Villa Sant'Elene, Uri, Italy

Half way between Sassari and Alghero, this tranquil retreat for 6 is on a sustainable family farm. The house is founded on 12th-century fortifications so is full of character and charm. With a shared swimming pool and panoramic views across unspoilt countryside, this makes the perfect holiday choice for a family or friends who want to escape from city life.

It is an authentic Sardinian house surrounded by antique stone terraces and lush vegetation. Inside there is a spacious, open-plan living area, with a fireplace in one corner. The seating area is furnished with a sofa and flat-screen TV. The furniture is an attractive combination of antique and modern. The dining table seats 6 and is next to the rustic tiled kitchen. A door leads from the dining area to the outside terrace. The kitchen is well-equipped with a cooker hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine and fridge/freezer.

The shared garden has a delightful dining area and BBQ, plus the shared swimming pool, which has sun loungers for relaxing after a refreshing swim. Guests are also very welcome to participate in some farm activities. The farm cultivates mushrooms, artichokes, olives as well as some small vines.

Sleeping
Bedroom 1: The cosy master bedroom has a wooden double bed and a lovely antique wardrobe.
Bedroom 2: The charming second bedroom with a lovely sky mural, is furnished with a bunk bed, a single bed with another pull-out single bed and 2 small wardrobes

Bathroom
The colourful bathroom with decorative tiling has a shower, basin, bidet and WC.

Additional
• Free wifi (portable device) • Shared outdoor swimming pool (unheated) • Shared garden • Terrace • BBQ • Outdoor dining area • Air conditioning • Fireplace • Hair dryer • Pets possible • Child-friendly • Private Parking - car essential • Fire extinguisher

Location
Although this villa is set in peaceful countryside, it is close to many interesting places including Alghero (20 minutes) and Sassari (15 minutes), and just 25 minutes from the coast. Sardinia’s north-western corner is less developed than the better-known Costa Smeralda but there is a lot to see and do close by.

For active guests, there is a shooting school just 7 minutes away, and horseriding at the Gran Pilu riding school (14 minutes).

Sassari is one of the oldest cities on the island. Its historic centre is home to many palaces and fine churches but it is less touristy than many other towns in Sardinia. For fans of local food, the city’s Mercato Civico promotes the best and freshest regional ingredients. The new covered market may not have the charm of a street market but the produce on sale more than makes up for this.

Alghero is a charming collection of architecture, from the ancient walls that encircle the city, to the gothic cathedral. A day wandering through its cobbled streets is a rewarding experience, especially if it involves lunch at one of the many, delicious, local restaurants. For the best and freshest local produce, as with Sassari, a trip to the central market is very worthwhile.

Alghero airport is 30 minutes away.