Relax and recharge at this breathtakingly beautiful villa situated in a secluded spot on the lower slopes of Mount Etna. Its location makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the stunning volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife and fascinating history of the area.

Inside, the villa offers a perfectly blended mix of traditional features and modern design. Think contemporary furnishings sitting beneath soaring vaulted ceilings and a glass and steel gym that leads out to charming terracotta-tiled terraces overlooking the immaculate gardens. We can think of little better than whiling away away your days stretched out under cloudless skies, interrupting your relaxation only for cooling dips in the private pool, games of table football and ping pong, and light lunches in the shade of the covered terrace.

If you can tear yourself away, the centre of Catania is 16.5km away. Its Palazzo della Cultura regularly hosts fascinating exhibitions by internationally renowned artists. As unconventional as it sounds, there's a row of coffin showrooms in Via Castello Ursino that's worth walking down en route to dinner and drinks by the castle walls. It'll certainly make for a talking point with friends when you head home.

For a more romantic aesthetic, Syracuse lies an hour south. Known for its fascinating ancient Greek and Roman history and the lovely island of Ortigia, it also offers its fair share of bustling bars and a thriving culinary scene.

Home truths:
*At capacity, one guest will be sleeping on a sofa bed
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*As the villa is split across two levels, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request
*You'll need a car to explore the area – there's ample on-site parking available
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace