Villa PetraItaly, Sicily

Sicilian restored farmhouse with large pool - Situated in the countryside on the edge the UNESCO world heritage site of Ragusa, this villa is bursting with unique character, as a result of a meticulous restoration of the original farmhouse. Despite being surrounded by fields and olive groves, shops and restaurants are close at hand; Punta Secca’s sandy beach is just under ten miles away and many Baroque towns such as Modica, Scicli and Vittoria are within a short drive of Villa Petra.

So called for the use of stone as the main building material together with wood and straw, Villa Petra is a superb example of craftsmanship and restorative architecture, successfully preserving the villa's distinctive rural identity. The accommodation is arranged around the ancient courtyard, which connects the main villa and the charming one-bedroomed cottage complete with an airy art studio and a lovely rooftop sun-terrace. Surrounded by a dry-stone dwarf-wall and olive groves, the pool is particularly suitable for children and is the ideal spot in which one can keep cool and refreshed during the hottest hours of the day.

When you tire of the tranquillity of the villa's rural surroundings, head to the beautiful and wealthy town of Ragusa Ibla (= meaning old town), just ten miles away. Used as the setting of the popular Inspector Montalbano’s TV series, this spectacular Baroque town was re-built at the beginning of the 18th century like nearby Vittoria, Scicli and Modica. These towns have a unique atmosphere which can only be found in this part of Sicily; the dramatic views, decorated buildings and steep winding lanes lined with a wealth of elegant shops and restaurants. The coast is also remarkable in this area, mostly featuring sandy beaches as opposed to the cliffs and rocky bays typical of the northern coast. Many lively seaside resorts offer beach clubs and watersports.

Nearest shops and restaurants 5 miles. Sandy beach Punta Secca 8 miles. Ragusa Ibla & railway station 8 miles. Marina di Ragusa 10 miles.