Richard first arrived in Greece in 2001, fresh from completing an apprenticeship in traditional and modern boatbuilding. Joining a flotilla sailing company, he soon became a skipper, exploring the beautiful Ionian Islands and discovering Fiskardo, a charming Venetian fishing village that stole his heart. When the company opened a new base in the harbour, Richard jumped at the chance to make Fiskardo his permanent home, taking on the role of resort manager.
Together with his wife, Sarah, Richard bought land and built their own home overlooking the ever-changing Ionian Sea. As their family grew, so did an idea. Spotting a gap in the villa management market, Richard founded Ionian Property Services (IPS). Starting with just one villa, the business has grown to manage more than thirty properties. Today, Richard oversees the Reservations and Bookings side of the business, helping ensure guests find their perfect Ionian escape.
More than two decades on, Richard’s love for the region is as strong as ever. From breathtaking scenery and sparkling seas to Fiskardo’s buzzing summer atmosphere and the warmth of the Kefalonian people, there’s always something to enjoy. But it’s that special, almost mysterious magic of the place that keeps Richard captivated and brings so many visitors back year after year.
Will is based in the UK and oversees the rental side of the business. He and Richard first met at school and one visit to Kefalonia back in 2006 was all it took to get him hooked on the island. Will spent twelve years working in design agencies before founding PocknellBaird, a brand, strategy and design business. Will has a deep love for motorcycles as well as Kefalonia and hopes one day to be able to blend the two.
Fern is UK-based and now leads the Marketing, PR and Advertising side of the business, helping to grow the IPS brand and share everything that makes Kefalonia so special. Having fallen in love with the island years ago, she’s been enjoying its many charms ever since and brings that passion to her work, connecting owners and guests with the unique magic of the Ionian.
Born into a farming family in the Peloponnese, Vasilis initially trained as an electrician, with his career taking him all the way to Switzerland to work on CERN’s extraordinary Large Hadron Collider project. It was there that a chance meeting with another Greek, whose home was in Kefalonia, set him on a new path. Persuaded to make the move, Vasilis soon found himself on the island and IPS considers itself very lucky that he did.
Now with IPS for over 10 years, Vasilis has well and truly fallen for Kefalonia. His only complaint? That working here leaves him too little time to enjoy it! From spectacular sunsets and dramatic landscapes to crystal-clear seas and dazzling star-filled skies, he loves it all. But his favourite sight has to be the full moon rising majestically above Ithaca, a little reminder of just how special island life can be.
Richard, Director
Will, Director
Fern, Marketing, PR & Advertising Manager
Vasilli, Head House Manager
Established in 2008, Ionian Property Services (IPS) is a local and friendly business based on the Erissos Peninsula of Kefalonia. We rent holiday homes and provide tailored property management services for domestic and commercial properties in Kefalonia.