We booked this villa as we liked the photos and wanted to be near Etna. What a lovely place, really. Though the weather was against us and we were ill, the caretake Salvatore completely made up for it. Looking back at the reviews now, none of the issues raised seem to be a problem now, except perhaps the hot water pressure, which is not really a huge problem due to the heat, though a pump would make this place flawless. The dogs are no problem at all and are well behaved to the point that they won't even come into the guest accomodation, if you like dogs they are wonderful company and if you don't they just get on with their own thing. The owners are extremely accomodating - we suggested a microwave as families with babies might appreciate this (we weren't bothered) and Salvatore went out that day to buy one! On our first night we arrived late and were hungry and tired - a large glass of wine each, a bottle of prosecco and beautiful pasta meal provided by Salvatore was so welcome. He couldn't do enough for us, extremely accomodating for us and our children, who were free to run in the acres of olive groves, safe and fenced in from the road on the estate. The pool is one of the best we have come across at such accomodation, and was being meticulously cleaned by Salvatore every day. Yes its slightly cool but welcome in 30 odd degree heat. The poolside relaxation area was lovely and its incredible when there to think that you have such a facility completely to yourself. All in all a very comfortable and enjoyable stay where we all felt at ease the entire time and would definitely stay again.

We looked forward to our stay in Sicily and were not disapointed. The caretakers (Christine and Salvatore) know how to make people feel at home. They also have three very friendly dogs (Cokie, Luna, and Beagle). The premises were fine, and cleaning in top. It was pretty hot when we were there, so a cold dip in the big pool was refreshing. There were some slight problems with hot water in the guest house because of some problems with the water pressure. The caretakers will take care of it eventually. But because of the heat it was no problem, you just need to let the hot water run for 2-4 minutes and then it should be fine. We had good advise from the caretakers regarding places to see and places to eat. It's a very peaceful area, and there are nice views of Etna. If the caretakers invite you for homemade Sicilian food, you can definitely look forward to that. They also have an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and a Weber gas grill. We didn't use it but we are sure you could make a nice homemade pizza or beef. There are many good places to dine out both nearby and in Nicolosi. But remember, don't order to much food at once as they generally serve big portions in Sicily. We have given the area four stars because of its nice location and surroundings, but you just have to ignore the fact that the Sicilians leave garbage along the roads. We hope to be able to come back some day. The owners have done a good job in renovating the place, and with the ideas they have for the future we would love to visit another time.

Having read all the very positive reviews about Villa Segrata, my wife and I were very much looking forward to a relaxing week in the Sicilian countryside. We drove to the Villa and had no difficulty finding it from the directions provided. By chance, we arrived just as Benson, the caretaker, was returning to the property and opening the remote controlled gate. He seemed a little perplexed when I tried to drive in behind him and we soon established that he did not seem to know we were coming. We had an uncomfortable exchange in which he asked me to call the owner to confirm that we were expected. I tried this using the numbers provided but failed to get a response and so I sent an email. Benson then calmed down and told us that the property had been vacated earlier in the day but he had not cleaned it as he was not expecting guests. My wife and I decided to go out for a couple of hours and visit a supermarket and have a drink while the property was prepared. During this time I received a very apologetic call from the owner who assured me that Benson was aware that we were staying. It was a slightly awkward start to our week, but I must say that Benson was subsequently very polite and helpful. Having read all the reviews, and having met the owners son, I think that the property has probably suffered a bit from the owners no longer living there. It is a wonderful location and the facilities are very good, but there is some evidence of a lack of attention to detail and this needs to be addressed. As small examples, the inventory of equipment is no longer used properly and the glassware and crockery need replenishing. Around the excellent swimming pool, the tiling looks tired and the pool itself needed topping up which had we been staying longer would have been irritating. The dogs were great company, very friendly and good natured, but were quite noisy at night (in common with several others it seemed from nearby properties). Overall, we had a lovely week which was unfortunately slightly marred by our arrival and some relatively minor but nonetheless disappointing attention to detail issues.

We discovered that the end of May is not an ideal time to go to Etna as many recommended restaurants and excursions were closed/not available. Nevertheless we enjoyed our stay in this charming apartment. Having got lost driving from Palermo we arrived an hour late at 9pm, but the caretaker, Benson, and the 3 dogs were there to greet us with smiles/barks and a very welcome bottle of Prosecco. We didn’t see Benson again (although we had his number for emergencies), so we just left the keys in the letter box when we left. That first evening, on Benson’s advice we walked down to the nearby restaurant but it turned out to be closed on a Monday so we had to get a takeaway pizza in Belpasso - the only place we found to be open. Tuesday evening we walked for 35 minutes (accompanied by the ever-present dogs) down to another recommended restaurant, only to find that that was closed too. We later discovered that the place to eat out is Nicolosi, a couple of miles away, which is more touristy with a variety of restaurants – we would recommend Antico Orto Dei Limoni. The apartment is joined to the house (which was unoccupied while we were there) but is a separate entity. It wasn’t perfectly maintained (eg none of the lamps in the living room worked and there were a few dead flies around) but the towels and bedding were perfectly clean and comfortable and the place itself was gorgeous and wonderfully peaceful. The kitchen had everything you would need if cooking, though we could have done with a washing line or tumble dryer to dry towels and trunks. The view of Etna is superb from the top window. Re facilities, parking is easy and safe. I should imagine the pool is lovely in summer, though at this time of year it was not pleasant. After half an hour of fishing out the bugs and debris with the net provided, my son and husband enjoyed a good couple of hours in it, but it was way too cold for me! The location of the villa is ideal for exploring Etna, but it is difficult to get anywhere else from there. Then again, driving anywhere in Sicily is a challenge!

Nice holiday home in a great location with view of the Etna volcano. The area is really quiet and a good starting point to explore eastern Sicily. Theres a huge private area around the house (garden, olive groves) which is excellent for kids to explore. The owner welcomed us at two in the morning after we got lost driving from the airport great service (whatever your satnav or description tells you, when leaving the airport first get onto the highway and only then drive towards Messina). There are three dogs and a horse roaming the area, the dogs are friendly, prefectly trained and OK with kids. You should definitely try baking your own pizzas in the traditional brick built pizza oven which is surrounded by a large outdoor kitchen and bar, we had great fun doing this and trying to get it right. The security camera on the terrace is a bit intimidating. While he was on business, the owner asked us to use the services of a caretaker but he was unavailable most of the time, unfortunately. Other than that: highly recommended.

The house is set in a lovely area, good restaurants nearby, easy and quick access to Mt Etna. The man looking after the property for the owners was helpful and very pleasant. However there was no internet availability in the rental part of the place and the pool was too dirty to use. The poolside seating also had no cushions. The adverts should state that the house has three dogs roaming around, although friendly, they barked considerably during the night. Add to this a stubbon horse, also wandering around the property which might worry some would be rentees. Overall the place was adequate but no-where near as good as the other three places we stayed in this year in Sicily.

We had a great stay at Villa Segreta. The location was excellent- rural yet within reasonable distances of the major sites to visit on the east coast of Sicily and of course Mt. Etna. Wonderful views from the garden. The hospitality of Maria, Jason and family was very welcoming and genuine and we enjoyed making pizzas in their their newly built pizza oven! They were also very helpful in providing recommendations for places to visit, shop etc. The Villa was comfortable and well equipped so although we enjoyed eating out, cooking at the Villa was a pleasure. We had a lovely time in Sicily, made all the more pleasant by our stay at Villa Segreta.

After a very long journey and an unexpected late arrival at the property, we were welcomed into a beautiful home for a week and couldnt have been happier with what we received. The log fire was lit and inviting and the proprietors had very kindly left us some supplies to get us through until the morning. The best thing about the property was the beautiful rural setting. We have travelled a lot and this is the first time we have actually been quite jealous of the life that somebody else has living abroad! We were on holiday with a toddler who was allowed to collect the eggs from the chickens, which she absolutely loved, and really get close to the animals. We enjoyed exploring the grounds, were called out to have a look when the volcano erupted (very cool) and were always made to feel like nothing was too much trouble. My husband even got invited on a camping trip up the volcano with the family! The only reservation that I did have was that the cot was on the gallery and was too heavy to move so with a slightly older and active child we did have some worries about her climbing out and falling down the stone steps. I would perhaps recommend to the owners to either move the cot to the downstairs bedroom or invest in a travel stair gate just for peace of mind but this really was a minor thing amongst a whole host of brilliant things about the place. I would definitely recommend staying here if you are in the area - I have always vowed that I would never stay at the same place twice but I may have just changed my mind and go back for a visit soon.

Lovely villa in a beautiful location which exceeded expectations. Swimming in the pool watching Etna erupt is quite something. The owners, Jason and Maria and family, are extremely kind and convivial the atmosphere is always relaxed and comfortable. We had a wonderful afternoon and evening altogether which was very special. Getting to know them all was a real highlight and our children rarely wanted to leave the property. The animals do not intrude in any way and, if anything, enhance the experience. We visited the newly opened pizza restaurant many times (great for kids) and the owner and staff also became friends by the end of the holiday. About a three minute walk but only open in the summer months. We hope to return again soon to catch up with everyone and continue exploring the area. Thanks very much to the lovely Smith family! PS Come on Chelsea !!!

The location of the property was stunning with amazing views of Mount Etna. The property was clean and well maintained, although the kitchen could have been better equipped and the fridge was very small with no freezer. The washing machine was also broken, although we were able to use the owners facilities instead. The only other negative was the lack of sun loungers by the pool, as there were only two, even though the property could accomodate up to six people. The instructions on how to get to the property could also be improved. However, despite a few minor negatives, overall this was a fabulous villa and we had a great holiday. David and Alice looked after us very well in the owners absence and we had a really fantastic holiday.