Accommodation is spread over an apartment on one level, a courtyard guest bedroom, and an adjacent guest suite. The massive front door of the apartment opens into a little open hallway, from where steps lead up to the first of three living rooms, a charmingly designed space with lofty ceilings, white walls, smooth grey polished concrete flooring, and two sets of French doors, one opening out onto a balcony above the street, the other onto the spacious terrace. This space instantly sets the tone for the diversified décor and style of the property, while at the same time demonstrating the careful and respectful conservation project that has breathed new life into it.
In one corner is a longue chair, in another a desk. A round wooden table is set in the centre, and thoughtfully placed antique bibelots and contemporary décor elements combine harmoniously together. Up above, a refined modern chandelier adds glow and contrast to classic table lamps and lanterns, and the overall ambience is one of easy elegance and a warm sense of hospitality.
A wide arabesque opening, bordered from both sides by a pair of antique sideboards and two oval windows high up the wall, allow the space to flow into the second living room. A pair of modern white sofas sit to either side of an amazing feature marble fireplace which in turn is adorned with a proud depiction of the owners' coat of arms. Display cabinets show off collections, a huge gilt mirror adorns one of the walls, and French doors open out onto the terrace. A door to the right of the fireplace leads into the well-equipped modern kitchen, which accesses the internal courtyard.
Back in the second living room, double doors open into a cozy TV lounge, furnished with a modern L-shaped sofa and ottoman, a TV and a desk. Oil paintings of ancestors decorate the walls, curious to see who's staying in their home, and French doors offer easy access to the internal courtyard.
Two of the bedrooms are entered from the living room. The first one is a lovely double (180 × 200) with armchair, marble-finished en-suite shower room, and a little balcony above the street. The second, also a double (170 × 200), is the master bedroom. It boasts access to the internal courtyard and a chic bathroom with shower and sunken tub. The guest bedroom, a double (160 × 190) with en-suite shower room, is just a few metres away across the internal courtyard from the main apartment.
Completing the accommodation is the guest suite, which can be accessed separately from the street or from the internal courtyard, via a few steps. It is an amazing open-concept space with vaulted ceilings, a large living and dining area, a kitchen, a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a separate wet room.
ECI 0200 offers two spots for guests to enjoy al fresco life. The first is the superb terrace accessed via French doors from the first two living rooms. Furnished with a long dining table, this is an extra-special place in which to enjoy the unforgettable moonlit dinners under starry night skies.
The second, is the internal courtyard, an oasis of calm and peace. Accessed from the third living room, the kitchen, one of the bedrooms in the main apartment, the guest bedroom and the guest suite, this space includes a shaded sitting and dining area, some exotic greenery and climbing plants, and an amazing plunge pool (7 × 3).
The property is located in a relatively tranquil street in the centre of the fabulous baroque town of Noto, whose architectural treasures, shops, restaurants, cafés and bars are within a few minutes' walk. Noto is the most easterly of a chain of baroque towns now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is perhaps the most wonderful of all and was rebuilt in impressive style following a major earthquake in 1693.
Down on the coast below is a series of picturesque sandy beaches including those of Vendicari Nature Reserve. Depending on the time of year, Vendicari is home to thousands of migrating birds, flamingos among them, and sea turtles come to nest on its beaches. In the autumn, winter and spring it is a perfect spot for coastal walking.
The stunning, historic Greek city of Syracuse is just half an hour's drive away, and a day there is highly recommended to anybody staying at ECI 0200. A little further afield, the other baroque towns of Modica, Ragusa, Scicli, and Palazzolo Acreide (this latter with an amazing Greek archaeological site) are all easily accessed.
Lastly, for keen hikers, there is some fabulous scenery in the rushing streams and waterfalls of Cassibile and at the Paleolithic burial sites in the dramatic valley of Pantalica.
