Villa Manlio

Description

This charming villa is set high into the side of a green valley, which overlooks a picturesque Sicilian landscape. Views of sunlit mountains, rolling hills adorned with dry stone walls and olive groves stretch out to the Tyrrhenian Sea beyond. It is a secluded and truly enchanting setting for a relaxing trip away. The interior has been lovingly decorated with paintings and ornaments reflective of the sea faring culture which exists in the small neighbouring village of Scopello. The living area is bright, looking out onto the sun terrace and the rural delights beyond. Bare wooden ceiling beams give the place a rustic allure, fitting for the setting. There is one double and one twin bedroom, each prettily furnished. Outside, attractive stone walls and an elegant stone patio further the rural atmosphere of the property. A pergola which offers shade to a dining table adds a certain refinement to the grounds, which continues with the private pool, artfully sunken into the pretty patio and strewn with palms. The terrace is a magnificent area from which to admire the view, or simply relax with a drink.

West of Palermo, just after Castellammare del Golfo, the coastline becomes rugged and spectacular. Part of this coastline is Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, which stretches for 7km between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to near San Vito Lo Capo in the west. Created in 1981, this park and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful parts of western Sicily. Lo Zingaro has been shaped by nature to dramatic effect. Cliffs drop precipitously into the azure sea and the series of pebbly beaches hidden amongst a myriad of coves are as lovely as you can find in the Mediterranean. The park attracts both walkers and bathers alike and in the summer, when many beaches are overcrowded, it is a good idea to head for Lo Zingaro, walk for half an hour and find relative isolation on a virtually deserted beach. At the edge of the Zingaro Nature reserve lies the ancient Scopello (from the Greek word "Skopelos" that means "cliff”), a small, pleasant village that was built around a 16th-century “baglio”, on the site of a former Moorish hamlet. As you will discover, this nice courtyard is now the heart of the village. Here, ceramics and souvenirs shops, as well as boutiques, cafés and restaurants lie under the shadow of a large eucalyptus. On the road to Trapani one can spot the idyllically situated Greek temple of Segesta, one of the Mediterranean’s finest archaeological sites. Castellammare del Golfo is an attractive seaside town between Palermo and Trapani. The historic fishing port has a picturesque location, below steep mountain slopes; with a handsome curved harbour at the foot of a small headland topped with a castle. There are still small working fishing boats, and you may see fishermen mending their nets on board, or selling the day's catch. Castellammare has a pretty little central park, opposite the elegant town hall on Corso Mattarella. The park has a small children's play area, shady trees, and benches with views over the harbour.

Villa Interior - Living area with TV and Hi-Fi, comfortable sofa bed and fully-equipped kitchen with gas stove and oven, fridge, freezer, kettle, microwave, dishwasher and table and chairs for 4 guests - Bedroom with King-sized bed - Twin bedroom - Bathroom with shower - Guest toilet Outside Grounds - Private bean-shaped pool, open approximately from beginning-March to beginning-November - Sun loungers and parasol - Outdoor shower - Mediterranean garden - Pergola with comfortable seating and dining area - Outdoor kitchen - Barbecue Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning in some rooms only - Heating - TV and DVD player - Washing machine - Iron