Longtime best friends Alan Carr and Amanda Holden, who first met over twenty years ago, have recently put their enduring friendship to the ultimate test by tackling a daunting home renovation project. The dynamic duo documented this ambitious endeavour in the latest series of their BBC programme, Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job, where they took on the challenge of refurbishing a vacant stone villa located in the tranquil village of Kokkini on the island of Corfu.
The 'Alamanda' Villa: A Mediterranean Masterpiece
The property, now christened 'Alamanda' in a playful nod to its celebrity renovators, has officially been listed for sale on Rightmove. Priced at €675,000 (approximately £589,700), this two-bedroom home boasts captivating sea views and has been meticulously restored. According to the official listing, the villa was "fully and sensitively restored by a well-known local developer," successfully blending interesting design features and modern amenities with a wealth of traditional character.
A Tour of the Renovated Home
The villa is surrounded by a neatly fenced and well-pruned garden, enhancing its rustic charm. Upon entering the ground floor, visitors are greeted by a fabulous country-style kitchen featuring a high beamed ceiling. Custom-built units with elegant marble worktops provide ample practical workspace, while large windows allow natural light to flood the room. The original stone flagged floor has been carefully restored and re-laid, contributing significantly to the home's authentic, rustic atmosphere.
Stone stairs lead from the kitchen to a spacious and inviting living room. This light-filled area cleverly houses a large dining table at one end and a comfortable seating area at the other, creating a perfect space for relaxation and entertainment. The wood-beamed ceiling and light floor tiles further enhance the room's relaxed, country ambience.
Upstairs Retreats and Unique Features
The two double bedrooms are located upstairs, accessed via an external staircase that leads to a traditional 'bodzo'—an open terrace. A hallway with a mezzanine level, which offers potential for extra accommodation, opens into the bedrooms, each of which enjoys its own picturesque sea view. The bathroom has been spectacularly revamped, featuring a large, custom-built circular bathtub and vibrant, colourful tiles.
Throughout the property, distinctive blue windows and doors inject a genuine Greek aesthetic, perfectly complementing the local architecture. The village of Kokkini is situated a short drive inland from the popular area of Agios Stefanos and is also conveniently close to the well-known seaside town of Kassiopi, making it an ideal location for both tranquility and accessibility.
A Charitable Endeavour
In a heartwarming conclusion to their renovation journey, all proceeds from the sale of the 'Alamanda' villa will be split equally and donated to two major British charities: Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need. This philanthropic gesture ensures that the friends' challenging project will ultimately support worthy causes, adding a layer of meaningful purpose to their impressive property transformation.
