La Picca

This beautiful stone house with views right down towards the sea encapsulates the authenticity of rural south-eastern Sicily. Step inside and appreciate how wonderfully the owner’s architect son has transformed this local stone casa into a stunning Sicilian holiday home with true character and such pretty designs. Everything has been thought of to make this house as delightful as it can be from gorgeous fabrics and joyful paintings to a wealth of contemporary touches including air-conditioning, a Smart TV and a Bose Bluetooth speaker.   Downstairs, the living and dining areas are open-plan to give the feeling of ample space and a master bedroom has the luxury of both a bath and shower room. French windows from the ground floor open up to the home’s lovely long terrace. Upstairs, two charming double/twin bedrooms, each with an en suite shower room, can be found under the traditional eaves. In an elevated position, the views from the characterful stone terrace are glorious – it’s a perfect spot for a glass of local Nero D’Avola as you gaze out over the surrounding valley as far as the sea. Find a shady spot for summer meals under one of the carob trees and wander down the stone steps to the magical swimming pool. It’s not far to drive to the sea – within 6km you can be dipping your toes in the turquoise-coloured water, backed by a protected nature reserve. There are other idyllic beaches close by at Donnalucata and Marina di Ragusa or travel a little further to discover more of the captivating coastline of south-eastern Sicily. You are also so close to one of the region’s most exquisite Baroque towns, Scicli, where the palazzi and churches are so incredibly beautiful. Ragusa and Modica are also breathtakingly magnificent – all three towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of the Val di Noto region. It’s a joy to stay in this gorgeous holiday home and a privilege to be so close to some of Sicily’s most alluring beaches and enchanting Baroque towns. Features: Villa Interiors Ground Floor -    Living room with fireplace -    Second lounge -    Open-plan dining area -    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven, hobs, kettle, toaster, juicer, microwave, blender, Italian Moka coffee-maker and filter coffee-machine. Doors lead to terrace -    Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with bath tub and interconnecting separate shower room First Floor (via open staircase, sloping ceilings) -    2 x bedrooms with double/twin beds and en-suite bathrooms with showers Outside Grounds -    Swimming pool (12x4m, depth 1.5m). Open approximately mid-May to October -    Sun-beds -    Shaded al-fresco dining area -    Large terrace -    Terraced gardens (low walls and steps) -    Parking Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Air-conditioning -    Fireplace -    Heating -    Smart TV with Netflix -    DVD player -    Bose Bluetooth amplifier -    Hairdryers (x2) -    Safe -    Mosquito nets (first floor bedrooms) -    Ironing facilities -    Cot and highchair (on request) Location: Set overlooking a valley of carob trees in south-eastern Sicily, just a 10-minute drive from the beach, La Picca enjoys an enviable location in the most authentic surroundings, close to some of Sicily’s most exquisite Baroque towns. As you drive along country lanes and nearby hills you’ll notice captivating landscapes of farmhouses, many beautifully renovated, alongside dry stone walls and farmland cultivating fruit and vegetables. There are plenty of opportunities to buy fresh produce grown locally in nearby villages and towns. Drive down the hill towards the coast and within around 6km you will reach a sandy beach, part of a protected nature reserve. There is a wonderfully positioned beach club open in the height of the summer serving delicious food and renting sun-beds and umbrellas. If you prefer a more isolated spot, pack your picnic and water and walk further towards the nature reserve and appreciate the beauty and calmness around you. Other superb beaches across this part of Sicily can be found along this coastline including Donnalucata, Sampieri and, in the other direction, Marina di Ragusa. There are eight towns across the Val di Noto that have gained UNESCO World Heritage status. The nearest one, Scicli, will take your breath away with its charm. The old town with its Baroque architecture is magnificent and its position in a gorge is simply spectacular. Furthermore, fans of the detective series, Montalbano, will recognise Scicli’s gorgeous townhall as Montalbano’s police station. Other towns in this area include Modica, again with beautiful Baroque palazzi and churches, and a joy to explore with its narrow lanes and steps. Make sure you try some of its delectable chocolate, known across the island. Ragusa is another incredible place to visit filled with historic gems from the Baroque period whilst Noto is also a wonderful day out. Whilst driving to Noto you may also want to take the opportunity to spend time at some of the idyllic beaches dotted along this part of Sicily’s south-eastern coast. Terms & Conditions: ? €500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Check-in outside of the stated hours must be requested at the time of booking and is strictly subject to the owner’s approval. Please note that, if approved, an additional fee may apply. Arrivals after 9pm are not possible. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Outside only. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Extra cost based on consumption, payable locally. Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Wi-Fi internet access included (no streaming). Yes. The pool is open approximately mid-May to end of October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Pending. Licence number: Pending