Perched just 10 metres from the seafront, this sprawling villa is a calming retreat surrounded by perfumed Mediterranean gardens and furnished terraces, where lapping waves and gentle bird song lull you into a relaxed state. Inside, it’s elegant yet homespun with antique furniture in the living rooms and plenty of mod-cons in the kitchen. Spend afternoons lolling about on a lounger before cooling off with a dip in the pool. When hunger strikes, come together for a feast of fresh Sicilian produce on the patio – release your inner grillardin at the barbecue or call upon the help of a private chef if you’d prefer to leave it up to the professionals. Stroll along the sandy beach just 500 metres from your doorstep, then drive over to Syracuse for an afternoon of culture and history. Discover the Neapolis Archaeological Park, peruse the artisanal shops and explore the island of Ortigia. Return home in the early evening with a bottle of fizz, ready to watch the sun plunge into the Ionian Sea from your balcony – trust us, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss. Home truths: *Parking is available on the premises *There's a dedicated study here if you need to catch up on some work during your stay *At full capacity, one guest will sleep on the sofa bed in the study *Your host can provide high chair and cots upon request *The swimming pool isn't fenced, so children will need to be supervised at all times *A lovely housekeeper lives in the basement apartment of the villa – they provide a daily cleaning and tidying service