This villa architectural uniqueness hides not only in its fine, light-flooded modern design, but also in the easy, unassuming way it fits in its ancient context. Surrounded by dry stone walls, carob trees and olive groves, and boasting with endless views over the undulating hills around Noto and the glowing sea beyond, the villa provides a magical blend of peace, individual character and proximity to all that's best about Sicily's southeast corner.
Accommodation is spread over one level. The main entrance opens into a bright, open-concept space, which is divided into three distinct but organically flowing parts. The first is equipped with a sofa and a collection of designer chairs set around a coffee table and a decorative fireplace. The central part is dedicated to a dining area, which is served by a minimalist (though well-equipped) modern kitchen at the far end of the room. Furnishings and fittings are of a superb quality and set the tone for the rest of the property. Walls of glass welcome in the light and the sea views and make the difference between indoor and outdoor living minimal. Creamy floors of locally quarried stone add a touch of warmth and ideally offset the modernist style.
A partially open corridor running behind the open-plan living area offers access to the four cozy bedrooms, whose similar size grants that all guests will feel equally pampered. There are two doubles (160 × 200) and two double-twins (160/80 × 200), each with its own en-suite shower room and access, via large glass doors to the aromatic surrounding gardens.
The villa is nestled at the centre of a wraparound garden from where views of Noto's countryside and the sea spread out in front of you. A monumental pair of carob trees, one on each side of the house, create a feeling of natural symmetry and ensure a sense of place. Both the living areas and the bedrooms access the gardens, so no matter where you are inside, you're never more than a couple of steps away from being outside. The living spaces flow out onto a wide terraced area equipped with a shaded al fresco dining area, which in turn gives way to an area of lawn.
Next comes the fabulous infinity pool (15 × 3), which has been oriented to give guests the sensation of swimming out towards the sea. Beyond the pool is a summer kitchen and a second al fresco dining area, from where you may look back at and admire your modern holiday retreat.
The villa is located in the rolling hills above the enchanting town of Noto and the picturesque beaches of Vendicari Nature Reserve. Noto is the most easterly of a chain of baroque towns that were built from scratch after the terrible earthquake of 1693. Along with its neighbours, Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, it forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Val di Noto.
The coastline around Italy's southernmost point is bordered by kilometers of sandy beaches, many of which, including those of Vendicari, are just a short drive from the property. Slightly further afield, but highly recommended, is Syracuse, once the mightiest city in Magna Graecia. Its archaeological site and island centre, Ortigia, are absolutely amazing. Last but not least, if hiking in the hills is your thing, then there is some breathtaking scenery to explore in the rushing streams and waterfalls of the Cassibile gorge and the Paleolithic burial sites in the dramatic valley of Pantalica.
