Liri Valley Pastoral

A vast outdoor pool set within a sprawling estate in the Aurunci Park is a strong enough draw on its own – but this villa in the Liri Valley goes considerably further. The panoramic terrace looks out over rolling hills, the professional kitchen in the basement is set up for serious cooking, and the optional spa annexe adds an indoor heated pool, sauna, and Turkish bath to the mix. Pontecorvo's shops and restaurants are 3.5km away, and the beaches of Gaeta and Sperlonga are under an hour's drive.

Home truths:
* The accommodation here is set across the main villa and a separate three-bedroom annexe. Two of the annexe bedrooms are connected, making them a good option for families with young children.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair. Bear in mind the villa spans four levels across two buildings, so it's worth planning which bedrooms suit younger children.
* The professional kitchen is on the basement floor, while the main living and dining areas are on the ground floor above – so meals will involve carrying food or dishes between levels.
* The outdoor pool is open from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October, so if you're visiting outside those months you won't have access to it.
* You'll need a car here. The nearest town is 3.5km away, the estate sits inside a national park in a rural valley, and the beaches require up to an hour's drive.