A Portrait of Rusticana

A Portrait of Rusticana: Sicily

This villa in Sicily’s coastal hills feels like the epitome of barefoot luxury. A hammock strung up above the swimming pool or a double day bed shaded by palm fronds are the boho-chic spots to laze the days away. Exploring the sprawling gardens, you’ll soon figure out that this place has been designed with days outdoors in mind. The grounds are dotted with twisting cacti, yucca and gnarled old olive trees. It’s hard to choose a favourite spot – it could be the gravel terrace where tables and chairs take full advantage of the hilltop location, facing out over the stunning sea view. Or it might be the full outdoor kitchen, shaded by a loggia-style roof and decked out like the buzzing heart of an Italian farmhouse with a gas stove, sink and all kinds of mod cons.

The place is pure rusticana inside too, from the wooden ceilings to the tiled floors. Trinkets and knick-knacks shamble on shelves and pot plants and dried flowers fill the little, old-school kitchen area. We love the feel of the main bedroom, where the headboard is hand-painted and the walls are adorned with local works of art.

In the area, you've got the beautiful coastal town of Cefalù a short drive away. It's home to one of Sicily's finest beaches and you'll find the whole coastline here dotted with secluded bays. On the whole, staying here feels like discovering an artist’s secret retreat.

Home truths:
*Public transport and the nearest shop are both over 1.5km away, so having a car is recommended
*The indoor kitchenette just has a two-hob stove and no oven, but there is a full outdoor kitchen
*There is private, outdoor parking within the fenced grounds of this home
*Your host can provide a cot for infants on request
*This home is all on ground level, so it may suit those with limited mobility
*The swimming pool isn't fenced, so children will need to be supervised at all times
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*You'll have your own private entrance here