Overview
Cantaloupe and prosciutto. Who would have ever thought such contrasting ingredients could combine into such a mouth-watering appetizer? Villa Elena is very much like that. It’s a magic potion that impeccably fuses Londoner chic with the candidness of the Sicilian countryside. Villa Elena’s exterior draws you in with its coral walls and arched columns. The endless hilltop view, garden of herbs, landscaped olive groves, and immense pool area join hands to create a setting which will leave you no choice but to unwind. The home’s interior, a small universe of contemporary design in itself, is filled with furniture pieces that’ll make you giddy with excitement. And for those of you who understand the true value of an awesome kitchen….well, get ready to have the time of your life here.
Property details
Now seriously…who needs a lullaby when you’ve got the rolling hills of Sicily? The quiet drive to Villa Elena reminds you of how good it feels to be still and unhurried. You shift gears and make your way up the road leading to the home. As soon as Villa Elena comes into view, a childish grin spreads across your face. Yipee!
The exterior of the house boasts a cheerful mix of symmetric lines and curved arches. Red walls alternate with white surfaces. The main entrance to the right of the home opens out onto a long, descending driveway. On the left, a cascading garden of herbs sits contently above an outdoor dining area that’s fully equipped with a wood-burning oven and a BBQ area. Out front, you’ll find a newly-refurbished pool with a spacious sun deck, a well-tended grove of olive trees that looks out onto the valley below, and a circle of blooming flowers around an old fountain. Cosy al-fresco dinners with grilled Sicilian eggplants and Marsala wine after long, lazy days by the pool. Sure sounds fabulous, doesn’t it?
The moment the front door of the home swings open, you are transported into another place. It’s a haven of contemporary design and modern sleekness. The multi-level setting sets the stage for a truly “cool” interior. On the first floor, a two-part living room, with a tv and sitting corner, is furnished spectacularly. On the second floor, you’ll find the bedrooms. Each one has a different coloured theme, an en-suite bathroom, and an IPOD-compatible vintage radio. The “green room” has a classic feel to it while the “red room” is a delicious explosion of sunlight and impassioned images. A quick descent down a marble staircase will lead you to the ground floor. Here, you’ll find the magnificent, fully-equipped kitchen with sliding doors that open out to a huge veranda. (We tried doing the tango around the 3-meter long dining table and we actually thought we were pretty good.) To the left of the kitchen, awaits another surprise – the Games room. Sporting a football table, a ping-pong table, an American pool table and an endless variety of children’s toys, this room will have the little ones go absolutely wild!
Unwind, relax, have fun, spend some quality time with friends and family, and take a little time out…you deserve it.
Area details
Villa Elena is located in the small town of Camastra, just a short drive from the city of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples on the south-western coast of Sicily. Apart from it’s fantastic panoramic position at the top of a hill in the heart of Sicily, Camastra is also ideally situated for day trips to many of the island’s unique attractions. These include the Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina, the Greek archaeological treasures of Syracuse and Eraclea Minoa. The pristine beach of Eraclea, Torre Salsa, Scala dei Turchi and the more popular beach resort of San Leone are within close reach. Whether it is beach fun or cultural exploration, you can have it all.
Additional Information
Have you always wondered how the chefs make it look so easy? Want to experience real Sicilian food and culture? The Villa Elena Cookery course believes that learning is best when we experience it ourselves. All the lessons are hands on and are taught in an intimate and personal setting under the guidance of Chef Giuseppe Silvestri - and the best part is that you get to enjoy all the fruits of your labour - with delicious Sicilian wine!
The swimming pool is open to guests from 27th March to 7th November. The pool is available out of season for an additional charge of € 200 per week.