THE FACTS ABOUT VILLA MAPAL

Italy Sicily

Villa Mapal is a grand, butter-yellow, Liberty-style property with views of Noto, a UNESCO-protected baroque town, from its pool terrace. Four of the five en-suite bedrooms lead off the living room, with another off the dining area (two are interconnected). It is a comfortable house with some fine old furniture mixed with bits and bobs (a bulbous leather sofa in one bedroom; a rattan chair in another) a short drive or taxi ride from shops and restaurants, excellent sightseeing and the pleasant seaside resort of Lido di Noto. There is a tiny formal topiary garden under a large palm tree but otherwise the grounds are mostly taken up with the swimming pool and dining terraces in front, and a vine-covered patio with a barbecue and pizza oven at the back. Indoor communal spaces are limited to the handsome central living room, with its arched doorways and high ceilings, fireplace and oriental rugs, informal dining room and kitchen, which is well-equipped and pleasantly decorated, if a bit small for the house. SLEEPS 10 BEST FOR Inter-generational family gatherings WHY This is a particularly lovely part of Sicily, with good beaches, a nature reserve and historically significant hilltop villages WHY NOT Although quiet enough, there are roads on either side of the villa COST £6,412-£7,630 per week CONTACT WIMCO (0870 850 1144; www.wimco.co.uk