Overview
Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree? We searched long and hard to sum up what Casa Etna has to offer in a single sentence. But Annie Lennox beat us to it with a standing ovation. This exquisitely renovated countryside villa sits amidst an intoxicating landscape and stands at the crossroads between earth, water, and fire. A sprawling olive oil and citrus fruit plantation, a vineyard dedicated to a prince, the mystical Ionian Sea, and fiery Mt. Etna make for quite a setting. The owner’s fondness for the 1800’s and his zeal for life become evident in the villa’s rare collections of 19th-century paintings and colourful bedrooms. And to round it all off, the garden hosts a scrumptious private pool and a stage for Sicilian puppet shows. Ms. Lennox was right, sweet dreams are indeed made of this.
Property details
Your loyal navigator system instructs you to turn right onto a stone-walled lane that brings you deep into the countryside. Holes have been cut intermittently into the wall to leave space for the century-old olive trees to grow freely. Sicilian farmers have a great respect for their terrain and you have just witnessed that in person. As you make your way down the pathway to Casa Etna, you see giant citrons hanging down from a tree. Whoa. They’re nearly a half foot long! What a cool surprise.
The doors of the front patio open up into a multi-levelled living room with warm, orange walls, an open fireplace, several sitting areas, a prized collection of old Etna prints, and an ice-making machine. The most sensational piece in this recreational space is the huge copper chimney that stretches all the way up to the slanted roof of varnished old cane. A small stairway leads to a cosy mezzanine with two single beds and a reading corner. The master bedroom, painted in an eccentric shade of blue, features a restored bed from the 1830’s and a resplendent collection of antique furniture sketches. The other four double bedrooms, each painted in a different colour, can all be converted into twins on request. You’ll want to keep an eye out for their beautifully barrelled ceilings. The dining area, with its mat green walls and open plan kitchen, can accommodate up to 22 people. The six bathrooms of the home all come with a shower and make use of a special illumination system that uses solar energy and produces a very natural light. Another cool surprise.
Outside, the magnificent Etna Volcano, rolling hills, an expansive citrus fruit orchard, century-old olive groves, clean cut lawns, a private vineyard, and that piercing blue Sicilian sky create a spectacular 360 degree panorama around you. A covered terrace opposite the villa, readily equipped with spotlights, is the perfect place to host an alfresco dinner or a long night of card games. Towards the back of the property, you’ll find an enchanting pool with a lovely wooden deck and a small garden with a real stage for traditional puppet shows. Enticing is the only word that comes to mind right now.
Area details
Casa Etna is located in one of the most exclusive countryside estates in all of Sicily. Here, you are lovingly shielded from the troubles of the world. The estate lies only a few kilometres away from the slopes of Etna Volcano and 7 miles from Taormina. It’s proximity to the sandy beaches of Mazzarò and Giardini Naxos also mean endless days of sea and sun. The impressive Alcantara ravine promises an adventurous trek along the gorge and makes for a great day trip. For those of you who have a knack for history and architecture, the Baroque jewels of Catania are only about a 15-minute drive away. And let’s not forget all the fun that you will have as you make your way up Etna on foot or by cable car!
Additional Information
Heating system €200 p/w from December to March. Additional maid €15 p/h. Internet connection €30 p/w. Cook service (only dinner) €20 pp, F&B extra. Laundry service €15 p/h. Late arrival after 22:30 €50; after 24:00 €100.