Villa Severa

Description

Nestling within a green oasis of calm in a laid-back residential area of the Sicilian countryside and close to the coastal city of Acireale is grand Villa Severa. Its spacious interior is matched by the extensive outside space that offers several different areas for dining, swimming and relaxing. With the coast just half an hour away by car, you can also spend days unwinding on the beach and enjoying long walks.

The villa sleeps up to six guests in three upstairs bedrooms that each have their own personality and feel. One has fresh, white walls tastefully complemented by items of classic wood furniture. The other two offer warm pops of colour and a cosy feel from the wood ceilings and floors.

Downstairs is where the authentic atmosphere of the villa can really be felt. The thick walls, stone features and tiled floors of the main living space make it a characterful place to spend time with the family. There are two seating areas in this open-plan space; so everyone is guaranteed a comfortable spot on the sofa!

The tavern-style dining space is surely the most impressive room at Villa Severa, with its exposed stone walls, rustic wood oven and wine cellar. Enjoy delicious meals with the decorative doors to the outside space open; allowing scents from the lush garden to gently breeze through on balmy nights.

The gardens wrap around the villa and are where you'll find a large swimming pool for refreshing dips. Different levels feature lawns dotted with trees and plants, with a charming pebbled walkway leading you to a external staircase up to the main terrace. Here you can dine al fresco and take in views over the garden and beyond as you sit back on a stylish sofa.

With picturesque countryside, historic towns and cities and the coast all within easy reach, Villa Severa is ideally located for exploring typical Sicilian landscapes. Discover stunning architecture that spans the centuries in cities such as Acireale and Catania, with the town of Taormina being famous for its ancient Greco-Roman sites and theatre.

Also relax on the sandy stretches in and around Catania, with Taormina offering a scenic pebble beach at Isola Bella. You can be lying on any of these beautiful beaches within 45 minutes of leaving the villa by car.

Adventurous types will love walking around the area that surrounds majestic Mount Etna. There are dramatic trails to follow, as well as a cable car that takes you to the summit of this still-active volcano.

#### Features
Villa Interiors (200 sqm)

Ground Floor (split-level)

- 'Tavern' with kitchen, wood oven, dining table for six people, fireplace, wine cellar, guest toilet, doors to terrace
- Living room with TV, sofas, armchairs, fireplace, table with four chairs, doors to terrace
- Kitchen with hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, coffee machine, espresso machine, american coffee machine, table and chairs
- Bathroom with shower

First Floor

- Bedroom with double bed, ensuite bathroom with shower and hydromassage
- Two double bedrooms
- Bathroom with shower

Outside Grounds

- Rectangular swimming pool (18m x 5m, depth: 1.2m – 2m), open approximately mid-April to end-September
- Terrace with dining table for six guests
- Terrace with sofa and armchairs, water well
- Porch with barbecue and dining table for six guests
- Garden with lawn, trees, plants
- Poolside bathroom with shower
- Sun loungers
- Parking

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- TV and DVD player
- Washing machine
- Fireplace
- Hair dryers

#### Location
Villa Severa occupies a pretty spot within a residential area that's surrounded by lush, green landscapes. A couple of restaurants, shops, a cake shop and supermarket are within a five-minute drive, but you'll probably want to head to nearby Acireale for a greater choice of amenities. Just a short drive away is Casa delle Farfalle. This attraction is sure to be a hit with children in particular, with the park and garden being home to a butterfly house, playground and picnic area.

The city of Acireale is less than 15 minutes away by car and sits in an impressive position at the foot of Mount Etna. Therefore it's not surprising that it gives spectacular views over the Ionian Sea. The city is full of Baroque buildings, with some of the most beautiful being Piazza del Duomo, the church of San Pietro e Paolo and the Basilica of San Sebastiano.

If you visit in February, you may be lucky enough to experience one of Sicily's most famous festivals. For one week this month, flower-covered floats and masked parades make their way down the streets, with plenty of music and atmosphere.

Enjoy sandy beaches along the coast close to the ancient city of Catania. One of the most popular is La Playa, as it boasts golden sand and plenty of family-friendly facilities. Catania is also a history-lover's paradise, with stunning buildings dotted all over the city. Highlights include Palazzo Biscari and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata.

Famous Mount Etna is around a 40-minute drive from the villa. This still-active volcano is a sight not to be missed, with its lunar-like landscapes that you can hike around. If you're not feeling that active, you can still explore the area by cable car. A ride will take you right up to the summit itself.

Boasting centuries of history and a lovely hilltop setting is the town of Taormina. Its most famous structure is probably the ancient Greco-Roman theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina. Also drive around 20 minutes south of the town to marvel at the archaeological park and museum of Naxos, which features remains of what is considered to be the first ancient Greek colony in Sicily.