Casa Sisti

An Ancient Agricultural Complex Artfully Reimagined

Dating from the end of the 19th century, this former farming complex has been creatively revisited, leading to an expert renovation that retains its stony charms but adds sleek, contemporary 21st-century styling. The main house was recreated from the crumbling stables, and another old structure now houses a wing of bedrooms and bathrooms, with a spacious cinema room and a kitchenette that's great for parties and events.

The property’s striking swimming pool stands within an ancient stone ruin, reinforced beautifully by industrial-meets-spa styling, with open-to-the-sky exposed beams, and an atmospheric pool flanked by sun loungers. The property's internal courtyard features both shaded and open seating, and the expert renovation includes beautifully updated outdoor lighting, designed for subtle, seductive evenings spent outdoors under the stars.

Layout

Main house: two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, dining area off kitchen, living room

Guest wing: two double bedrooms, two bathrooms created by partitions, cinema room, small kitchen

Outdoors: internal courtyard, shaded dining pergola, heated swimming pool

Around

Set between Noto, a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most spectacular and elegant Baroque sites in the world, and its sister city of Modica, the house offers peace and quiet outside the cities’ buzz, in an area with neighbors and an easy-to-reach beach (Vendicari, 30km). The house is 10 kilometers from the nearest town and even closer (7km) to the supermarket. The house is also easily accessible to Ragusa and Scicli.

The protected and stunningly beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve is just a short drive away and home 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 ecosystems 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, as well as 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 well worth a visit, and is known for its seafood and central Tonnara square, full of traditional restaurants and bars.

South of Noto, the Marina di Modica, Marina di Ragusa and the Andrea Doria promenade feature some of the most popular beaches on the entire island, including Sampieri, Pozzallo and Donnalucata.

Location

Between Noto and Modica, Sicily, Italy. Nearest airport: Catania (120 km).

Best time to visit

May to October