Sogno Sperduto

A Sardinian Hideaway Above the Costa Smeralda

Designed by Netherlands-born owner Leontine in the traditional rural style, this two-bedroom vacation home rental in Sardinia is a loving tribute to the island's history and a celebration of nature. It's a hideaway that encourages lingering on verandas, in its spacious living areas and in its fully equipped kitchen, a space for slowing down and relishing sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing.

A former luxury hospitality exec and transplant who lives in Tuscany, her affection for the country is evident in the construction and design of this contemporary version of island homes.

Modeled on the traditional Stazzo style farmhouses found throughout the island, the newly built home sticks to the old world charms and traditions, with cool vintage style in shades of nature and the sea.

Perfectly placed for magnificent views of the rugged island landscape and Corsica in the distance, the home affords you absolute privacy, retreat and silence. The road leading to the lodge is nearly 4km long and winds its way through a beautiful wild reserve, where you might meet a giant turtle, a hopping hare, or baby wild boars crossing. Slow down to the Sardinian pace and rent a SUV or 4x4 to fully enjoy your adventure.

Set on one floor, built with modern materials but styled with many vintage and recycled treasures, the main lounge is a bright and intimate space that includes a fireside sitting area and a fully equipped kitchen with dining space that opens to the gardens and terraces.​The en-suite master bedroom has a luxurious bath with rain/massage shower, its own entrance, and lovely views. The adjacent bedroom is ideal for others to share and is configured with single and a bunk bed for up to three guests.

With multiple terraces and outdoor living spaces, you can soak up the stunning views, in a setting designed for pure escape on eight acres of complete privacy with immense views.

Additional features

Newly added for 2024: a jacuzzi in the garden.

Note that a fee of 25 euros per person will be collected upon arrival for laundering of ample linen for bed, bath and kitchen.

Also note that use of the large, gas barbecue grill will be at a 25 euro upcharge if guests require a new gas tank to be purchased.

Around

The Roman-era port city of Olbia is northeast Sardinia's main hub with the ruins of the ancient aqueduct and baths at its heart alongside the bustling Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Regina Margherita, with its palaces and sidewalk cafes.

Twenty minutes north, San Pantaleo and Porto Rotondo are charming towns to explore, full of delightful shops, restaurants, and cafes set against magnificent rock formations. Head down on market day to soak in the ambiance and peruse the arts and crafts.

A 20-minute drive to the coast, the jet-set and celebrity capital of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo on Sardinia's northeast tip features a dazzling array of luxury shops, and cafes, clubs and boutiques all centered around a beautiful natural cove bobbing with mega-yachts.  

The island's spectacular natural beauty is legendary and its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches in the Cala di Volpe, Grande Pevero and its smaller sister beach Piccolo Pevero are some of the best. A little further south is Romazzino and Principe beach along with sheltered coves, including Liscia Ruja and the lovely Cala Capriccioli. You can take a boat to the Golfo di Orosei’s coves, or to La Maddalena’s cluster of granite islands and the offshore islets of Li Nibani to discover spots accessible only from the sea.

The island's interiors are rugged and lush with oak and pine forests and the spectacular Gola Su Gorropu canyon for hiking, magnificent rock formations that the island is famous for, and Bronze Age settlements to discover.

Location

Olbia, Sardinia, Italy. Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda (19km)

Best time to visit

Spring through fall