The most idyllic European villas
Our pick of luxurious European houses for hire, from the rolling hills of Andalusia to the pristine beaches of Corfu
LA FRAISSINÈDE LANGUEDOC
Nestled among the valleys of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France is La Fraissinède, a remarkable villa built in the footprint of a ruined 18th-century barn. As well as a pool, outdoor dining area and barbecue, the house has its own cinema and a tennis court, so there is plenty to keep you occupied on long summer days. Inside, the London-based designer Samantha Todhunter has fused rustic touches with modern art and colourful fabrics and tiles. Five-star service is provided by live-in staff, while chefs and nannies can be arranged on request. lucy halfhead
La Fraissinède (www.lafraissinede.com; sleeps up to 18), from about £6,930 a week.
CASA MAJADA ANDALUSIA
A southern Spanish villa like no other, Casa Majada is concealed by the groves, hills and clouds that surround the mysterious, sleepy town of Ronda. The luxurious family-orientated hideaway has Moroccan-inspired interiors rich with original artworks, exposed-brick walls and cosy beds. Outside, there’s a wisteria-covered terrace ringed by century-old olive groves, as well as a pool house, outdoor kitchen and pizza oven. Other impressive perks include access to a nearby golf course, an equestrian centre and tennis courts. Plus, the city of Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra
Palace, is only a short drive away. luke abrahams Casa Majada (www.scottwilliams.co.uk; sleeps up to eight), from about £8,020 a week.
LITTLE AGNOS CORFU
Perfectly proportioned for two, Little Agnos is a former olive press turned romantic retreat, in the grounds of north-east Corfu’s Agnos House. It is only available to rent when the main farmhouse is empty, meaning lucky couples benefit from unrestricted use of the beautifully landscaped gardens and a full-size swimming pool. Careful thought has gone into the property’s renovation and the well-equipped kitchen features polished work surfaces and reclaimed timber doors. Lazy afternoons can be spent reading in the shade of the terrace or snoozing in the hammock, while a 10-minute drive will take you to Agni Beach, which boasts some of the best tavernas on the coast. lh
Little Agnos (www.scottwilliams.co.uk; sleeps two), from £1,500 a week.
PALACIO CAN FERRER MALLORCA
Located in a quiet street in Palma’s atmospheric old town, Palacio Can Ferrer is a picturesque five-bedroom house from whose glorious roof terrace – complete with plunge pool – you can look over the canted terracotta rooftops of the town or up to the gargoyle-guarded spires and buttresses of the gothic church next-door. It’s the ideal spot from which to explore this extraordinary ancient city, with its cobbled streets, artisanal boutiques and superb cosmopolitan restaurants. For dinner, try Sandrassana, which played a starring role as a location in
The Night Manager. Afterwards, grab a cocktail at Vandal before stumbling back to your private palace. alex preston Palacio Can Ferrer (www. thethinkingtraveller.com; sleeps up to
10), from about £18,400 a week.
LA PODERINA TUSCANY
Once a rural ruin, La Poderina has been transformed into a magnificent holiday home that playfully combines antique furniture with contemporary Asian design touches and African artworks. Not one, but two dining-rooms ensure plenty of space for lively nights making up for lost time with friends and family, and for those who just wish to relax, the cosy snug, complete with a roaring fireplace, lends itself well to an afternoon of me-time. The show-stopping gardens have been created by the renowned landscape artist Luciano Giubbilei, one of very few gardeners to have won three gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. Dreamy views overlooking the bewitching hills of Siena (where you can go truffle hunting) are also part of the package. la
La Poderina (www.merrioncharles.com; sleeps up to 10), from £8,930 a week.