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10 of the best villas in Italy with a pool
10 of the best villas in Italy with a pool

Times

time5 days ago

  • Times

10 of the best villas in Italy with a pool

Whether you're dreaming of golden vineyard views from a Tuscan terrace, your own briny beach house on a far-flung Sicilian island, or a cool modernist monolith on the shores of Lake Como, the one thing most of us can probably agree on when it comes to a summertime villa is that it's better with a pool. We've picked some of the best, from a curvaceous cave house with a palm-fringed infinity pool on the sands of Panarea to an architect's crisp Le Corbusier-style getaway north of Siracusa that brings the water in — plus a noble villa in the north that not only comes with three swimming spots, but a driver to transport you between them. Enjoy. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue £££ | Sleeps 8 No slapdash modern builders here: the Romans made the pool at Zu Nillu, and it has been a fixture ever since, in this labyrinthine stone quarry in the Egadi Islands off Sicily's western flank. The theatrical tufa house descends from ground level into the void, furnished with tasteful antiques and surrounded by a vibrant Mediterranean garden. Roof spaces afford jaw-dropping views over the bay of Cala Rossa, with a barbecue for long, lazy lunches. There's an alfresco bathroom out among the carob trees, and a gate from the garden to a private path that takes you down to the sea. • Read our full guide to Sicily ££ | Sleeps 8 At the heart of a sprawling olive grove in Puglia, Tenuta Fonte reminds you that the deep roots of the south are as Greek as they are Roman. Yet the interiors of this neat white cube are all Italian in style, with mid-century classic furnishings and bold colours the backdrop to your stay. The saltwater pool is just one highlight in the secluded grounds: there's also an outdoor kitchen, pick-your-own vegetable garden and plenty of shady spaces to eat and lounge. The sandy beach at Torre Canne is ten minutes away by car. • Discover our full guide to Italy £££ | Sleeps 12 Nowhere in Italy is a rental more likely to break the bank than Capri, but if you're in the market for an off-season oasis with views out across the Tyrrhenian Sea from its smart little pool, Villa Platani is 'The One'. Glued dramatically onto the cliffside, this modernist 12-bedder is an exercise in restrained luxe — all white linen, bleached wood and basketweave within, bougainvillea, roses and jasmine on the terraces without. A private funicular connects you to La Piazzetta, Capri's main square, for the ritziest passeggiata you'll ever see, and a chef is available on request to add to the sense of occasion. • More of the best luxury villas in Italy ££ | Sleeps 20 Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the sleepy Val di Pesa, Villa Chiantisol offers the classic Tuscan dream: a vast honey-stone farmhouse at the end of a sloping drive, with lush green hills and low vineyard terraces as far as the eye can see. Interiors are a cool mix of traditional terracotta, oak and linen — the decorator got funky with the bedroom finishes — but it's the outside spaces that thrill. A knockout sunken pool and Jacuzzi promise lazy afternoons in the sun, while a series of smart loggias offer far-reaching views and some welcome afternoon shade. • Best vineyard hotels in Tuscany £££ | Sleeps 10 A brand-new lakefront build on Como's western shore, Villa Audace is a stunner. This modern five-bedroom masterpiece has all the design boxes ticked: wraparound windows, timber cladding, poured-concrete floors, stainless-steel kitchen and classic furnishings from the school of Poltrona Frau. From the waterside infinity pool you get views out to pretty Isola Comacina, while a hot tub and sauna offer alternative lounging possibilities. Extras include cookery lessons, yoga classes and spa treatments; you can order up a private chef; and a skippered boat is available to get you over to Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni on the nights you don't want to cook. • Best hotels in Lake Como ££ | Sleeps 10 Antika has an illustrious pedigree: this curvaceous seafront villa was designed and built by architect Paolo Tilche, who created the starry Hotel Raya on this smallest of the seven Aeolian Islands back in the 1950s. In addition to three white-cube guesthouses — Cactus, Wisteria and Bougainvillea — dotted about the volcanic gardens, Antika sleeps ten, with guests sharing a series of panoramic terraces and a meandering split-level living space. The decor is typically Aeolian: lofty cane ceilings, creamy plasterwork and weathered woods embrace built-in seats and recessed beds for an atmosphere of calm and cool. The palm-fringed infinity pool gives directly onto the sea. £££ | Sleeps 20 Less fly-and-flop, more stand-to-attention smart, Villa Sigurta, in the Veneto, boasts a liveried staff and three on-site pools — with a dedicated driver to transport you and your beach bag between them. This Palladian house — with three guest lodges — has hosted Napoleon III and our own King Charles in lavish splendour, yet the decor has a sense of fun, with trompe l'oeil frescoes and fantastical sculptures dotted about the place. Neighbouring Borghetto sul Mincio is a member of the Borghi piu Belli d'Italia — a club of Italy's most beautiful villages. It more than lives up to the billing. £ | Sleeps 4 Six miles south of the ancient Greek city of Siracusa, Villa Gadir could not look more modernist. It's hard to see where this Le Corbusier-style build ends and the saltwater pool begins, so skilfully do the two intertwine. The open-plan living and dining areas, and two bedrooms, all open onto the water, giving this bright white box a floating Tardis feel. The villa stands 50 metres from the sea, the Plemmirio marine reserve is a five-minute drive away and Sicily's baroque highlights of Ragusa, Noto and Modica are all within easy reach. ££ | Sleeps 6 Part of the Borgo Smeraldo resort, Villa Fichi d'India is one of seven new rentals, each with its own private pool, in the grounds of a boutique hotel between the Sardinian hotspots of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Suite-based accommodation is split between two low stone houses supported by chestnut beams — in the style of the local stazzi farmsteads — with a shared kitchen and living space styled in shades of green and grey. Guests can access the spectacular three-tier hilltop pool attached to the hotel, with views of the turquoise waters and silver sands of the Costa Smeralda nearby. • Discover our full guide to Sardinia £££ | Sleeps 10 This delightfully chic retreat on the Monte Argentario coast — described as 'the new Amalfi' — is owned by the decorator to Italy's coolest crowd. Sandwiched between the workaday fishing town of Porto Santo Stefano on one side, and the absurdly glamorous Hotel Pellicano and Porto Ercole on the other, Cacciarella is a villa for those in the know. Interiors are mid-century chic, finishes of the highest quality, and the garden pool and gym provide ample workout — and relaxation — opportunities. • Lake Como v Lake Garda: which one should you visit?• Best villas on the Amalfi Coast

$1.5 Million Homes in Crete, Greece
$1.5 Million Homes in Crete, Greece

New York Times

time23-05-2025

  • New York Times

$1.5 Million Homes in Crete, Greece

Rethymno | $1.53 million (€1.35 million) This three-story villa with a large courtyard is in the Old Town of Rethymno, on the northern coast of Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. Rethymno, with about 36,000 residents, faces the Aegean Sea and is the third largest city on Crete, situated between the larger metropolitan areas of Heraklion and Chania. Rethymno's Old Town dates mostly to the 16th century, when the Venetians controlled Crete and constructed a protective wall and the star-shaped Fortezza (the remains of which still exist) to protect the city from pirates. There are narrow alleys, mansions with Renaissance facades, picturesque arches and Venetian, Turkish and Egyptian monuments. The Venetian harbor, with its clusters of fishing boats, has a seafront promenade bordered by tavernas. The spires of Byzantine churches and the domes of historic mosques add flavor to Rethymno, which offers several museums and other cultural attractions. The Old Town is adjacent to the western end of the eight-mile beach on Rethymno Bay. Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis is about 45 miles west of Rethymno, and Heraklion International Airport is about 50 miles east. Size: 2,077 square feet Price per square foot: $737 Indoors: The three-bedroom, three-bath villa has been refurbished to retain historic details, including exposed stone, niches and arches, while adding modern amenities. Located behind the notable Rimondi Fountain in Rethymno's Old Town, the property has a large landscaped courtyard with an entrance that leads to an open living and dining/kitchen area. The kitchen has white cabinets and a white-painted wood ceiling framed by an arch. A wood staircase ascends to the second floor, where there are two en suite bedrooms. One bedroom has a balcony, and the other has a large traditional fireplace. The third floor has the primary en suite bedroom and a large terrace with views of the surrounding city. The house has air-conditioning and a security system. Outdoor space: The house has an expansive courtyard with bougainvillea and an orange tree, as well as two balconies on the second floor and a large terrace with a pergola on the third floor. Costs: Annual taxes are about 800 to 1,000 euros ($900 to $1,125). Typical closing costs, which include transfer tax and fees for the notary, lawyer, engineer and real estate agency, are 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price. Contact: Despina Laou | Greece Sotheby's International Realty | +30-210-968-1070 Plakias | $1.47 million (€1.3 million) These two contemporary villas, one with three bedrooms and one with two bedrooms, make up a self-contained complex near the tourist resort of Plakias, on the southern coast of Crete. The villas, perched in the hills with views of the Mediterranean Sea, sit about a half mile from Plakias, a resort area on Crete's southern coast where the main beach abuts mountains and sheer cliffs. Monasteries and traditional mountain villages, such as Myrthios and Asomatos, attract travelers, as do the gorges of Kotsifos and Kourtaliotis and the palm-fringed lake of Preveli with its junglelike forest. The town of Plakias is has a marina, banks, medical practices, pharmacies and gas stations. Entertainment options abound, from tavernas and hotels to businesses offering water sports, scuba diving and bicycle rentals. There is frequent bus service to Rethymno, which is about 20 miles north of Plakias. Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis is about 60 miles northwest of Plakias, and Heraklion International Airport is about 70 miles east. Size: 2,906 square feet Price per square foot: $506 Indoors: The two villas, one above the other, are connected by a stairway. Each has a swimming pool, floor-to-ceiling openings onto the pool areas, and skylights to illuminate the interiors. The upper villa is on three levels, and includes three en suite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and a living area with a fireplace. The kitchen has wood cabinets, an island and stone countertops. The two-story lower villa has a double-height living area that opens out to the pool and an open-plan kitchen with sleek black cabinets and an island. There are two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, including one with a large window overlooking the living area. Both villas are sold furnished and have air-conditioning. Outdoor space: The property has two swimming pools and several patios, balconies and terraces, including on the rooftops. Some are shaded by pergolas, including one with a barrel sauna. There is parking for four cars. Costs: Annual taxes are about 800 to 1,000 euros ($900 to $1,125). Typical closing costs, which include transfer tax and fees for the notary, lawyer, engineer and real estate agency, are 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price. Contact: Despina Laou | Greece Sotheby's International Realty | +30-210-968-1070 Ligaria | $1.47 million (€1.3 million) This six-bedroom, six-bath villa, built in 1986 and renovated in 2023, is in the hills near Ligaria, a resort village on the northern coast of central Crete. Ligaria is primarily known for its sheltered beach, situated in a turquoise bay protected from the frequent northwest winds, and offers activities including snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding and scuba diving. There are hotels, tavernas, beach bars and supermarkets. The nearby village of Agia Pelagia, also a resort area, has several hundred residents and a fuller range of services, while the city of Heraklion, with about 180,000 residents, is 30 minutes away. Ligaria is surrounded by traditional villages and the ruins of ancient civilizations. Larger cultural sites, such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos, are within 30 minutes, as is Heraklion International Airport. Size: 5,490 square feet Price per square foot: $268 Indoors: The main entrance is on the second floor. Doors open to a large open space with a dining area, a living area with a fireplace and doors to a terrace, and a second split-level living area that also opens to a terrace. The eat-in kitchen has royal blue cabinets and opens to a veranda for al fresco dining. Stairs descend to the first floor where the primary en suite bedroom opens to a large terrace. This level also has another bedroom, a gym, a linen room, a utility room and a garage, as well as access to the outdoor kitchen. The third floor has four en suite bedrooms. The villa is furnished and has air-conditioning. Outdoor space: The property, on slightly more than an acre, has a swimming pool, a barrel sauna and a covered outdoor kitchen and barbecue area. The indoor kitchen has a veranda for dining, and the primary bedroom has a large terrace. There are numerous terraces off the other bedrooms with views of the Aegean Sea. The property has a landscaped garden and garage parking. Costs: The annual property tax is about €1,216 ($1,375). Typical closing costs paid by the buyer on a home sale, which include transfer tax and fees for the notary, lawyer, engineer and real estate agency, are 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price. Contact: George Mouchsiadis | Grekodom Development | +30-697-250-4496

Moment skinny dipping pals dive naked into pool they thought was their private sanctuary – before making shock discovery
Moment skinny dipping pals dive naked into pool they thought was their private sanctuary – before making shock discovery

The Sun

time20-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Sun

Moment skinny dipping pals dive naked into pool they thought was their private sanctuary – before making shock discovery

THIS is the hilarious moment a pair of skinny dippers get a serious shock after they jump into their "private pool" - only to notice they aren't alone. Karina Horton, 24, and her friend Bella, 20, stripped off for a dip after treating themselves to a villa stay during their travels. 6 6 6 They were travelling around Bali, Indonesia, but decided they needed a touch of luxury along the way - so booked this modern, white-walled haven. Upon arrival at 6am, the women immediately ditched their clothes and threw themselves into the water to cool off. Believing themselves completely alone, the pair were stunned when a man emerged from his room to see what was going on. The villa turned out not to be private at all. Amusing footage shows the women splashing and swimming in the rectangular pool, making the most of their retreat. Suddenly, Bella spots the onlooker off camera and shrieks to alert Karina. The pair sheepishly wave at their unexpected guest as he hangs around to make small talk. A male voice can be heard saying: "You woke me up, where are you from?" They answer "Australia", before waiting for him to leave. They climb out of the water after he has retreated and hastily pull on their towels. Failed 'Dirty Dancing' lift leaves woman in hospital - and missing her front teeth The travellers shared their hilarious slip-up on TikTok, where the video has amassed 20million views. Karina said: 'We were expecting a private villa, not a shared one. "We wanted a swim in the pool after a hot travel day. "Then we jumped in, and a man came out of his room. 'We were shocked and surprised, but we then looked online and realised it wasn't advertised as shared or private.' The clip is captioned: "POV: we thought we booked a private villa but when we arrived at 6am we soon realised..." 6 6 Karina also shared some advice for her followers: 'Pro tip: check your villa is shared or private.' Karina, a photographer, and Bella, a business owner, from Australia, added: 'We are young and adapted to the setting fast for our safety. 'But to other travellers, check the room option photos and details. 'Not just the overall accommodation, as you never know what room you could get.' The clip has gathered 1.7 million likes and over 700 comments from users on TikTok. One person said: 'Omggg HAHAH are you guys skinny dipping.' Caoimhe added: 'The giggles, I can't.' Lara said: 'I'm dying.' Jaida said: 'Omg this is too funny!' Kennedy added: 'Skinny dipping as soon as you get there is crazy.' The pair were travelling in Bali, Indonesia. 6

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