The Place
This superb, hacienda-like hideaway among pine and olive trees is at the end of a very rough track, perched on a hill overlooking wide open farmland, pastures and pine woods, and with serious mountain slopes on the further horizon. The red-painted, pantiled bungalows were purpose-built in 1988 and surround a lovely old Venetian mansion, dating from the 17thC and with mellow distressed paint and plaster that would be the envy of many a designer.
Each villa has a sitting/dining room, double bedroom and two divan beds, as well as its own share of a gravel patio area with white plastic sun loungers. There are more of these by the pool, which is on a terrace under the shade of orange, almond and olive trees and the evenings are scented by the flowers of citrus and jasmine.
The reception area was once an olive press and is a cool, dark vaulted space with a bar in a corner, cobbled floor, heavy dark wood beams supporting the roof and three cafe tables. The massive old wooden oil press and stone grinding wheels are still in place, and a small stone well in the garden outside is still in use. This is mainly a spot for those who like the flexibility of self-catering, as service is limited to twice-weekly cleaning and linen change, though breakfast can be served on request.