Nestled on a hillside covered in olive trees, this retreat offers the sweet charms of a historic organic farm. A short distance from the coast, it's surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery, with glorious sea views across the Mediterranean to the Aeolian islands.
The cluster of stone buildings has been completely restored and makes a bucolic location for weddings and parties, with a capacity of 16 guests staying within the home, and 50 to 70 in attendance. The accommodation is versatile, with multiple units making it ideal for larger groups. There is a large professional kitchen with chef services available, storage rooms, and plenty of parking.
The estate is located 6km from the nearest village, making it a very quiet and private space, with ample grounds to expand into. The outdoor living area is particularly appealing for events, with its large pool and outdoor kitchen. Guests can pick their own seasonal fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden, wake up to a selection of fresh eggs for breakfast from the happy hens, and commune with the resident cows, horses, donkeys, and pigs that roam nearby. Horse riding is also available.
Situated at the higher end of the estate, the villa is accessed via a private entrance and is spread over three separate farm buildings connected by steps and terraces. Inside, the villa has been thoughtfully designed to preserve the original features and feel of the farmhouse, while updating it with modern comforts.
The main house includes a sitting area with an adjacent dining room, with one double bedroom, and a fully equipped kitchen that opens to a dining terrace and covered walkway leading to an additional bedroom. There is a third bedroom with private access to a back terrace where stairs lead up to a fourth bedroom. All bedrooms are en-suite and double.
The first annex houses two separate spaces each with its own entrance. On one side, stairs lead up to the first-floor living area and the fifth double bedroom, and a separate bath. On the ground floor is a small apartment with a living area with a sofabed for two, a kitchenette, and the sixth double bedroom and separate bath.
The second annex includes a small open-plan living area, a kitchenette, and a twin bedroom with a separate bath on the ground floor. Upstairs on an open mezzanine is a sitting area and the eighth double bedroom.
A separate building on the estate has a professional kitchen and a large indoor/outdoor space which is available on request for large events. The gardens and terraces are the ideal setting, and the outdoor kitchen and dining area set the scene for languid meals together.
Rent this property for overnight stays here.
SICILY'S NORTHERN COAST
Located between the Madonie mountains and the Tyrrhenian Coast, this rural area is where time passes slowly, but is nonetheless positioned to access great local sites such as the San Giorgio Abbey, the Grattara Cave, and the Madonie national park from its base.
The popular seaside resort town of Cefalù along the northern coast is 30 minutes from the house with two of the island’s best north shore beaches, Mazzaforno and Settefrati and is an hour east of Palermo. A UNESCO designated town and historic fishing harbor, the pretty medieval streets are dominated by a 12th-century Norman cathedral and an ancient hilltop fortress. Charming and authentic, it’s known for its excellent restaurants that serve local seafood and wines and its many interesting shops.
The beautiful town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for its ceramics and tiles is under an hour east and the rugged Madonie mountains are great hiking and forest trails with several medieval villages to explore including some of the prettiest towns in the region: Isnello, Castelbuono, Collesano, and Gangi, full of culture, art, and of course excellent food.
For day trips, you can venture even further to the seven Aeolian islands, the volcanic chain just offshore. Sicily holds many natural and cultural charms, from Noto to Catania, the sister cities of Ragusa, Modica Scicli, and beyond, the island is meant to be explored and savored.
LOCATION
Gratteri, Sicily, Italy. Nearest airport: Palermo (101km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall