Casa alla Scala, sea-front apartment in Sicily

Inside: Casa alla Scala is on the first floor of a handsome sea-front house. Stairs lead to the main entrance which opens into the comfortably furnished living area offering views of the harbour. A central partition wall divides the living area from the luminous sea-view dining area, which itself accesses a wonderfully panoramic, covered sea-front terrace. A small corridor leads from the living room to the well-equipped kitchen, perfectly placed for keeping an eye on the fishing boats arriving back in port! Next to the kitchen is the guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Heading back to the living room one accesses the main sleeping area, composed of a master double en-suite and a twin/double with bathroom across the corridor, this latter featuring a wonderfully capacious walk-in shower. Both bedrooms have sea views and access to the balconies and terraces that run along in front of the apartment. The master bedroom may also host a single children's bed on request, bringing the total capacity up to 7. Fittings and furnishing throughout are of the very highest quality.

Outside: Casa alla Scala boasts three fabulous outside areas, all sea-facing and all interconnected via a walkway. The first terrace is accessed directly from the indoor dining room and offers the perfect shady spot for breakfast or an evening aperitif. Its views of the harbour and the sea are spell-binding. Following along a path one arrives at the solarium, a lawned terrace with sun-loungers with yet more divine sea views. The two front bedrooms both have direct access to this area. Continuing along the path one comes to what will probably become most guests' favourite spot, a large fully-furnished covered terrace with cushion-strewn lounge furniture, dining table and a fabulous outdoor kitchen including sink, dishwasher, hobs and a barbecue.