Lovingly designed with great flair and superb attention to detail, this gorgeous villa is located just 500m from a small beach and the traditional, untouched village of Beloussi on Zakynthos’s north east coast.

At the entrance, a huge stone archway and imposing wooden gate opens onto spacious grounds, which include manicured lawns, exotic palm trees and even its own small lemon and orange grove. While the house itself has been crafted from local stone in authentic farmhouse style, its fixtures and fittings are of the highest contemporary standards.

The property’s pièce de résistance is a stunning private pool and terrace with a strikingly innovative canopy providing welcome shade all along one side. At the far end, there is a fabulous stone structure consisting of three graceful arches, while an array of stylish sun loungers invite you to stretch out and relax in the delicious Mediterranean sunshine.

With two superb covered verandas, this villa is clearly designed to enjoy outdoor living to the full. On one side, long, bench-style seating offers a quiet, shady spot to stretch out and catch up on some holiday reading. On the other, a brilliantly designed outdoor kitchen and dining area includes a stylish bar, bread oven and built-in barbecue, beautifully lit for evening entertaining.

The interior is equally impressive, cool and elegant with glossy white marble flooring, lofty ceilings with rustic-style exposed beams and attractive honey-coloured stone walls. In the lounge area, clever mood lighting and timeless furnishings create an air of relaxed sophistication while through a broad archway the light and airy kitchen is equipped with the latest appliances. All three bedrooms, a twin on the ground floor and two doubles upstairs, come with sleek, immaculately presented en suites with twin wash basins and walk-in showers.

It’s a short walk from the villa to the nearest beach with a couple of tavernas on hand and a few local amenities so you can happily enjoy a very private, tranquil holiday here. However, the larger resort of Tsilivi, with its popular beach, plentiful bars, shops and restaurants is only a few minutes’ drive to the south with the buzz of Zakynthos Town only a little further on.

Villa St Dennis is highly recommended for those looking for a peaceful, authentic rural escape yet with easy access to livelier resorts and beaches whenever you wish.