This villa rests on a hillside, 600 metres from Cala Mazzo di Sciacca beach. If you want to explore traditional Sicilian cuisine and wine in the local bars, the seaside village of Scopello sits prettily nearby. The coastline here is dotted with sweeps of soft sand and crystalline water, and the nature reserve of Zingaro is in the area.

The home’s burnt-sienna facade is striking against a near-constant blue sky, and a terracotta roof and wooden shutters speak of old-world Sicily. In the private garden, olive trees shade the outdoor kitchen and the group can dine with a view of the endless sea. A bamboo pergola keeps things cool in the outdoor lounge and, when the heat gets too much, there’s a plunge-style swimming pool to cool off. The interior is crisp and clear with pops of sea-blue and turquoise matching the view from the corner windows.

Home truths:
*Bedroom 3 is an open mezzanine level above the living room with a very low ceiling so would be best suited to children who don't mind climbing a ladder
*In a fairly remote location, having a car is recommended and there is private parking
*The beach is 600 metres away but it is downhill, so be prepared for a climb on the way back if you are walking
*This swimming pool is quite small so is better used as a plunge pool to cool off from the heat
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*The swimming pool isn't fenced, so children will need to be supervised at all times
*During high season (24th June to 8th September 2023) both check-in and check-out must be on Saturday