The historical estate is located right in the heart of the Ancient Greek civilization, in the middle of a picturesque bay of high natural beauty αt the upcoming and most promising North West part of the Peloponnese near the city of Patras. Patras is the largest economic, commercial and cultural center of the Peloponnese and western Greece and was European capital of culture in 2006.
The unique location does not only boast one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, which is worth admiring every season, but also an inspiring and deeply romantic scenery that takes your breath away. Facing this very impressive setting one of the most momentous naval battles in European history took place on 7th October 1571. The victory by the Christian fleet halted the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into the Mediterranean.
The historical estate is comprised of three stone buildings on a site of 7,825m2 with a frontage of 110 meters onto the beach front. It was constructed in 1873 and is a project work by the German architect Ernst Ziller. The three-storey 1,050m2 main building is the solitary seaside example of eclectic architecture in Greece that combines elements of the Gothic and Neoclassical styles. The most notable key feature is moreover its intense defensive character, for resistance against the frequent pirate raids and looting during that period. The two other two-storey auxiliary buildings, each of 140 m2, are also of particular architectural interest and could have multiple uses (guests, servants, security guards…). The surrounding area also has a second entrance/exit with a private road for discreet arrivals and departures away from the prying eyes of neighbours and passers-by.
The historical estate inspires the imagination and creates myths based on mediaeval fairy tales due to its “difference” with respect to the other buildings in the region. It also evokes admiration by both its design and decoration, which includes original antiques and rare objets d’art of the Louis XV, Louis XVI, Napoleon III, Renaissance and Chinese periods. It constitutes an overall environment of aesthetic excellence with its main features being the warm colours, high ceilings (up to 5.40 m), the oak parquetry flooring dating to 1947, the 22-carat gilding that adorns the plaster depictions on the walls and ceilings, the imposing internal mediaeval staircase, the 57 openings that make the mansion extremely bright and the large terraces (540 m2) with unobstructed views of the mountain and the sea.
The character of this historical estate has witnessed the presence of prominent personalities and significant events. In 1687 the Venetians landed in Achaia and captured the fortress of Patras starting the second Venetian occupation. The disembarkation and a small battle with Ottomans took place right in front of the historical estate. On occasions at the end of the 19th century, the estate hosted King George I, the King of the Hellenes and Princess Elisabeth of Austria, who is better known as Princess Sissi. It was also visited during the same period by Grand Duchess Vera Konstantinovna of Russia (the sister of Queen Olga) and Otto von Bismarck the most important German statesman of the 19th century and the first chancellor of the German Empire. It was requisitioned during the German invasion of Greece (1941-1944) to house the headquarters of the German occupation forces and it served between 1958 and 1962 as one of the favourite retreats of Evangelos Averoff, a writer and important political figure during that period.
This stunning tresor has a great potential as this imposing environment of unique luxury and high aesthetic in the area can be used as residential, commercial or even as a corporate headquarter or a status symbol providing the ideal setting for the luxury that each and every one of us deserves.
This inestimable and priceless unique opportunity is ideal for those seeking a historic treasure of invaluable cultural and architectural significance in one of the most beautiful locations in Greece, with a guarantee of substantial value appreciation over time.
Τhe highly geographical and strategic location with its port is the gate to Western Europe, with its international airport the gate to worldwide destinations and with its marina and its waterdrome the ideal opportunity for daily trips and excursions. Its General University hospital (the only one in the region of the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands) is no more than 20 km away from the historical estate. Significant destinations are in close proximity while Athens can be reached within a 75-minute drive.
The historical estate is being sold unfurnished with approximately half plot (4,515m2). It could also be available full plot.
