Casa Modica, nr Ragusa,

Sleeps 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

DESCRIPTION

Large villa with pool Sicily - dating back to the 18th century, this beautifully restored masseria farmhouse with adjacent ' guard tower' enjoys a dominant hillside position overlooking the countryside around Modica. It has the unusual bonus of a second pool, as well as plenty of places to relax, both indoors and out. Several excellent sandy beaches are within easy reach, as are a number of UNESCO world heritage sites, and there are plenty of good restaurants and shops in the nearby town.

Casa Modica has been sympathetically restored and furnished in keeping with the island's heritage. The large living room is centred around an attractive open fireplace, whilst the bedrooms are traditionally furnished with beautiful wrought-iron beds. The characterful kitchen is in brickwork and is decorated with locally-made majolica pottery; it even has a typical internal fireplace/barbecue. An internal courtyard - baglio - surrounds the second swimming pool: this is a superb sun-trap and a great place to relax and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. The villa is surrounded by quintessential Sicilian countryside: cornfields bordered by dry stone walls, interspersed with cactus plants and wild flowers.

If you're hoping to spend time at the beach during your holiday, you have chosen a good place to stay. Some of the closest sandy beaches and rocky coves are to be found at the stunning nature reserve of Vendicari - these unspoilt beaches are not equipped, so you will need to take a picnic! There are also several very good sandy beaches (some equipped with sun beds and beach cafés) at , Marina di Modica and . Other places to visit in the area would definitely include Siracuse: a wander around the central island district of Ortygia is not to be missed, particularly during the mornings when the colourful street market is held; and for those who are interested, a visit to the city's famous Greek and Roman ruins would round the day off perfectly. Ragusa Ibla, , the fascinating cave dwellings at (Cave d'Ispica) and a longer day trip to the Greek temples at are other options. With horse riding and tennis also available locally, and the fantastic cuisine of Sicily on offer all around you, there is something for everyone at Casa Modica large villa with pools Sicily.

LOCATION

Modica 16km, Noto 20km, Ragusa 35km, Siracusa 53km, Agrigento 170km, 58km, 104km, 295km, Modica 17km, Pozzallo 24km, Nearest shops and restaurant 2km, 8km to larger selection of shops, restaurants, banks, Pozzallo | Nature Reserve Vindicari 23km , Calamosche in Vendicari Nature reserve 27km, San Lorenzo in Marzanemi | Marina di Modica 30km, Sampieri 32km, Tennis at Green Club Modica 16km, Horse riding 8km, Watersports locally, Modica baroque town 17km, Noto baroque town | cathedral 20km, Marzanemi | Vendicari Nature reserve 30km, Duomo | old town Ragusa Ibla 32km | Portopalo di Capo Passero 37km, 's temple | Greek theatre | Duomo Siracusa 55km, Agrigento 168km. ACCOMMODATION

MAIN RESIDENCE Living room, open feature fireplace, gallery (music centre, TV), French doors to outdoor terrace. Dining room, French doors to outdoor terrace. Kitchen/ breakfast, (TV), open fireplace, French doors to outdoor terrace. Double bedroom, air conditioning. Steep wooden ladder to mezzanine with low beams, additional single bed available on request - not suitable for young children or elderly.Twin bedroom (2 x 0.90m), air conditioning. Steep wooden ladder to mezzanine with low beams, additional single bed available on request - not suitable for young children or elderly. Double bedroom, French door to terrace. (Please note this bedroom is not air-conditioned).3 x shower rooms, WCs. GUARD TOWERGround Floor: Living room, fireplace, French door to terrace.Dining room.Study/ library.Guest WC. First Floor:Double bedroom, air conditioning, French door to terrace.Twin bedroom (2 x 0.90m), air conditioning, French door to terrace.Bathroom, WC.Grounds:Comprising private pool 15m x 8m (depth from 1.2m-2.5m) with pool shower with changing room & WC, plus a second 7m x 3.5m pool (min/max depth 1.4m), Mediterranean courtyard, terraced seating areas, outdoor dining terrace, private parking.Please note: there are some staircases without handrails in this villa so it may not be particularly suited to groups that include young children or elderly people. INSIDER TIPS

Large Sicily villa - If you want a holiday in a typical Sicilian villa close to a beautiful and fascinating town, and with world- class treasures within reach, give Casa Modica serious consideration. When you tire of the tranquillity of the villa's rural surroundings, head to the beautiful and wealthy town of Modica just five miles away. The townscape is stunning: visit the famous bridge (one of the tallest in Europe at 300m) which overlooks the whole city and joins the new and the old towns. Don't forget to sample one of the local specialities - chocolate! In recent years the annual Eurochocolate Festival has been held here several times, and you should definitely visit one of the two oldest chocolate shops in the town (Bonajuto and Rizza): The local importance of chocolate reflects Sicily's historic links to the Kingdom of and, consequently, to South America.

SERVICES

Included: Twice weekly maid service. WiFi internet. Pool towels. Welcome basket with breakfast items. Electricity up to 350kwh per week*. Extras: Additional maid service €12 per hour (minimum 2 hours). Chef service €150 plus cost of groceries. Babysitter €12 per hour. Shopping service €30 plus cost of groceries. Winter heating radiators €50 per day. Firewood. Airport transfers and guided tours, beauty treatments, cooking classes, wine tasting, pizza parties. Late arrivals after 2100 hrs by arrangement only €50 to be paid locally.Reduced rates for max 6 in 3 bedrooms only - please ask for details.A local tourist tax may apply. *The amount of electricity included in this rental should cover general use. Excessive use of air-conditioning may incur additional costs which will be charged locally by meter. PHOTOS