Chiselled character of cliffs

nstilling a feeling of peace and tranquillity, Villetta Hibiscus, named after the lovely flowering plant that grows around its terrace, is positioned to see the countryside and sea. Located in the west of San Pietro Island, it is near beautifully sculpted cliffs and coastline as well as a variety of excellent beaches, some sandy, some rocky and all with clear blue sea. A restaurant is just a short walk away, while the only town on the island, the smart and lively Carloforte, is just 6km away.

Villetta Hibiscus has been built
in the traditional island style

Outdoors: A raised terrace runs across the front and around one side of the property with ample space for loungers, tables and chairs, to be strategically positioned for shade and views. The side terrace is attended by hibiscus plants which, as well as providing privacy, frame the view over the garden and beyond to the distant blue Mediterranean visible through the sentinel conifers and acacias that border the estate. The pretty garden is set in large grounds and there is a good size parking area. In the front garden there is a large built-in barbecue and at the back of the villetta is a utility area with a clothes line and outdoor shower.

Large bbq in the front garden

The side terrace has lovely views

Indoors: The large rectangular-shaped living/dining room with ceramic floor tiles is accessed via the terrace. The well-appointed kitchen corner is divided off from the main room by a low unit with a marble top work surface. The matching marble top rectangular dining table seats six. Two handcrafted cabinets, one displaying ceramics, are made of darker stained pine and contrast with the lighter pine of the kitchen units. A washroom is also off the living room, as is the marble staircase leading upstairs. The first floor has ceramic floors throughout. There is a spacious double bedroom boasting lovely countryside views from its large window and a twin bedroom. Also on this floor is a shower room.

The master bedroom

The living/dining room

Surrounding Area: 500m from Villetta Hibiscus is a little rocky beach with natural swimming pool and there are several other beaches within a 4km radius of the property. Genio` beach is within walking distance and has a small sandy cove as well as large smooth flat rocks to sunbathe on and to jump or dive off into the sea. The 100-metre tall walls of the natural amphitheatre of Mezzaluna nearby is one of the most spectacular places to go snorkelling or just to admire from above. Heading northwards the coastline provides a theatre of rugged panoramas that reward those looking up from the sea or those descending the steep paths.

San Pietro's rural landscape

A Carloforte restaurant

Carloforte is an easy drive away and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to be discovered in charming old streets full of pastel-coloured houses. The smart esplanade lined with trees is a hive of activity and you can catch boats from here to the mainland of Sardinia or to Calasetta on the Island of Sant’Antioco. You can also book a boat trip round San Pietro which makes a wonderful day out. If you don’t want to venture into Carloforte every evening you can go to the good restaurant-pizzeria just a short walk from the villetta, which is open in the main season or you can barbecue some tasty local fish and eat on your terrace.

The sandy Guidi beach

Sightseeing: Carloforte, Calasetta, Sant'Antioco Island, South Sardinia

Italian Islands Insight: San Pietro Island is a well kept secret that is only just beginning to be found out about. It is perfectly suited to lovers of tranquillity and has long been a hideaway for famous people or public figures. The nature is wild, the pace of life is slow and the unique gastronomy is delicious, particularly the tuna. Villetta Hibiscus is blessed with a beautiful rural location on this lovely peaceful island. Other than its immediate neighbour, Villetta Buganvillea, there is barely another house in sight. It is private and separate from Buganvillea as it is joined back to back. The only things they have in common are the main entrance gate several metres away from the property and the drive. The garden to the front is private to Villetta Hibiscus and round the side there is more garden available although this has not been properly divided off from the neighbouring garden. This is an ideal choice for a family or for two couples and larger groups could rent it together with Buganvillea to have a large secluded property that sleeps eight people.