Nested in the Modica countryside, this elegant terracotta-toned villa provides an idyllic base for families and friends seeking a rural Sicilian retreat. You'll find it just outside the beautiful Baroque city of Scicli – spend the afternoon admiring the impressive and ornate architecture and sampling the local cuisine in an authentic restaurant.

During the long summer days, you can while away the hours stretched out on the poolside loungers with a book or make the most of the sparkling pool. We love its freeform shape and stoned border that slowly cascades into deeper depths – it's perfect if you’re visiting with young children. When the sun goes down, fire up the barbecue and enjoy an alfresco feast of aubergine caponata, grilled red prawns and artichokes – the outdoor dining table surrounded by palm trees creates the perfect setting.

Inside, the home is modern and stylish with crisp white walls, soft blue accents and botanical plants – it’s a blissful space to unwind after a day in the sun. We particularly love the contemporary kitchen – why not whip up a cheeseboard of Ragusa’s well-known cheeses to share with a glass of Nero d’Avola?

Home truths:
*There are ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms here for those with limited mobility
*Bedrooms three and four have pull-out trundle beds – the other two bedrooms have single mattresses pushed together to create double beds
*There is no air conditioning in the living room
*The swimming pool is only available for use between 1st April and 31st October – it isn't fenced in, so children will need to be supervised
*Your host will provide you with a welcome pack
*Due to the location of this home, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay – there is parking available here
*The closest supermarket is 2km away and the closest beach is 18km
*Well-behaved pets are welcome to join you during your stay