Richard and Patricia Cookson first visited Corfu in 1968, invited by a friend who regularly travelled there to play cricket in the Old Town square. Instantly captivated by the island’s beauty and charm, they returned frequently, forging deep connections with locals and introducing friends from the UK to their newfound paradise. As their love for Corfu grew, so did requests from friends back home seeking houses to rent.
Almost by accident, Corfu Villas was born in 1972. For decades, the company dominated the island’s villa rental market, earning an exceptional reputation and a loyal customer base. As demand expanded, so did the business—renamed CV Travel, it introduced villas across Europe. By the time of its sale in 2002, CV Travel had become one of the most recognised brands for discerning villa holidays in the UK.
Alongside building their business, the Cooksons purchased a secluded plot in the north‐east of Corfu—then accessible only by boat or a rugged track—and Villa Yeraki became the family’s Greek home.
Summers here were a blend of work and pleasure, shaping our founder Nick Cookson’s deep‐rooted understanding of the villa experience. After years working in London’s high-end real estate market, Nick Cookson launched Villa Collective in 2016—continuing the family legacy under a fresh, independent brand in a transformed industry.
The beginnings of the Cookson villa legacy in Corfu
Growing up immersed in the villa world and mastering hospitality.
The evolution of Villa Collective and the enduring traditions of returning families.
