The present occupier of that other White House may never get an opportunity to stay in this superbly appointed villa, which is a shame because the views across the Ithaka Channel to the forests and mountains of Kefalonia and the sunsets would undoubtedly lift the spirits and allow the cares of the world to drift away.

The villa is certainly an excellent match for the view. By carefully combining the use of traditional stone and wood with the latest in contemporary fixtures and fittings, the Villa Lefki is the perfect holiday home from home.

Lefki village, a straggle of houses perched between mountain and sea has a distinguished history out of all proportion to its diminutive size. During the last war it was used as a staging post for escaping allied prisoners. The inhabitants took huge risks to hide the escapees until such time as their onward journeys to safety could be arranged. In recognition of their sacrifice the British Government funded the rebuilding of the village after the great Earthquake of 1953.

The echoes of war are thankfully very faint now. What remains is an ideal base for a peaceful holiday. One of Ithaka’s finest beaches at Agios Ioannis is a mere 5 minutes’ drive down a quiet road. Old mule tracks criss-cross fertile olive and citrus groves, passing ancient cisterns and wells. Stavros the main centre of northern Ithaka with its shops, tavernas and bakery is ten minutes away by car whilst Vathi is only a little further away in the other direction, along a good road that follows the spectacular spine of the island.

The interior of the house with its spacious master bedroom, luxurious grand double bed complemented by an elegant open plan lounge/dining room and a fully fitted modern kitchen. The accommodation also includes a large twin-bedded room with en-suite shower and toilet.

A magnificent view requires an equally superb viewpoint and the raised terrace with its large totally private swimming pool does just that. This is one White House fit for any president!