Orizzonte

A Contemporary Retreat in Sicily's Historic Val di Noto

The Val di Noto in southeast Sicily is famous for its late Baroque architecture, so much so that eight of its towns are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It's a beautiful region to explore, and this villa for rent in Italy is perfectly situated to make the most of it. It sits among fields of carob and olive trees, just outside Noto, a tiny Baroque jewel built from local limestone that glows golden in the last rays of the setting sun.

The dry stone walls that surround Orizzonte are typical of the Sicilian countryside, but the house itself is spacious, elegant and contemporary in design. It is made up of three concrete units linked by interior stairs, and its rooms are a triumph of minimalism, with resin, wood, iron, steel and local stone accents.

The living room is accessed through large sliding doors that allow copious light to enter the home and afford great views of the surrounding countryside, out to the sea beyond. Each of the four bedrooms has direct access to the grounds, with a terrace shaded by an incannucciata or Sicilian reed roof, a lava stone barbecue area with dining table, and an expansive stone swimming pool. There's an additional, larger dining table under a large carob tree, which is perfect for taking in the striking views and basking in summer breezes.

This villa for rent in Italy sleeps eight guests in two adjacent units. The ground floor has a dining area with a large wooden table that seats eight, a large, modern kitchen, and a laundry room. That section has two en-suite master bedrooms. A small staircase leads to the Annex, which has two en-suite double bedrooms and private terraces.

AROUND

Orizzonte is just 5km from the town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most spectacular and elegant Baroque sites in the world. It is one of the gems of the Val di Noto region, along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli, all reachable within a short drive. Explore 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 9km away. Located halfway between Noto and Pachino, it is made up of 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 (38km) and Ortigia (40km), 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 (20km) and is well known for its seafood and the central Tonnara square, full of traditional restaurants and bars. It also hosts a 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, including Sampieri, Pozzallo and Donnalucata.

LOCATION

Noto, East Sicily, Italy. Nearest airports: Comiso (78km), Catania (88km), and Palermo (315km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring to fall for best weather.