The villa dates back to the early 1700s, when it was one of several buildings on an aristocratic wine-producing estate. At the beginning of the 19th century, it became home to the vineyard’s winery and much of the property was filled to the ceiling with barrels of aging wine. Only around 70 years ago the vines transformed into the citrus groves that now surround the villa.
The careful craftsmanship of the renovation has ensured that villa’s modern facilities combine seamlessly with the authentic structure of the house, much of which is built of local lava stone. The overall sensation of elegance and quality is enhanced by the furnishings and furniture, brought back from the travels by the owners, who are passionate collectors of art and antiques.
The sense of history continues outside. For the ancient Arab civilizations, garden design was a matter of perfection, of making an earthly paradise of sensuous delights. According to their beliefs, the gardens should inspire wonder and create a sensation of total welfare. They should envelop visitors in a cocoon of aromatic calmness, remind of celestial pleasures, and offer sanctuary from the everyday routine. The mature, lush gardens of the property were created with such principles in mind.
The accommodation at DLI 0251 is spread over a wonderful main villa, and a beautifully renovated, equally comfortable guesthouse. Access to the main villa is via a stunning entrance hall with high vaulted ceilings and a decorative water feature. A few steps lead up to a large corridor, at the end of which is the inviting central hub of the house, an open space with an amazing fireplace. To the left, down a few steps, is the convivial, charmingly decorated dining area, conveniently set next to the kitchen where the chef will prepare your meals.
To the right of the hub, a few more steps lead you down into a generous, beautifully decorated living area. Cozy armchairs and a deep sofa are set around a deep fireplace to one side, while to the other is a second lounge area with TV. Grey lava stone floors make a background for colourful rugs; white walls and lofty vaulted ceilings offer a clean canvas for a collection of arts and paintings; furnishings enclose the aesthetic of effortless sophistication; and sets of glazed doors open out onto the surrounding terraces and gardens. The ambience is at once sophisticated, informal, inviting and luminous, all attributes that describe the property as a whole.
A doorway to one side of this first living area leads into a second, even more cozy communal space. Furnished with three large white sofas and featuring another wonderful fireplace, this superb room oozes the owners’ refined taste, evident in the eclectic artwork, furniture and bibelots brought home after a lifetime of world travel.
The bedrooms in the main villa are spread over two wings. The west wing, which is entered via a staircase from the corridor near the entrance hall, houses 4 bedrooms, each with its individual character. Double-twin bedroom 1 (170/85 × 190) offers views of both the sea and Mount Etna, a panoramic balcony, and an en-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower. Double-twin with bedroom 2 (170/85 × 190) has its own private panoramic terrace looking out over the gardens and the sea, and a chic bathroom with tub and separate shower. Double-twin bedroom 3 (170/85 × 190) has an en-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower. Classic double-twin bedroom 4 (170/85 × 190) with great views of Etna features an en-suite bathroom with tub and separate shower.
The east wing, entered from the first living area, includes 4 more bedrooms. A few stairs lead down to a generously proportioned double bedroom 5 (180/90 × 190) featuring an alcove sleeping area, an en-suite bathroom with tub and separate shower, and a shaded terrace area looking out over and accessing the gardens. On the first floor there is a deluxe double bedroom 6 (180/90 × 190) with a romantic four-poster bed, a balcony enjoying great garden and sea views, and a large en-suite bathroom with tub and separate shower. Bedrooms 7 and 8 (170/85 × 190) are classic double-twins with en-suite shower rooms.
The remaining bedrooms are located in a beautifully renovated guesthouse that echoes the refinement, elegance and overall style of the main villa, set just a few metres away through the gardens from it. The main entrance leads into a bright, cozy living area with fireplace. Whitewashed wood-beamed ceilings balance the colourful walls and the rug-covered terracotta floors, while views include the gardens and the sea.
A wide corridor with windows overlooking the terraces and gardens leads from this space to the 4 bedrooms. Double-twin bedroom 9 (170/85 × 190) has en-suite bathroom with tub and separate shower. Lovely double-twin bedroom 10 (170/85 × 190) boasts chinoiserie frescoes on the walls and a chic en-suite bathroom with tub and separate shower. Double bedroom 11 (160 × 190) offers en-suite bathroom with tub and separate shower, too. Double-twin bedroom 12 (170/85 × 190) has en-suite shower room.
Outside you will be totally enchanted by the colourful, fragrant gardens. Generous terracotta terraces spread out in all directions, each one furnished for either relaxing or dining in style. Lava stone steps lead down past well-kept lawns, a mini olive grove, lush, aromatic Mediterranean flowers, and an exotic array of mature trees, to the panoramic Jacuzzi and the amazing heated pool, which is itself surrounded by lush greenery. The views from the gardens to the sea are interrupted only by extensive expanses of citrus groves, while in the opposite direction, you will be amazed by the breathtaking vista of Mount Etna. Altogether, this is one of the most stunning locations in Sicily.
The villa is a fully-serviced and its professional staff, including cook, waiters and maids, will ensure that you fully enjoy your stay without having to worry about anything domestic. For meals, just let the staff know day by day whether you need lunch and/or dinner, tell them of any preferences you may have and they will organize everything else. Meals are paid for locally, kids under 6 pay ½ price (breakfast: €14 per person, light lunch: €20 per person, dinner including aperitif: €34 per person, picnic hampers for excursions: €14 per person or breakfast, lunch and dinner: €50 per person per day, breakfast and dinner: €40 per person per day, breakfast and light lunch: €30 per person per day).
Located near the town of Giarre on the east coast of Sicily, DLI 0251 is a perfect starting point from which to explore Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna and the bewitching villages on the volcano's flanks. There are also several lovely fishing villages and some pretty beaches nearby. An 18-hole golf course is about 45 minutes drive away.
Further afield, Syracuse, the baroque towns of the Noto valley, the peaceful beaches of Vendicari and Capo Passero to the south and Messina to the north are all comfortably accessible for day trips. Flying over Mount Etna and many other sites, or excursions to the Aeolian Islands, by helicopter, can be organized fro you. The nearby beaches of Fiumefreddo and Marina di Cottone have received "Blue Flag" several times in a row, confirming the cleanliness of the water and their general ecological perfection.
