The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House: A Perfect View in Kardamyli, Greece

The Hotel’s Window

The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House is nestled in the foothills and steep terrain of the area, overlooking the sea and the Taygetus Mountain Range behind it. A distant look at the coastline quickly finds numerous small fishing boats out for the day's catch. The rocky terrain and beautiful coastline encourage a simple walk to take in this area's natural elegance. A visit to The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House enables visitors to explore the stunning beauty of Kardamyli, Greece, a town noted for its anti-resort style and impressive views. Once a sleepy fishing village, today, it is the ideal place to visit for a serene, visually stunning community. Even more remarkable is that the house is considered one of the most beautiful properties in the country.


A Visual Tour of
The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House


Insider’s Knowledge

When one thinks of holidaying in Greece, the image of white-washed houses with stunning sea views often comes to mind. Not this time, however. Intrigued by this singular house, we spoke to Eva Soulia, Marketing Manager at Aria Hotels, who operates the property as a hotel for three months a year. She patiently explained to us why The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House (PLF for regulars) has grown to be one of the most exclusive, desirable private houses in the whole Mediterranean.

  • The spectacular views, coupled with exceptionally designed stone-tiled walkways, patios, and vistas, many of which allow for the perfect location to enjoy a Grecian meal overlooking the waterfront itself, make this location a visually breathtaking location. Sit and read one of the old books here. Enjoy a conversation along the open terraces. Then, at the end of the evening, take in the beauty of the natural sky. The city offers fabulous bistros and locations for a drink and numerous artisan shops. Though it may have been a small fishing village, it is a center for enjoying life's finer things in a natural setting.

  • The perfect views can easily be enjoyed from many of the rooms of the Main House and other areas of The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House. It is the ideal place to rest and relax with large patios, beautifully laid tile, and simple fountains and seating areas. Guests can explore the gardens, breathe the fresh sea air, and enjoy the numerous well-cared-for gardens. Guests may wish to rent the historical house itself as a whole villa. That includes the Main House, Traditional House, and the Guest House, which offers accommodations for up to 10 people. Or, select a self-contained suite at the Guest House or Traditional House to enjoy the area's beauty with ample privacy. The property sits in a densely forested area with captivating views of the water and natural oasis that is Greece.

  • “Unique.”

  • The property, located in Southwest Peloponnese, was bequeathed from Sir Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor to the Benaki Museum. Their goal was to ensure the house would host intellectuals and scholars who wished to find an inspiring, private location to work or study. Additionally, the Leigh Fermors provided the museum with the right to rent the property for three months each year while ensuring the superior preservation of the home and all of its content. Today, it is possible for visitors to take in the stored, historic Greek property, enjoying an authentic retreat in one of the most treasured properties in all of Greece. The public has access to the property to learn, explore, and enjoy its history. The exclusive address, owned previously by Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, who lived from 1915 to 2011, is filled with stunning artifacts and essential pieces of the century in which he lived. He was a member of the Britain Military Mission to Greece, which provided some of the treasures located within the home.


Hotel’s Location

There is little doubt The Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House is the ideal place for those who wish to find a serene, even romantic, getaway in Greece right on the sea. It is only about 38 km from Kalamata and just 49 km from the airport in Kalamata. This makes it an exceptional opportunity for those who wish to explore a more remote area. It is about a 3.5-hour trip to the House from the airport.