Villa Di Maranello

Before being lovingly renovated in the last few years, Villa Di Maranello was used as a wine press since the eighteenth century. The owners have added all necessary modern touches to the home, but it retains the character of the old wine press, including the millstone in the living area!

This spacious and quirky four-bedroom home sits in an equally impressive location, at the foot of Mount Etna in the East of Sicily. In a semi-rural setting surrounded by vineyards, you are perfectly placed to enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and over the beautiful sea of the Costa dei Ciclopi. The stunning garden of the house blends seamlessly into the hillside and is still filled with vines used to grow wine by the owner. You are able to sample or purchase the local Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio wines, made from the unique Etna grapes which you can enjoy on the terrace overlooking soaking up the atmosphere.

Inside the villa, enjoy well-furnished living spaces with extensive original features which charm to the building. The house has been beautifully renovated, and the mixture of rustic touches alongside modern fittings creates an ideal holiday home. Villa Maranello is perfect for a family holiday; with everything from a private pool, chic kitchen and living spaces and even a billiards room there is everything you need for a relaxing break.

When you are planning for a day out, the best place to start is Mount Etna itself. The largest volcano in European is a great attraction which you can walk up with a guide or by yourself if you wish. If you would rather enjoy the views in style and pass through some of the lovely little villages on the slopes, then instead you can head up on the Circumetneacircular railway. On the way up you will go through some of the closest villages to the house, including Pedara which has shops and some great restaurants.

You are also well-placed for visiting some wonderful places further afield to make the most of your trip to Sicily. If you want to see some of the extensive and stunning coastlines, you could head to Catania for long sandy beaches, food markets and a lively centre at 20km away. Finally, no trip to Sicily would be complete without a day trip to the beautiful, ancient city of Syracuse which you can reach within ninety minutes.

Features

Tourist License Number:C212067
Villa Interior

Ground Floor

• Open plan living area with fireplace and old millstone
• Sitting and dining area with feature fireplace
• Modern fitted kitchen with hobs, oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, breakfast bar and dining table
• Billiards room
• Bathroom with bath and shower
• Two double bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom with a shower

First Floor

• Two double bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom with a shower

Outside Grounds

• A spacious garden surrounded by vineyards (3000 m2)
• Private saltwater pool (4m x 10m, depth: 1.3m), open approximately April to end-October
• Poolside seating with parasols
• Large terrace with dining furniture
• External shower
• Barbecue
• Parking

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Heating
• Satellite TV
• DVD player
• Hi-Fi system and CD player
• Billiard table
• Two fireplaces
• Ceiling fans in some bedrooms
• Microwave
• Mixer
• Espresso machine
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Iron
• Hairdryer

Location

The East of Sicily is a wonderful place for a holiday with family or friends as there is so much to see and do that you will be able to keep your whole party happy. Villa Di Maranello sits in a unique and beautiful location, with volcanic landscapes up the hill to Mount Etna and sea views in the other direction. The villa is tucked in amongst vineyards and citrus trees offering a serene environment and a great location for visiting local vineyards to sample the wine!

A visit to Mount Etna is a must when staying so close; there are many tours you can book with specialist guides who will be able to show you hidden caves or the best views. If you prefer to ascend while sitting down, then take the circular train up and relax. On your way back down again there are many lovely villages you can head to for something to eat, some of the small trattorias are the best places to try the fresh seafood or local favourites like Arancini which are stuffed rice balls and have been made on the island since the tenth century.

The coastline of Sicily is stunning and varied with many different kinds of beaches, coves and harbours for you to visit. Catania is 20km away and has wide open sandy beaches which are great for sandcastle making, and the city itself is a lively place to visit too. If you prefer the feel of a fishing village and small pebble beaches, you could visit Taormina which is surrounded by little coves and gorgeous seafood restaurants as well as one of the best views in Sicily from the Piazza IXAprile, Taormina is forty-five minutes away by car along the coast.

If you wish to visit the famous ancient city of Syracuse, then it is well worth the ninety-minute drive and is a must-see city. If you set off early you can make the most of this amazing place and fit lots in. A great place to start is the old town Ortigia Island which is best explored on foot, in this area, you will discover charming yellow-hued winding streets opening on to traditional markets and squares filled with attractions such as temples, castles and churches. The busy harbour leads you back into Syracuse city where you can carry on exploring or head to the incredible Neapolis Archaeological Park before sitting down to soak up the atmosphere in a pretty square to enjoy a delicious local pizza together.