Twenty-five minutes by car from Noto, where sights like the 18th-century Nicolaci Palace are sure to catch your eye, this countryside abode gives you a different taste of history. Take a forty-five-minute stroll into the nearest town of Rosolini, pick up some local wines, fresh Italian fare, and hunker down for the long haul – you won’t want to leave this villa in any hurry.

Surrounded by natural groves of olive and almond trees, the rural setting of this home paves the way for its traditional elements. Its interiors feature gorgeous barn-style, wooden doors, an alcove fireplace, vintage furnishings, and a country kitchen with a wood-burning oven. But while you might enjoy this atmosphere of old-world Italy, recent renovation work also brings it into 21st-century luxe.

From the private, saltwater pool, to the ping pong table, to the shiny chrome and white kitchen, modernity comes into play in the most tasteful way. As you sip a chilled glass of prosecco and peruse the pool terrace, it’s easy to imagine an elegant dinner this evening under the pergolas and alfresco dining areas. And it’s even easier when the host can arrange for a private chef to come over and do it for you.

Home truths:
*Private parking is available on-site
*Your host provides a cot
*The entrance is private to your home
*There are two kitchens – a modern one, and an original stone one with a wood-burning oven which can be accessed from outside (firewood is not provided for this)
*The private, saltwater pool is open from March 1st until November 30th (there's also an outdoor shower for rinsing off)
*There's a dedicated workspace, plus laptop-friendly spots like the dining table
*Included in your stay, you'll get a welcome basket with breakfast items, a weekly clean, bed linen and pool towel changes once a week, and bath towel changes twice a week