Casa Farfaglia

Stories and History of Rural Sicily

Today, it's still possible to see the farewell that the writer inscribed on a stone lintel in 1955.

A charming olive mill outside Noto dating from 1893, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, dry stone walls and Mediterranean scrub, Casa Farfaglia is an exclusive country house for only two guests, reviewed by leading design and architecture media (AD, Elle Decoration, and Mediterranean Living, 50' Inside) and chosen for Brunello Cucinelli's Lifestyle 2021 catalog, that's the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing holiday inthe quiet of the stunning Noto countryside, although close to the most attractive ancient towns and gorgeous beaches.

Read more about Casa Farfaglia's rustic-luxe transformation by the owners in our Stories section here.

A charming country house for two, the old stone walls and timber roofs now house a living room with a large window overlooking the hay, olive and walnut trees, and a snug double bedroom. The small kitchen is fully equipped and there is the perfect little alfresco dining spot in the garden. Repurposing original pieces from the property, a stone manger becomes a hanger in the bedroom, and a shower and washbasin in the bathroom, and tables are crafted from the original roof tiles. Colors are kept in calming, earthy neutrals to match the stones.

Situated on a hill, the grounds allow guest to enjoy peaceful afternoons in the lounge area under the olive trees, or from the hammock, with cool breezes from the nearby Mediterranean and only the lull of the neighboring cows, and the serenade of the crickets recalling the joys of rural Sicily that Magro conjures in her memoirs.

The house has a newly-added hot tub with a wood stove and solarium area for exclusive use of its guests.  

VAL DI NOTO

The property is just 20 minutes from Noto and Palazzolo Acreide and a few kilometers from the small village of Testa dell'Acqua and the fascinating ruins of Noto Antica.

Noto is a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most spectacular and elegant Baroque sites in the world and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli, all reachable within a short drive. Wander through to view the famous cathedral, the ancient marketplace, the theater, and the city’s best restaurants and cafes.

The protected and stunningly beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve is just a thirty-minute drive to some of the best beaches on the island, including Lido di Noto and Avola. The reserve is located halfway between Noto and Pachino extending into almost 4,000 acres of forests and undisturbed marine and bird eco-systems that open to a clear sea and long, golden beaches including Tonnara, Eloro, Pizzuta, Calamosche, and Marianelli.

Don't miss the port town of Siracusa and Ortigia, a significant archaeological area with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo’s Temple, and the Teatro Romana ruins.

The pretty seaside fishing village of Marzamemi is 30 minutes drive and is well known for its seafood and the central Tonnara square, full of traditional restaurants and bars as well as its film festival in July.

Forty minutes south, the Marina di Modica, Marina di Ragusa, and the Andrea Doria promenade feature some of the area's most popular beaches on the island, including Sampieri, Pozzallo and Donnalucata.

LOCATION

Noto, Sicily, Italy. Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa (85km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to end October