author Lawrence Durrell, who lived here, with his wife Nancy, in the 1930s.
The White House is one of the most famous buildings on Corfu and part of the island’s rich cultural heritage. It was the former residence of British author, Lawrence Durrell who lived in Corfu in the 1930s.
Lawrence described the White House “…set like a dice on a rock already venerable with the scars of wind and water” in his book, Prospero’s Cell. Of the interior he wrote “the rooms look lovely and gracious with their white-washed walls, and the few bright paintings and books. The windows give directly on the sea, so that its perpetual sighing is the rhythm of our work and our sleeping”.
Many visitors arrive here inspired by his words. They relish the opportunity to live in the property where the author spent some of his most creative years. They love that little has changed about this special place.
Originally, the White House was a single storey property owned by Anastasios Atheneos, the grandfather of the current owner, Tassos. The second floor was added for Lawrence Durrell and his wife.
The ground floor is still the Atheneos family home, while the basement and traditional old fisherman’s hut are now the White House Restaurant.
Rooms on the upper floor where the Durrells lived and wrote can be rented during the summer season.
The exterior of The White House has lost little of its original character. The property literally sits on the water’s edge. A few steps from the upper floor lead down to a private patio with a myriad of Mediterranean potted plants. From there it’s just a few more steps to a common patio overlooking the Villa’s private jetty and Kalami Bay.
The White House Villa has one double bedroom and three twin bedrooms, all of which open onto a large open plan living area. The large wooden dining table was Lawrence’s desk and many other items belonging to the prolific author decorate the Villa. French windows from the living area open onto a balcony that hangs over the sea, with stunning views of Kalami Bay and plenty of space for al fresco dining.
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