Villa Adesso, a modernist seaview retreat in Noto, Sicily

Mediterranean Minimalism in the Limestone Hills of Noto

Designed by French-Lebanese architect Fabrice Bejjani, Villa Adesso is composed of two distinct volumes connected by a central architectural "hinge"—a retractable glass portico that blurs the boundary between the wild garden and the refined interior. Here, walls of rough-hewn Modica stone meet smooth board-marked concrete and warm eucalyptus panels.

The 230-square-meter interior is defined by a 70-square-meter open-plan living area featuring a suspended fireplace and floors of local calcarenite stone. Custom-designed elements include a concrete kitchen island and volcanic stone bathroom fixtures. Minimalist furniture from Paola Lenti and Bonacina adds tactile warmth to the sharp architectural lines, while floor-to-ceiling glass ensures the sea remains a constant presence.

The five-acre estate is a curated Mediterranean wildscape of jasmine, almond trees, and centenarian olives. A 225-square-meter terrace serves as the primary social hub, featuring an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue and a dining pergola. The 17-meter saltwater infinity pool, framed by dry-stone walls and bougainvillea, offers a panoramic solarium for sunset cocktails overlooking the coast of Avola.

What we love

We love how the symmetrical lines and local stone ground the house, making the modern architecture feel like it actually belongs in the Noto countryside. The floor-to-ceiling windows do a great job of pulling the landscape inside, so you’re always connected to the greenery even when you're lounging on the sofa. Our favorite spot is definitely the infinity pool that feels like you’re swimming straight into the horizon.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Noto sleeps up to eight guests. The villa’s footprint is divided into two wings for maximum privacy. The main volume contains the social core: the kitchen, dining zone, and primary living room. The "night zone" consists of four intimate bedroom suites, each featuring a king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom with volcanic stone showers, and private floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open directly onto the gardens and terraces.

Experiences

Guests can arrange for a private chef to prepare traditional Sicilian meals using local Nero d'Avola wines and garden-fresh ingredients. The villa specialists offer a bespoke "car + villa" package, facilitating seamless exploration of the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve or organized tours of the UNESCO Baroque "Golden Triangle."

Good to know

The property is accessed via a typical Sicilian white gravel track, best navigated with a standard SUV. The villa is a managed property with optional daily housekeeping and concierge support. The infinity pool is open from March through November. A highchair and cot are available for families. Car rental is essential for accessing the historic center of Noto.

Amenities & services

Infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, barbecue, air conditioning, heating, high-speed wi-fi, satellite TV, dishwasher, washing machine, espresso machine, volcanic stone showers, private parking, concierge service, daily housekeeping (optional), car rental assistance

Around

Located 10 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Noto, the villa is ideally positioned for a cultural deep dive into the Baroque architecture of the Val di Noto. The crystalline waters and white sands of the Vendicari Nature Reserve and Calamosche Beach are a 15-minute drive away. For a change of pace, the fishing village of Marzamemi offers seaside dining, while the rocky shores of Avola provide dramatic swimming spots. The area is a culinary epicenter, famous for its almonds, cherry tomatoes from Pachino, and the chocolate of Modica.