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When Life Gives You Lemons

  • 16 guests

  • 6 bedrooms

  • 8 bathrooms

  • sq/ft

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Surrounded by farmland and olive trees in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed region of Val di Noto, this nineteenth-century villa is as Sicilian as it comes. The honey-coloured stone building is a thing of beauty and is full of pleasant surprises, from terraces with sumptuous views and pretty coloured tiles in the bathroom to a traditional fireplace. Many of the walls are painted a cooling shade of white and there's also a pair of minimalist four-poster beds to squabble over. Outside is where you'll find the real showstopper, though — a temptingly blue swimming pool surrounded by a stone wall, loungers and a pagoda for escaping the sunshine. Keep wandering around the grounds and you'll come across a vegetable garden, aromatic plants and a cute courtyard ideal for long lunches. When you're in the mood for days out, the historic town of Ragusa lies twenty-five minutes away in the car, while it's possible to get to the beach at Marina di Ragusa in under twenty. Your host can also arrange weddings for up to eighty people upon request in the ancient warehouse or Mediterranean garden facing the olive orchard.


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What to expect


Highlights

Drive over to the gorgeous Sicilian coastline in under twenty minutes

Drive over to the gorgeous Sicilian coastline in under twenty minutes

Float about gracefully in the swimming pool before drying off under the pagoda

Float about gracefully in the swimming pool before drying off under the pagoda

Escape the group for a while in a shady spot in the grounds

Escape the group for a while in a shady spot in the grounds

Sit out on the home's terrace and gaze out at Val di Noto

Sit out on the home's terrace and gaze out at Val di Noto

Like what you see? Explore more of this home

Home truths

    The swimming pool is only available between May and October

    Although the home is split across two floors, there are bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor — one of these has been modified with a shower seat, step-free access and grab bars

    This is a period property and like many of these historic homes, there's a slight damp issue – some guests might be sensitive to this

    The stone patio is shared with the custodian of the villa and the host's father, who live in apartments in the same complex

    There's free parking available on the premises

    A cot, high chair and babysitter recommendations can be provided if required

About this stay


Amenities

Outdoor seating

Desk / workplace

Wi-fi

Air conditioning

Pets allowed

Parking available

Bedrooms & bathrooms

6 bedrooms, 8 beds

8 bathrooms

Extras


VIP services

24/7 concierge

Arrange a chef

Baby sitting

Laundry and dry cleaning

Luggage storage

Massage

Additional fees

  • Speak to your host to arrange weddings for up to 80 people in the stone warehouse (not heated) or Mediterranean garden. This costs a fee of €1,400 and requires a minimum stay of six nights in the high season (please ask for exact dates) and four nights during the rest of the year. The fee includes cleaning after the event, but guests will be responsible for arranging and providing their own catering, rental tables, decorations, music, and other details.

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.

Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.

Local guide


About Ragusa

Fans of the TV drama ‘Inspector Montalbano’ will be familiar with the province of Ragusa as it’s where the long-running series is filmed – playing the role of the fictional region of Montelusa. Even if you’re not a keen follower of Italian police procedural shows, the fact that this southernmost area of Sicily was chosen as the backdrop for the popular programme should give away that it’s rather easy on...

Explore the area

Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Indulge in Cantunera Ibla's Delectable Arancini

Indulge in Cantunera Ibla's Delectable Arancini

This charming restaurant offers a great selection of arancine at a great price. With friendly English-speaking staff, a lovely outdoor setting under orange trees, and amazing service, it's a must-visit for food lovers.

24 min
Explore Donnafugata Castle

Explore Donnafugata Castle

Step into a bygone world at this palatial baronial residence turned museum. Admire the period furnishings, costume gallery, and stunning gardens for an enchanting experience in Sicilian aristocracy.

30 min
Enjoy live music at the neighbourhood bar, Prima Classe

Enjoy live music at the neighbourhood bar, Prima Classe

A local hangout with a relaxed atmosphere, this bar offers live music and a break from tourist crowds. Perfect for a casual night out.

17 min
Enjoy a stroll around Giardino Ibleo

Enjoy a stroll around Giardino Ibleo

A serene public garden with sweeping views, ambling pathways, churches & fountains. Relax on benches, enjoy the beautiful flowers, and take in scenic views of the valley and Ragusa train station.

24 min
Dine alfresco at Giro Di Vite Osteria e Pizza

Dine alfresco at Giro Di Vite Osteria e Pizza

Experience excellent pizza, delicious pasta, and wonderful service at this friendly restaurant. The stylish tropical atmosphere adds a refreshing twist to the old Italian architecture.

21 min
Grab coffee and arancini at Caffè Sicilia

Grab coffee and arancini at Caffè Sicilia

Caffè Sicilia is a charming bakery and cafe that offers a wide variety of sweet and savoury options.

17 min
Explore the Duomo di San Giorgio

Explore the Duomo di San Giorgio

This baroque Catholic church in Ragusa is a breathtaking structure with impressive side chapels, marble altars, and huge paintings.

24 min
Explore the magnificent Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

Explore the magnificent Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

Immerse yourself in the splendour of this baroque cathedral and admire the religious art and relics in this beautiful place of worship.

21 min
Tuck into authentic Sicilian dishes at Rosacambra

Tuck into authentic Sicilian dishes at Rosacambra

A beautiful local restaurant in Sicily offering an authentic culinary experience.

21 min
Enjoy delicious Sicilian treats at Caffè Italia

Enjoy delicious Sicilian treats at Caffè Italia

This charming café in the heart of Ragusa offers a wide range of delicious pastries, coffee, and Sicilian specialties. With friendly staff and a beautiful display of cakes, it's a must-visit for food lovers.

21 min
Take in the stunning views at Church of St Mary of the Stairs

Take in the stunning views at Church of St Mary of the Stairs

This impressive church, built in a Gothic style in the 13th century, offers beautiful panoramic views of Ragusa Ibla. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the sunset behind the town for amazing photos.

23 min
Enjoy a relaxing break at Mokambo Coffee

Enjoy a relaxing break at Mokambo Coffee

Great local bar with very good service, offering delicious coffee and snacks. The perfect place to unwind and enjoy a coffee.

24 min

Get around

Airport

Comiso

39 min

Vincenzo Bellini Catania

2 hr 7 min

Reggio Calabria

3 hr 55 min

Train station

Donnafugata

30 min

Local shops & services

Supermarket

23 min

Cafe

15 min

Pharmacy

12 min

Points of interest

Beach

Spiaggia di Marina di Ragusa

21 min

Booking policies


House Rules

Children welcome (1-12 years)

Infants welcome (under 12 months)

Pets welcome

Events possible (with prior approval)

Smoking allowed

Good to know

Arrival from 16:00

Departure before 10:00

Air con

Wifi

Cancellation policy

  • Up until

    5

    days

    Cancel at least 5 days before your check-in date for a full refund.

  • Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 5 days away.

Host


This home is managed by Ignazio

This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Ignazio runs a start-up that sits within the design sector and this Sicilian home is living proof that he has an eye for a good interior. During your stay, he and his family members will ensure you have everything you need.

Registration or licence number: IT088009B4KSAZVRCC.

This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.

  • Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.

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  • Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
  • Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
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