From London to Porto Heli - The Story of Villa KARIN
Villa KARIN is the story of our family of three - Kal, Trusha and our only daughter, Karin - and of a dream that gradually became our second home.
The Search
We wanted to build a life somewhere warm, sunny and relaxing. Greece sat at the top of our list, but after several trips we kept encountering the same problem: either the villa was right and the location was wrong, or the location was beautiful and the house did not meet our expectations.
The decision to build
Eventually we decided not to compromise. We would find the land first and create the home we had always wanted from scratch.
Porto Heli
Porto Heli is a sophisticated seaside destination on the Peloponnese, known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, elegant villas, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Surrounded by charming coastal villages and nearby islands, it offers the perfect balance of privacy, luxury, and authentic Greek beauty.
Why is it also called Porto Cheli?
Porto Heli is the commonly used English and international spelling, while Porto Cheli reflects the Greek name Πόρτο Χέλι more closely in transliteration. Both names refer to the same beautiful destination in the Argolis region of Greece.
The Build
During the year of construction we repeatedly travelled from London to Athens and then on to Porto Heli. Visit by visit, we watched foundations become a concrete skeleton, then walls, windows, terraces and finally a finished home.
Furnishing
After construction, further trips to Athens, Barcelona and Italy helped us source furniture, lighting and decorative pieces that matched the quality and ambition of the architecture.
The Name
Because Karin is our only child, naming the house Villa KARIN felt entirely natural. The name gives the property something architecture alone cannot provide: a family identity and a soul.
Today
We now return several times a year to escape the pace of London, reconnect as a family and enjoy the peace, water, food and friendships we have built in the region. Opening Villa KARIN to guests allows others to experience the sanctuary we created for ourselves.
