There’s a stylishly simple look and feel to this lovely old farmhouse in southern Sicily. It’s private, comfortable and very relaxation-inducing, with soft country hues and cream washed walls throughout and a classic-feel interior that’s elegantly charming. The large swimming pool and gorgeous gardens are a villa highlight – you’ll feel wholly immersed into the lovely countryside with the tranquil views and natural hay bale decoration, and there’s a contemporary pool deck, with loungers and a wooden day bed, for maximum villa relaxation.

The property’s traditional dry stone walls have been restored in the style typical of the area. There’s a large outdoor stone terrace that runs alongside the house, with a huge wooden table and bench area for al fresco dining, and clusters of rattan nesting chairs for the best in villa lounging. Beautiful bougainvillea and a thatched roof add pretty touches to this open-air setting. Inside, the villa is perfectly pared  back – it’s cosy and keeps in touch with the natural style of the building, and is spaciously laid out on just one level. There are six very spacious bedrooms with lovely high ceilings, decorated in a contemporary neutral style. All are en suite and are mostly king size – but there are two single beds on a loft bedroom are accessed via a staircase from one of the doubles. Two of the doubles are slightly more private, with access only available externally from the garden. Bringing the outside feels in are the rattan sofas in the villa’s living room – they’re quirky but comfortable and go perfectly with the bespoke coffee table and rustic decoration. There’s also a lovely stone corner fireplace which is an instant eye-catcher. The soft grey tones of the galley-style kitchen completes the ground floor; it has a modern country style with a comforting high-spec, and there’s another good sized wooden dining table for indoor meals.

Dimora del Barocco is indulgently surrounded by country views, but is actually within 2km of a nearby grocery store and restaurant – you’re also just a short 7km drive from the sandy stretch of Sampieri beach. The beautiful baroque towns of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto region are all within driving distance of the villa, too (Scicli is just 9km away).