Overview
Allow us to introduce you to “the darling” of our hand-picked collection of villas in Sicily. Villa Musa was once the handsome manor house of an ancient farming estate that dates back to the early 1800’s. Owned by a local aristocratic family for centuries, the property has now been impeccably restored and converted into a delightful home furnished with unique antiques and ravishing 18th century paintings. Catania’s Baroque splendour and Syracuse’s archaeological treasures are within refreshingly close reach. So with the Ionian Sea as a backdrop and Mt. Etna hovering protectively nearby, our little darling Musa really is quite a catch. Especially if you’re a couple or small family looking to stay at one of the most refined small villas in all of Sicily.
Property details
As you stroll up the clay-coloured driveway, you immediately get a feel for that rustic exquisiteness that makes Villa Musa so inexplicably endearing. And speaking of first impressions…at the main entrance of the house, a gallant pair of wooden doors usher you into an attractive reception area (and we mean that with two thumbs up) consisting of a winter garden and covered patio. To the right is the hall entrance of the villa, which we’ve affectionately labelled the “command centre” because it’s the focal point of the home that leads to all the other rooms. The living room, adorned with 18th century paintings, antique furnishings, and an open fireplace, is nothing short of majestic. The dining room, with its ancient gun collection and access to the pool area, is just as stunning. The kitchen has a more mischievous tone to it – copper pots hang down from the wall and its doors open out onto the front garden. A quick trot through the kitchen will lead you to the master bedroom, where a pair of well-preserved 16th century paintings are poised high above the closets and a gold-plated four poster bed looks forward to making you feel like royalty.
The setting of the villa complements what’s inside flawlessly. The frolicsome little flowers of the private garden are a sweet welcome as you approach the entrance and catch a quick glimpse of the sea that lingers out on the horizon. Just around the corner, at the back of the house, an incredibly alluring 12x6 swimming pool is tucked innocently behind a smartly cut hedge. Looking out east from the pool deck, an old Gothic church stands proudly amidst a world of green and serves as the perfect contrast to the calm azure of the Ionian.
Area details
Villa Musa is located in San Gregorio di Catania, a quaint little town overlooking the Ionian Sea that is most famous for its legendary production of wholesomely beautiful flowers and almonds. With thriving Catania only a short 10-minute drive away and Mt. Etna practically in the backyard, there’s hardly a more convenient and accessible spot to be in if you want to combine peaceful relaxation and cultural exploration with some exhilarating climbs up the black lava slopes of Europe’s largest active volcano. Taormina, the island’s most glitzy and sought after resort, and fascinating Syracuse aren’t more than an hour’s drive away either. So start packing those suitcases, get ready for some real fun, and let good old Sicily put that smile back on your face.
Additional Information
Please note that the twin bedroom is a bedroom 'space' which has been created on a mezzanine area above the upper floor living room.