Surrounded by farmland and olive trees in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed region of Val di Noto, this nineteenth-century villa is as Sicilian as it comes. The honey-coloured stone building is a thing of beauty and is full of pleasant surprises, from terraces with sumptuous views and pretty coloured tiles in the bathroom to a traditional fireplace. Many of the walls are painted a cooling shade of white and there's also a pair of minimalist four-poster beds to squabble over. Outside is where you'll find the real showstopper, though — a temptingly blue swimming pool surrounded by a stone wall, loungers and a pagoda for escaping the sunshine. Keep wandering around the grounds and you'll come across a vegetable garden, aromatic plants and a cute courtyard ideal for long lunches. When you're in the mood for days out, the historic town of Ragusa lies twenty-five minutes away in the car, while it's possible to get to the beach at Marina di Ragusa in under twenty. Your host can also arrange weddings for up to eighty people upon request in the ancient warehouse or Mediterranean garden facing the olive orchard.

Home truths:
*The swimming pool is only available between May and October
*Although the home is split across two floors, there are bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor — one of these has been modified with a shower seat, step-free access and grab bars
*This is a period property and like many of these historic homes, there's a slight damp issue – some guests might be sensitive to this
*The stone patio is shared with the custodian of the villa and the host's father, who live in apartments in the same complex
*There's free parking available on the premises
*A cot, high chair and babysitter recommendations can be provided if required