Overview
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese science that seeks to balance the natural energies of a place to assure the good fortune for people who inhabit it. Now, if we were Feng Shui consultants (we’re still working on that one), we’d call this property a masterpiece. The Queen’s Jewels consist of five fabulously refurbished cottages that were once part of an old farm building. Here, in the flourishing garden of an expansive estate in Taormina’s countryside, all the elements - wind, water, earth, and fire - unite harmoniously. The fresh breeze from the Ionian Sea, the aquamarine water of an eye-catching pool, and the heated temper of Mt. Etna waltz with the fertile soil that grows tangerines, grapes, and olives all year long. A divine choice for families, couples, and large groups looking for privacy, adventure, beach fun, and Feng Shui fortune!
Property details
Your heart skips a beat as soon as you reach that stretch of motorway where Mt. Etna comes into view. You had read somewhere that the volcano was big, but you never imagined she would be so immense in real life. A little further up the road, you smell that first salty whiff of sea wind. And before you know it, you’re driving past the waters of the mighty Ionian. Everybody in the car is singing along to radio now!
After you’ve slid the car into its designated spot under the roofed parking space of the Queen’s Jewels, you notice several dozen oranges lying on the walkway leading to the cottages. They sure look tempting but you decide to keep your hands to yourself. For now, anyways.
All five cottages look out onto a garden bursting with lemon trees, bougainvillea bushes and giant citrons. Barriers of oleander and bamboo which separate each cottage’s front patio from the next ensure complete privacy. Though every single cottage is uniquely furnished, they all feature décor items with a Mediterranean flavour. Most of the furniture is of 19th-century Sicilian origin. The floors are paved with old terracotta and the roofing is made of natural canes, just as they were in Sicilian farmhouses hundreds of years ago. Each cottage is equipped with its own cooking area and the tiles of the working surfaces hail all the way from Santo Stefano di Camastra, the original capital of Sicilian ceramics. Here is a quick snapshot of the cottages:
Lunasole: (100 sq.m.) accommodate max 4 adults and 4 children
Two double bedrooms with their own bath with shower, a sitting room with a small mezzanine holding two beds for children aged 5-16, a kitchen-dining room with a small mezzanine holding two beds for children aged 5-16, a private patio with cane covering, an exclusive garden (9x9m)
Polyphemus: (75 sq.m.) accommodate max 4 adults and 2 children
Two double bedrooms with their own bath with shower, a sitting room with a small mezzanine holding two beds for children aged 5-16, a kitchen corner, a private patio with cane covering , an exclusive garden (9x9m)
Leone - Trinacria – Zeus: (50 sq.m.) accommodate max 2 adults and 2 children each one
Each one consists of one double bedroom, a bath with shower, a sitting room with a small mezzanine holding two beds for children aged 5-16, a kitchen corner, a private patio with cane covering, an exclusive garden (5x5m)
As you wander around the property, you’ll discover a fantastic 14 x 6 swimming pool with a straw-covered gazebo and stupendous solarium encircled by 4,000 square meters of lush gardens. As you twirl around in a circle, you gain a delicious view of the citrus orchard that lies in the background. But best of all, you get to stare at mighty Etna up close and personal.
Area details
The Queen’s Jewels are located in the exclusive countryside estate of the House of Alliata di Villafranca, one of Sicily’s most illustrious aristocratic families. Here, you are surrounded by miles and miles of orchards, rolling hills, and a private vineyard. The estate lies only a short drive away from Mt. Etna and the popular resort town of Taormina. It’s vicinity to the sandy beaches of the Ionian Coast such as those at Mazzarò and Giardini Naxos is another plus. Must-sees in the area include the ravines of the Alcantara river and the Baroque architecture of Catania and Acireale. Trekking up Etna or riding up it’s black slopes by cable car is also an unforgettable experience.
Additional Information
Citrus fruits, olive oil, wine, as well as jam and eggs are all farm products that can be purchased on request by guests who are staying at the cottages.
Thanks to the property owner’s excellent negotiation skills, a number of local restaurants and pizzerias have agreed to provide special rates for cottage guests.
Guests can also choose to avail to a catering service which will deliver a selection of traditional local dishes to their cottage (only for groups).
Mediterranean cooking classes can be organized on request.
The swimming pool is open to guests from April to October.
Electricity: 400Kw included. € 0.20 per extra Kw.
Daily cleaning for the whole property: € 250 per week (optional).