Casa Pantaleo, Sardinia

Take in sweeping valley vistas as you arrive at the beautiful Casa Pantaleo. Nestled amongst lush Mediterranean greenery on a private hilltop vineyard, the charming stone villa commands prime position overlooking the valley below.

From a distance, you’d be fooled into thinking this was your average Italian farmhouse, crumbling seamlessly into the picturesque countryside in this unspoilt corner of the Costa Smeralda. Up close, the villa is far from traditional though, with stylish contemporary décor and all the mod-cons you’d expect from a luxury home-away-from-home.

The luxury villa was designed for family and friends to come together and there are plenty of spots to do just that, while still reserving space for those who want to escape for a moment of solitude. Enjoy splashing in the outdoor swimming pool, admiring the rocky views from the Jacuzzi, or dining al fresco on the terrace.

Inside, the villa is light, bright, and spacious. The five bedrooms all feature neutral décor that helps you relax and unwind after the heat of the day, while the open-plan kitchen and living room has a subtle seaside theme and is quite literally an extension of the outdoor entertaining areas – with bi-fold doors out onto the pool terrace and garden beyond.

It would be easy to spend your stay here simply enjoying the space, but for those who want to do some exploring, the idyllic village of San Pantaleo is within a short walk and the nearby coast is just a stone’s throw away.

Situated just a short drive or 15-minute walk from the village of San Pantaleo, Casa Pantaleo is perfectly positioned to enjoy some authentic Sardinian cuisine and a slice of local life.

The nearest beach is just 6.5km away and there are several more within a 10km radius.

Olbia Airport is located less than a 30-minute drive to the south.

The villa is hired on a self-catering basis and keen chefs will certainly enjoy the multitude of spaces for cooking here. Inside, the state-of-the-art kitchen features dual ovens and all the usual appliances, but it’s outside that you’ll find the real treats, in the form of a mean gas BBQ and traditional pizza oven.

The covered outdoor terrace seats all 12 guests at the dining table comfortably, as does the inside dining room. Alternatively, split parents and kids up by giving the little ones their own dining spot in the outdoor kitchen area or garden.

For those who prefer being cooked for, there are several lovely restaurants just down the road in San Pantaleo, which the villa manager can recommend and book for you. Alternatively, opt to pay for in-villa catering in the form of a fun wood-fired pizza night.

Children will love Casa Pantaleo just as much as their parents. Expect lots of fun and games in the sun, from splashing around the pool to intense table tennis tournaments and hide and seek in the expansive gardens.

The hot tub will no doubt also be a firm favourite and is the perfect way to ensure parents get some peace and quiet after dinner. And on the subject of food, what child wouldn’t love the idea of making their own pizza in the outdoor pizza oven?

For later in the evenings, the media room with its 65-inch smart TV means there are sure to be a few movie nights too.

Or for a special treat why not charter the owner’s Chris-Craft launch for a half-day excursion to explore the Costa Smeralda’s gorgeous coastline, with a boat-captain and picnic?

Please note that young children will need supervision at the villa as the pool is unfenced.  A baby-cot and star-gates are provided.