I spent the first week of October 2015 at the beautiful Casa Manca in Masainas, Southern Sardinia, and would like to share some thoughts.
Firstly : for anyone trying to escape big-city stress, this part of the world is unique. Slow pace, super-friendly people, lovely weather, world-class beaches, endless natural beauty, low cost-of-living : Southern Sardinia has it all.
Secondly : the property. Built in the 1700's, it has been painstakingly restored to the original (with all mod cons) by the owner, an important Italian architect. In fact the early inhabitants would be pleasantly shocked if they could see it, interiors, exterior, garden which supercede most boutique hotels. There is a magical tranquility about this place that cannot be described : I spent so many hours in the serene gardens reading, chatting, listening to birdsong, dozing.
I really cannot recomment this place enough : one of the most relaxing holidays of my life ; I aim to return here as often as possible. Could not fault a single thing.