Olives Over Noto

Perched above the Sicilian countryside, this honey-stone villa brings you beautiful views across olive groves and the sea glittering on the horizon. The salt-water pool sits on an open panoramic terrace made for long afternoons, while a pergola-shaded dining area lets you take breakfast with the whole valley spread out before you. Each bedroom opens onto its own relaxation terrace via French windows, and the terraced gardens feel quietly timeless. Noto's UNESCO-listed baroque cathedral and the turquoise beaches of the Ionian coast are both within reach.

Home truths:
* You'll need a car to get around – the villa sits in the countryside and while Noto is a ten-minute drive away, beaches, nature reserves, and nearby towns all require driving. There is parking on site for three cars.
* The main entrance is reached via an external flight of thirty steps from street level. If that's a concern, the lower level can be accessed separately via six steps from the parking area.
* The living area, kitchen, and guest bathroom sit on the upper floor, while all three bedrooms are on the lower floor.
* Due to this home's remote location, you might find that the phone signal is patchy from time to time.