When Life Gives You Lemons

When Life Gives You Lemons: Sicily

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.

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