Villa Costa Smeralda

Villa Costa Smeralda is built of stone and set among great rounded boulders of granite, with a freeform pool that curls around the rocks. Bougainvillea and flowering shrubs tumble down the garden toward a view of the sea and a cluster of islands.

The interiors are bright and generous, with walls of glass, white sofas and old timber pillars that give the open living space a sculptural feel. In the kitchen and dining area, carved tree-branch columns frame the sea, and the steel kitchen is set off by a sweep of polished wood. There's a lounge with a fireplace for cooler evenings. As a luxury villa rental in Sardinia, it feels shaped by the landscape around it.

Bedrooms are light and quiet, several with views to the water. One sits in a round room hung with soft curtains. Bathrooms use richly veined stone, and one has a deep corner tub. A well-equipped gym looks out to the garden.

Outside, loungers line the pool among the boulders, and a terrace of yellow sofas faces the sea. Below, a small village sits on the hillside. Sardinia has some of the loveliest coasts in Italy, famous for clear water and pale rock. Villa Costa Smeralda suits families and friends who want space, privacy and a garden made for long, sunny days.