THE FACTS ABOUT VILLA MISTRIUS

France Corsica

Villa Mistrius is a square, stone house set on a hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, just outside the port and only 15 minutes' drive from the beaches at Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. The entrance is to one side of the house, down some stairs that also lead to the swimming pool, which is built into the red-rock cliff face. Just beyond the pebbled pool terrace is a huge wooden deck suspended above the road, from which there are wonderful sea views. The interior is less grand. French windows open from the terrace to the open-plan sitting/dining room, which has a big fireplace, simple whitewashed walls, stone floors and beamed ceilings; furnishings are restricted to a comfortable leather sofa and a simple wooden table and chairs. There are two double bedrooms and one twin-bedded room (all small but functional) and one shower room. The kitchen is fully equipped. SLEEPS Six BEST FOR A small family with older children who want to be near the most popular beaches and a lively nightlife scene. WHY The views from the terrace WHY NOT Only one bathroom; the jumble of furnishings falls short of stylish; worrisome heights for toddlers COST From £444 per person per week based on six sharing, including flights and car hire. CONTACT Corsican Affair (020 7385 8438; http://www.corsicanaffair.co.uk)