Monday 20 July 2015


A SPECIAL WEEK AWAY....




Good morning everyone!
Apologies for the lack of blog posts over the last month....the summer has been running away with itself, and as those of you who kindly follow me on Instagram will know, it has been a busy time!  Thank you so much to so many of you who have still taken the trouble to visit the blog over the last month.  I am back now and have much to share with you over the coming weeks.

Our holiday to the beautiful Greek island of Corfu seems a long time ago now, but I am keen to try and keep that holiday feeling going for as long as possible!  We have been taking meals outside here at home as often as we can, and in between work, have been enjoying the fun socialising and relaxing that the summer brings.....also madly trying to catch up with our garden, which inevitably took a step backwards while we have been away!




But oh, how I wish I was back on that gorgeous island!  Having visited last September with all our children and their friends, 'Mr. Sophia Home' and I decided to return on our own for a quiet relaxing week last month to the lovely unspoilt North East corner of the island.  We stayed once again at the beautiful Rou Estate, up in the mountains just a fifteen minute drive from this beautiful area of coastline.  












Two of our favourite days were spent just pottering around the crystal clear waters on our small motor boat....stopping to swim in deserted coves and deciding which taverna to moor up to for a leisurely lunch....it was tough, as you can imagine!




Our favourite Taverna Agni found us visiting most frequently....their warm relaxed welcome, beautiful beachfront setting and superb seafood were just wonderful!




An afternoon snooze on the boat followed by a swim were definitely called for, to work off all that delicious food.


Then it was back to the harbour, and the short drive by car up the mountain, through stunning olive groves, to our beautiful little villa on the Rou Estate.





This magical place is a unique heritage site, with breathtaking 270 degree views overlooking Albania.  This former abandoned 200 year old village was rescued by English architect Dominic Skinner and his dutch wife Claire in 2005.  The hamlet has been meticulously restored, to provide 16 beautiful houses set within award winning, tranquil terraced gardens.  





Our own stunning two bedroom house, like all the others, had been sympathetically and beautifully restored, retaining the original Corfiot architecture along with a stylish, homely interior.






Inspite there being sixteen villas, a small restaurant and a spa, the Rou Estate remains a tranquil sanctuary...


Beautiful terraced gardens filled with herbs and an abundance of Agapanthus at this time of year...


With always a quiet corner to stop and sit and read, or just take in the heady scent of herbs and the calm, magical atmosphere, and the beauty of the wonderful old stone buildings.







The original village well....


A couple of sweet, shy 'Rou residents'...


Beautifully clipped scented Rosemary hedges...



Those special touches around every corner.... lanterns were lit each evening, to guide us down the winding old stone paths.











Here is the entrance to the wonderful little Spa, housed in the original sheep shed!  The wonderful therapist 'Vanda' gave the most wonderful massages and heavenly facial.  All of the products used, she had made herself from natural ingredients such as herbs, and local yoghurt and honey.  An absolute treat, and probably good enough to eat!












Some of the larger villas have their own private pools, but on this occasion, we enjoyed the fabulous infinity pool available to all guests, although we seemed to have this to ourselves most days!



It certainly was a pool with a view!


Breathtaking views over to Albania...






This post is a little 'picture heavy' I'm afraid, but as you can imagine, my camera was out constantly with so much beauty around every corner!

If you ever have the chance to visit this very special, magical place, I urge you to.

Rou Estate...... xxx


***

Wishing you a very happy week ahead!

I look forward to more frequent posts now over the rest of the summer...more inspiring places to visit, more interiors inspiration, gardens, recipes and more.  If you have anything in particular you would like me to feature on the blog, or would like to ask me anything, do please let me know in the comments section below, or email me via my website: www.sophiawadsworthinteriors.co.uk  I would love to hear from you.
Thank you so much for reading!

Sophia xx

14 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. This is stunning. I long to plunge into that beautiful pool and sea. I think I will visit their website and leave it open, hoping that a certain someone may take note!! X

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    1. That sounds like a good plan Alison! You would absolutely love it there.....as would 'a certain someone' I am sure! xx

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  2. Looks wonderful, we visited Corfu last year, it is a beautiful island. All the Greek Islands are so different and unique. Off on a cruise this year so won't be visiting Greece.
    Looking forward to seeing more posts from you and around your beautiful home as always

    All things nice...

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    1. So pleased you enjoyed your visit to Corfu last year, and have a wonderful cruise this year! Thank you for your kind comment.

      Sophia xx

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  3. What a beautiful place! I would love a dip in that pool. Lovely photos and thank you for sharing Sophia
    Debbie x

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    1. It certainly was Debbie! Hope all is well with you in Australia? My husband and I are looking forward to a two week business trip there in September! xx

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  4. What a stunning and relaxing place! Beautifully photographed too.

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    1. Thank you Amanda....yes it was beautiful and very relaxing!

      Sophia x

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  5. Sophia, what a gorgeous island!! Absolutely beautiful! I filed the address! Thank you for sharing all your pictures. Wishing you a wonderful Summer break!
    xx
    Greet

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    1. Dear Greet,

      You would absolutely love it at the Rou Estate. All the villas are beautifully designed. Well worth making a note of the address!

      Wishing you a wonderful summer too!

      Sophia xx

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  6. Sophia - Looks like you had such a bad time, haha. What an awful place to holiday :) Can you tell I'm jealous? Seriously, stunning photos - looks like paradise. Thanks for sharing Rou Estate - adding that to my list. Cheers, L

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    1. Oh Loi, it was seriously awful! Ha ha! No, it is well worth adding to your list.

      Thank you for your 'PS' and glad you are enjoying my Instagram, as I am yours.

      Sophia x

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  7. PS - Enjoying your Instagram :)

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  8. Sophia your Home Design, gardening, interior everything is looking great. I also want to make my dream house.

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