Clifton House

There are oversized picture windows in every room so that those inside have the sense of always being outside. You’ll wander seamlessly out to the terraced gardens, magnificent with sage, rosemary, prickly pear cactus and vivid bougainvillea among olive and oak trees. The pool is on the lowest terrace and then there are steps down to the frothing sea – a swimmer’s paradise.

A living room lined with books is divided from the roomy kitchen by a walk-around fireplace, all the basics for cooking are at hand and ingredients for your first breakfast will be waiting. Eat outside on the stone-walled top terrace with its dreamy view to Giglio Island on the horizon. Sunsets and moon rises are breath-taking from here.

There’s a little seafood restaurant 1.5 kms down the road, or in season try the one in Cala Piccola in the cove below. There’s so much space in the house you’ll never feel hemmed in and can easily hide in the garden with a book.