THE FACTS ABOUT TORRE CASTELVETRANO

Italy Sicily

This characterful old farmhouse with a crenellated tower is in the rural south-west near the ruins (and beaches) at Selinunte. Set in exotic gardens with a free-form swimming pool and a large pond with a waterfall, it is surrounded by three hectares of orange and olive groves. A large, two-bedroom cottage with its own entrance and pool has been built some distance away, and is rented separately or with the main house. Both are stylishly decorated with Afghan leather sofas, African-print fabrics and terracotta floors. All the bedrooms are about the same size and have contemporary bathrooms. SLEEPS 12 in the main house; four in the cottage BEST FOR Big family get togethers WHY The beautiful setting; security of an on-site caretaker WHY NOT If you only take the main house, you may have close neighbours COST £2,821-£5,041 per week for house and cottage CONTACT Tuscany Now (020 7684 8884; www.tuscanynow.com)