Home Landscape Design PARADISE ISLAND

PARADISE ISLAND

Charmed by the beauty of the unspoilt countryside, Diana and Dan Hodson built their dream home on a ridge overlooking the Ionian sea.
Diana and Dan Hodson were one of the earliest holidaymaking couples to fall in love with the beautiful Greek island of Zante. We first came here together 22 years ago/ says Diana, when there was just a tiny port and a solitary hotel to stay in. In fact, Diana had travelled through Greece since her early twenties, and when she married Dan, she hoped he would be equally smitten. Sure enough, her husband fell under the same spell Before I knew it, wed bought an I i - acre plot of land, richly endowed with palms, olive and cypress trees/ recalls Diana. Having hired a local architect, the couple made several key decisions about their proposed build. Taking advantage of the sloping site, they designed three separate terraced levels joined by outdoor stone staircases. The upper terrace spans the hill width of the main living area, while most of the bedrooms are positioned at ground level next to the pool. A middle terrace - shaded by verdant palm trees and vines - is used for alfresco meals.
Diana and Dan decided to incorporate many traditional Mediterranean features in their home, including a brick fireplace, tiled floors and high vaulted ceilings, which help keep the interior cool during the summer heat. To define the texture of the woodwork and increase the sense of light, the beams, woodwork and walls are all painted white. Greek houses arc comparatively dark, because the locals like the natural colour of wood, says Diana. But we wanted more of a South - of - France feel. Tor the floors, I chose pale, antiqued terracotta tiles, as theyre so practical/ Diana continues. Many local villa owners go for white marble, but I find that terracotta reflects a soft pink glow onto pristine white walls. It feels warmer in winter, too.

PARADISE ISLAND

The build was not without its stresses for the Hodsons, who could not be on hand throughout. It was an ongoing battle to get it right; admits Diana. For instance, the builders put up the wrong tiles in the kitchen. I think, in hindsight, we should have been living here all the time, but it just wasnt possible. Nonetheless, Diana and Dan have succeeded in building their dream home, where they can wine and dine with family and friends. In summer, activities revolve around the terraces and the pool, and our lifestyle is essentially relaxed and informal, says Diana. The sun shines more often than not and the food is healthy and organic - we grow olives and oranges and when we eat in, we nearly always put on a barbecue. Life here suits us down to the ground.
< Prev   Next >
 

Last read