Villa Taio

Peer through the arched balcony with a glass of Nero d’Avola and gaze out towards Cefalù and the azure-coloured Mediterranean from this exclusive and stylish villa in a clifftop setting with direct access to the sea below. Designed by an architect couple, Villa Taio is both sophisticated and stunning, set in a garden with Sicilian olive trees and the most spectacular terraces. With minimalist yet elegant style, expect contemporary furnishings set against beautifully tiled floors and light décor with splashes of Sicilian colour. Downstairs is all about open-plan living and dining with a sea-view, leading to the spacious terrace outside. Upstairs you will find four superb en suite double bedrooms, many with doors out to the lovely upper balcony with yet more Mediterranean vistas as well as glimpses of historic Cefalù and its imposing Rocca. Outside, chill out on the vast terrace in the sunshine, lie back in the inviting hot tub as the sky turns pink in the evening and dine al-fresco by the barbecue, with the soothing sound of waves lapping on the rocks below. The most nimble-footed can access the Tyrrhenian Sea below, perfect for swimming or snorkelling in crystal-clear water. Or you can simply wander down the private lane to the nearest beach and its summer restaurant, around 700m away. Charming Cefalù can be reached in a short drive with its sandy beaches and lidos as well as its historic town filled with enchanting alleys, enticing osterie and atmospheric cafes, not to mention the incredible Duomo and its wonderful piazza. Carry along the coast to discover yet more beaches such as Sant’Ambrogio or admire the landscapes of northern Sicily’s shoreline by boat. Hop on a train to Palermo, a grand city with awe-inspiring architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the most amazing markets and street-food. Drive inland to the hilltop town of Enna and you may even be able to see Mount Etna in the distance, whilst closer to home is the beautiful Madonie National Park, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Villa Taio encapsulates much of what Sicily is all about – stylish character, gorgeous views, glorious nature and close to one of the island’s most charming, historic seaside towns. Features: Villa Interiors (approx. 200m2) Main Floor - Open-plan living and dining area with doors to large terrace with sea-view - Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, kettle, espresso machine, blender and toaster - Laundry room - Shower room Upper Floor (via open staircase) - Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room - Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room - Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room - Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower Outside Grounds - Hot tub (6m2) and outdoor shower - Terrace with sea views - Upper balcony with sea views - Barbecue - Private sea access - Fenced grounds - Driveway (shared with Casa Gio) - Parking Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Underfloor heating - Fireplace - Satellite TV - Mosquito net (living room) - Ironing facilities Location: Just 5km from Cefalù on the striking north coast of Sicily, Villa Taio enjoys the most incredible setting atop a cliff, with direct sea access and within walking distance to a beautiful beach. Keen swimmers can get to the Tyrrhenian sea via the rocks below and bathe or snorkel in the emerald water whilst you can also wander to a beach around 700m away. This small beach can be reached via a private road and is a mixture of sand, pebbles and smooth rocks. In the height of the summer there is a beachside restaurant with glorious views. There are a couple of other beaches within a kilometre or two, trickier to reach but worth the trek on this mesmerising coastline. The historic town of Cefalù (5km) is a delight whether exploring its charming centre or relaxing on the sandy shores of its long beach with lidos, watersports and restaurants. The Duomo is magnificent, set in a wonderful piazza with atmospheric cafes, bars and restaurants. Explore the town’s ancient lanes, coming across historic sites, lovely shops and welcoming gelaterias, climb up La Rocca for exceptional views, then head to the beach to cool off in the azure-coloured sea. There are both public parts of the beach and private lidos where you can rent sun loungers for the day. A boat trip is another fantastic way to visit the coastline – look out for companies in Cefalù offering excursions, including opportunities to swim and snorkel or boat rental is possible too. Heading east, Sant’Ambrogio (13km) is another idyllic stretch of Sicilian coastline with a lovely village as well as wilder beaches. It’s located at the gateway of the magical Madonie National Park with its endless olive groves, wild goats, breathtaking natural landscapes and great biodiversity. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts or you can just visit by driving to a tiny village for a coffee in a local bar or lunch in stunning surroundings. The vibrant city of Palermo (66km) is just over an hour away (or pick up the train from Cefalù), home to historic markets, exquisite sights, impressive shops, restaurants and bars as well as amazing street-food. The spectacular Duomo is just one of Palermo’s UNESCO World Heritage sites alongside the Palazzo Reale, Cappella Palatina and La Zisa castle amongst others. The buildings throughout the city are awe-inspiring with spectacular examples of both Arabic and Byzantine architecture. If you are hoping to visit the heart of the island then Enna is a fine day out, around a 90-minute drive away. Stroll around its beautifully preserved medieval centre, soak up the hilltop town’s old-fashioned charm and admire distant views towards Mount Etna. History-lovers can also drive further south to Agrigento (140km), around two hours away, to visit one of the island’s ancient sites. Terms & Conditions: ? €500 charged to client’s credit card by the owner up to one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details. 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Please note that jacuzzi opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and maintenance requirements. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Two additional beds are available for two extra guests, on request only and subject to a charge of €50 per bed per day, payable locally. Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information. Flexible. Yes plus mid-week clean included. 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. Yes. Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Wi-Fi internet access included. Yes, for the hot tub. IT082027B4QGUT3PCM Licence number: IT082027B4QGUT3PCM