The White House Villa in Corfu: Home of the Durrells

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Table of Contents

The island of Corfu is known for its stunning beauty, its gorgeous beaches, and its warm hospitality. Some of its most famous residents were the Durrells, an eclectic family of British origin and a group of creatives, authors, and photographers. You may be familiar with the Durells family name from the comedy-drama TV series which aired in Britain from 2016 to 2019. It was based on Gerald Durrell’s 3 books about the family’s four years in Kalami, Corfu, where they each lived unforgettable adventures.

Who are the Durrells?

The Durrell family is made up of Louisa Durrell and the four kids – Lawrence, Leslie, Margo, and Gerald. They were all were born in India and moved to Bournemouth, England as a family when their father died. 

Durrells Family | Photo Credit: The White House Corfu
Durrells Family | Photo Credit: The White House Corfu

Lawrence (Larry) Durrell

Lawrence, a novelist and screenwriter known for his book Alexandria Quartet, was the first to move to Corfu, and the rest of the family soon followed suit. He wrote 18 novels and 6 travel books based on his travel experiences, as well as humor books, poetry, essays, and screenplays. He was once nominated for a Nobel Prize. 

When Lawrence Durell moved to Corfu, he was newly married and sought to find somewhere remote. He moved to the north of the island of Corfu with his wife Nancy and wrote his newest novel The Black Book (1938).

Lawrence and Nancy Durrell

“I felt we’d been living too near the crowds,” Nancy said. “ — too tame. I was terribly keen on being in the wildest places I could find — most untamed.”

 

Gerald (Gerry) Durrell

On Corfu, when he arrived at 10 years old, Gerald was known for keeping local animals as pets, and he ran wild on the island. The young boy also made friends with Theodore Stephanides, a poet, doctor, and philosopher who became his mentor.

Theodore Stephanides, Gerald's Mentor | Credit: Alexia Stephanides

Gerald says that his love of wildlife comes from his time with Theodore, when they collected animals. He eventually worked for zoos and even started his own zoo called the Durrell Wildlife Park.

 

Gerald Durrell is now known as the author who wrote the bestselling Corfu Trilogy. Among the titles are: My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives, and The Garden of the Gods.

Durrell's House - Painting | Photo credit: White House Corfu
Durrell's House - Painting | Photo credit: White House Corfu

Margaret Durrell

Margaret was the middle child and also developed a love for the island. While living there, she fell in love with a RAF pilot. She married him in 1940 and then fled during the war to South Africa. Margaret later moved to Bournemouth, but always considered Corfu her home. 

 

She ran a boarding house in Bournemouth and wrote a book called “Whatever Happened to Margo?” This book retold stories about her curious guests, her love affair with a trombone player, and visits from her brother Gerry Durrell with his troupe of exotic animals.

Durrell's House - Painting | Photo credit: White House Corfu
Durrell's House - Painting | Photo credit: White House Corfu

The White House Villa

The White House is one of the most famous buildings on Corfu and part of the island’s rich cultural heritage. It is found in Kalami, Corfu. 

 

It was the former residence of Lawrence Durrell, who lived in Corfu in the 1930s. Of the interior he wrote “the rooms look lovely and gracious with their white-washed walls, and the few bright paintings and books. The windows give directly on the sea.” Many visitors arrive here inspired by his words, because this is where the author spent some of his most creative years. 

They love that little has changed about this special place. 

White House Villa | Photo credit: White House Corfu

Originally, the White House was a single-storey property owned by Anastasios Atheneos, the grandfather of the current owner, Tassos. The second floor was added for Lawrence Durrell and his wife. The ground floor is still the Atheneos family home, while the basement and traditional old fisherman’s hut are now the White House Restaurant. Rooms on the upper floor where the Durrells lived and wrote can be rented during the summer season. You can inquire about rooms here.

White House Restaurant | Photo credit: White House Corfu

What are the Steps to Buying a Villa on Corfu?

Looking for something in particular?
Parthenon
BlogHistory & Culture

The Parthenon Reveals Its Glory After Almost 2 Decades

The Acropolis, Greece’s most famous and historically important landmark, has experienced a remarkable change. For the first time in about 20 years, visitors to Athens ...
Beach in Mani Peninsula, Peloponnese
BlogIn The News

Tourism Growth Confirms the Peloponnese’s Growing International Appeal

Rising Tourism Puts the Peloponnese in the International Spotlight Something special is happening in the Peloponnese. Once mainly known to Greeks and a few in-the-know ...
New EU Entry/Exit System
BlogIn The News

New EU Entry/Exit System: What Non-EU Travellers to Greece Need to Know

If you’re one of the many people who love hopping over to Greece for the sun, the sea, and all its beautiful places, there’s something ...
BlogHistory & Culture

Famous People and Artists Who Bought Homes in Greece

Greece has long been more than just a holiday destination. For decades, writers, musicians, and artists have chosen it not only for its beauty but ...
Press Releases

Press Release: Quality, Not Trend, Now Defines Greece’s Holiday Home Market

“Greece is moving up a league. It is no longer a market of opportunities; it is a market of trust and stability.” With these words, ...
Best European Destination
BlogIn The News

Greece Named Best European Destination for 2025 at the Danish Travel Awards

Greek Tourism Triumphs: First Place at Danish Travel Awards 2025  Greece, a growing destination with increasing demand for holiday homes from foreign buyers, has achieved ...
Your search results

Compare Listings

Featured in

Receive the latest news

Join over 20.000 subscribers and stay informed on the latest market insights, updates, tips and more

We’ll send you our best articles, expert insights and newest listings.​

Personalized Greek Real Estate Guidance

Tell us more and our team of real estate specialists will get in touch! 

This quick form takes less than a minute to complete. We only need minimal information to get started.

Step 1 of 3

Your inquiry will be reviewed within 24 hours on business days.