Rising in an improbably spectacular position some 300m above the sea, Mythos is a one-of-a-kind villa in a one-of-a-kind location.
Gazing out from Mythos's plunge pool across the towering headland on which it sits, one has the sensation of being an Olympian god. The waters of the Ionian sparkle blue out to the horizon, and far down below are the golden sands of legendary Myrtos beach. These stunning vistas are only part of the story, however, as Mythos also offers guests architectural interest, luxuriously crafted accommodation and inspiring interior design.
Inside: accommodation at Mythos is laid out over two floors.
The main entrance takes one in to the ground floor, which is home to the communal areas and one of the three bedrooms.
Heading past a guest bathroom with shower, one first comes to the double-sized living area, which is divided into two sections: to one side, delimited by banks of sea-view glass doors opening out onto a terrace, is an impressively large cubic fireplace and a well-cushioned built-in sitting area. To the right is a TV snug with a voluminous, well-cushioned built-in day bed and a wall of glass doors providing more sea views and terrace access.
These living areas provides a blueprint for the interior design of much of the property. Its angular forms are decorated in a white and anthracite grey colour scheme and softened by brightly coloured, patterned fabrics from the Middle East and Central Asia. Chinoiserie lamps and posters from the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées add to the eclectic aesthetic, and the atmosphere is at once stimulating, welcoming and tranquil.
Behind the main section of the living area is a dining table and the well-equipped, hi-spec kitchen, which combines bespoke concrete counterspace and storage, stainless steel elements and, remarkably, a wood-fired oven.
Accessed from a hallway near the kitchen is the first bedroom, a double with sea-views, en-suite shower room and access to an al fresco sitting area that's part of the terraces running along the front of the property.
Stairs lead up from the hallway outside the kitchen to the first floor, which is home to the remaining two bedrooms:
• the main double, a generously proportioned yet intimate room with an impressive fireplace, remarkable sea views, a voluptuous en-suite shower room, a walk-in wardrobe, and glass doors opening out both front and back onto private terraces
• another double, also with splendid sea views, a fabulously panoramic terrace, and an en-suite shower room behind a semi-partition wall
Outside: the al fresco areas at Mythos make the very most of the extraordinary views, which sweep in a vast panorama across the Ionian Sea, the dramatic cliffs of Kefalonia's west coast, and the iconic beach of Myrtos far down below.
Immediately outside the living area is a shady terrace set up with a dining table and a couple of lounge chairs. A few steps below, just outside the ground floor bedroom, is a sitting area with built-in cushioned sofas looking down precipitously onto Myrtos beach.
A few more steps down is the largest area of terrace, this time furnished with a pair of commodious built-in sofas, and a few easy chairs surrounding a firepit.
Next comes the magnificently positioned plunge pool, whose exterior ziggurat form is inverted inside, creating a series of shelves for various levels of submersion. At 3m x 3m in size, there is room for everyone and the vistas from here are arguably at their best.
Both of the first floor bedrooms have private sea-view terraces. The main double also opens out onto a large terrace to the rear of the property, from where steps lead up to the roof. The 360-degree views from here are extraordinary.
Last but not least, stone paths and steps weave around both sides of the property and down below the pool and there are several hidden sitting areas to discover, some shaded by trees, others sun-kissed, all superbly panoramic.
Due to the nature of this property, we cannot accept bookings with children.
The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.
Please note that there is a road running behind Mythos which, although inaudible from inside the villa, can be busy during the summer months.
Mythos occupies a dramatic, cliff-top position overlooking the sea and the iconic beach of Myrtos on Kefalonia's northwest coast.
Myrtos beach is a 10-minute drive and there are other options nearby, including at Asos and Aspros Gialos, both of which are less than 15 minutes away.
Asos village is a nice spot in which to while away a few hours and its little harbour has some tavernas, bars and shops, and you can hire boats there. The hilly promontory that juts out into the sea above the village is a great spot for hiking, and walkers are rewarded not only with magnificent vistas but also the evocative ruins of a Venetian castle.
Some 30 minutes northwest is the pretty and colourful harbour village of Fiskardo, which is worth a visit. Slightly further afield, heading south, is Kefalonia's capital, Argostoli, home to a buzzing pedestrianised centre with tavernas, cafés shops, a market and a pair of museums (one dedicated to the island's archaeology, the other to folklore).
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands but still easy to discover in a week - the northernmost tip, the national park and towering mountain of Ainos Oros in the south, and the Paliki peninsular to the west of Argostoli are never more than an hour away.
Just 4km east of Kefalonia, meanwhile, is the island of Ithaca and it's easy to spend a day there thanks to the frequent crossings from the port of Sami.
Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.
The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.
