“From ship to shore”
For 16 years Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey was our UK home where our children Abby and Alasdair grew up. We pursued our careers, Alan in the Automotive Industry and Jo in Financial Services. In 2011 we relocated to Dubai for both work and pleasure and took the opportunity to reshape our set up which included the sale of our UK home and the build of Villa Gabriella.
It all started though in 2002 when we headed to Nidri to learn to sail with Abby & Alasdair in tow and very young. Hooked on both sailing and the beauty of the Ionian islands in Spring 2003 we sailed our own yacht, Gabriella, from Isola to Nidri.
From summer 2003 until 2010 the highlight of each summer was two weeks afloat in the Ionian. Totally captivated by the islands and their way of life, in 2007 we’d driven up to the land on which Villa Gabriella now stands. One single look at the view was enough to seal the deal.
Gabriella, the yacht, was sold in 2010 and the money recycled into the foundations of the villa. From 2010 to 2014 Villa Gabriella was a labour of love. Managed by Steve, long-time Nidri resident and our artistically-inclined project manager, over four years the plot was shaped to allow Villa Gabriella to nestle amongst the trees with minimal disruption to the forest, whilst maximising the very best aspects of a view to die for.
Inside each room reflects our life experiences. The master suite captures a little of the essence of the Arabian Gulf, our current home, whilst the ground floor double is inspired by our love of the wild beauty and big skies of the South African Veldt. The twin bedroom, ideally suited to younger guests, draws on the colours and images of Australia and the many friends and family we have “down under”. The upstairs double bedroom reflects a more European feel inspired by our multi-national genealogy and experiences from France, Italy, England and the Celtic nations.
The open plan living spaces make the best use of the stunning light in the Ionian and draw in the views. Equipped with modern technology blended with our passion for comfortable living the villa tastefully reflects our eclectic backgrounds.
Outside the pool terrace offers the opportunity to enjoy the Ionian sunshine amidst the scents of Cyprus trees and wild herbs. The infinity pool optimises the stunning view across Nidri, Skorpios, and Meganissy with the Greek mainland on the horizon surrounded by Jordanian mosaics of the tree of life.
We hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy a holiday in our new Greek home and take as much pleasure from the experience as we have had in building our dream house.
Alan Jo Abby & Alasdair
