Villa Vogue Retreat

A Hilltop Home Close to Buzzy Noto

Located a quick couple of kilometers from Noto, this new construction stands on a gentle rise, offering views out to sea. Built to a modern open plan, the retreat’s living area is generous and bright, blended into an elegantly furnished kitchen. The bedrooms were made for two, each with a private bathroom, and there’s a third bathroom by the pool for added convenience.

A contemporary deck wraps along the house, and the 2,000-square-meter garden tops a classic Sicilian country lot dotted with shrubs, evergreens and jutting rocks. The house terrace is a second living area, punctuated by a 2m x 4m pool.

Layout

Interior: Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen/living/dining

Exterior: terrace and deck, with shaded and open-air spaces, small swimming pool, toilet

Around

Noto is a 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 30-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 a 30-minute 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 October