Accommodation at the villa is spread over one level and distributed around three sides of an internal courtyard. Renovated and refurbished with loving care and great attention to details, the property perfectly matches pure Sicilian elements - pietra pece flooring, antique tiles from Caltagirone, honey-coloured stone walls - with Provençale furnishings and ingeniously upcycled pieces, each with its own captivating story.
The central part of the villa houses the inviting entrance hall with guest bathroom with shower and, to the left, up a step, a generous open-plan living and dining area, with comfy sofas set round a fireplace at one end and a dining table at the other. Wood-beamed ceilings add a cozy, relaxed vibe to this space, while French windows provide easy access to the main shady outdoor terrace and gardens. Just off the dining area you will find a large kitchen, which will please the keen cooks among you. It features a central island, bright antique tiles, hand-made cupboards and a double-sized fridge, and seamlessly serves the al fresco dining area.
The sleeping quarters are located in the two lateral wings. A door from the living area leads into the first wing, through a lounge area and into the wonderful master double bedroom (160 × 190), equipped with en-suite bathroom with double walk-in shower, French doors opening out into the courtyard, and a mezzanine level with sofa, stand-alone bathtub and access to a fabulous terrace overlooking the grounds, the surrounding countryside and, in the distance, the sea. The second bedroom, a twin-double (180/90× 190), is entered either from the master bedroom (by a lockable interconnecting door) or separately from the courtyard. It offers its own en-suite shower room.
The second wing, which is on the other side of the central entrance hall (and up a step), includes two more bedrooms, a double (160 × 190) and a double-twin (180/90× 190), both with en-suite shower rooms and access to a shady terrace, furnished for relaxing. The fifth bedroom, a double (160 × 190) with en-suite shower room, is situated in an independently accessed guesthouse near the pool.
The villa’s grounds surround the house on three sides and provide plenty of space for all guests. At the centre is the traditional stone courtyard, accessed from the most rooms. On one side of the property, accessed from the living and dining area and from the kitchen, is the wonderful, shady al fresco lounge and dining area, complete with summer kitchen and adjacent herb garden. A step up takes one to a lawned space, which is planted with shade-giving trees and quiet sitting areas. The two bedrooms on the opposite side of the house open out onto their own shady terrace facing the gardens.
The master bedroom, meanwhile, boasts its own furnished roof terrace looking out to a horizon of sea and, surrounded by dry stone walls, the amazing pool area. Here, flanked by emerald green lawns, is a lovely pool (14.5 × 7.5) with beach-effect shallow end, making it suitable for even the youngest guests. A short walk around the grounds will bring you to the well-equipped outdoor fitness area and gym, while for the little ones there's a playground with a swing and a trampoline.
The villa is perfectly situated for those who love both lazing on sandy beaches and visiting attractive historic towns. The sandy beach of Marina di Ragusa is just a 10-minute drive away and there are many other beaches along the coast (including Donnalucata, Cava d'Aliga, Punta Secca and Sampieri) that are between 15 and 25 minutes' drive. The beaches in the area of Marina di Ragusa have received several consecutive "Bandiere Blu", attesting to the cleanliness of the water and their general ecological perfection. In terms of picturesque towns full of history, the villa could hardly be better placed: the UNESCO-protected Baroque pearls of Scicli, Modica, Ragusa and Noto. Syracuse is also within easy driving distance as are the peaceful beaches of the Nature Reserve at Vendicari. At last, for fans of Montalbano, a visit to Punta Secca, home to the Inspector's house, is a must.
