Diana's Mirror

Perched inside an ancient volcanic crater in the Castelli Romani Park, this villa looks out over Lake Nemi on one side and the plains south of Rome – with a distant glimpse of the Tyrrhenian Sea – on the other. Built from three shades of local volcanic stone, its character runs deep, and a fenced Mediterranean garden of bay hedges, olive trees, and oleanders wraps it in privacy. Terraces at every turn invite long evenings outside, while inside, French windows pull the garden light into the living space. It's a short walk into the charming village of Nemi, and Rome is under an hour by car if you fancy day out.

Home truths:
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay. There's free parking for up to eight cars on the driveway.
* At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on a sofa bed in the study.
* You'll only have air conditioning in the bedrooms here – the living areas and kitchen rely on natural ventilation, so bear that in mind if you're visiting in the height of summer.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair. You'll need to request them in advance.
* The villa sits on a rocky, hilly hillside inside a volcanic crater, so you'll encounter slopes and steps both in the garden and when moving between outdoor areas. It might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
* The swimming pool is only available for use between the last Saturday in April and the first Saturday in October.