Casa Francesca

Hop on the ferry at Milazzo and jet off to Vulcano, one of a cluster of seven islands, in the Sicilian Eolie archipelago. Or get the overnight ferry from Naples; either way it’s an adventure to get here. The house is white and boxy with bright blue shutters in typical Eolian style, deliciously simple and reminiscent of a Greek island abode. It clings to the hillside with endless sea views stretching out at the front and is surrounded by a tropical garden. Inside a minimalist style with a touch of nautical shabby chic works a treat and doesn’t detract from those views for a minute. Enter the light, luminous open-plan corner kitchen where chef can cook up a storm; you eat on the long covered terrace. The living room has a white sofa and armchair, small TV and books to borrow. There are two calming bedrooms (one double, one twin) on this level and one below which is accessed by external stairs and has its own bathroom. The fourth bedroom with ensuite shower room is in the former stable. There’s plenty of active stuff to do here: hike the volcano, go diving, rent a boat to explore the other islands. The perfect house and destination for independent spirited types.