The sprawling Dimora delle Balze isn’t your average holiday villa in Sicily. In fact, this aristocratically lavish 18th-century estate is almost other-worldly in its excess of graceful charms and luxurious atmosphere. The walls, pavements and ceilings are soaked with centuries of fascinating stories and Mediterranean traditions, with its restoration magnificently combining the various international influences that forged Sicily over the eras. The result is a spectacular rambling Italian residence fit for the noblest conte, signore or cavaliere.
High defensive walls, once designed to keep out gangs of brigands, now provide ample privacy. These shield terraces lined with rows of ancient trees. Inviting sun loungers surround a pristine salt water pool. The 27 hectare estate, still used for organic farming, has a main courtyard which leads to seven of the en suite bedrooms. Each has its own small terrace where guests can effortlessly mingle.
An antique gate leads to the winter garden, dotted with antique farm equipment in a nod to the estate’s farming past. The Dimora delle Balze is full of evocative stories. It has 12 bedrooms in total, each with its own colour scheme. Some are decorated with lovingly restored frescoes and all are named after a Sicilian piece of art, film, poetry or opera. Every room and inch of space on this immense estate has a story for you to discover.
La Sconosciuta: 35sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower) and terrace which opens up to the courtyard.
Punto e Virgola: 30sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower) and terrace which opens up to the courtyard.
Poesie: 33sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower) and terrace which opens up to the courtyard.
Peppino: 2-level room (40sqm) with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower), 15 steps lead up to a further single bed; terrace which opens up to the courtyard.
Coro Spezzato: 30sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower) and terrace which opens up to the courtyard. This room can interconnect with Autoritratto.
Autoritratto: 20sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower) and terrace which opens up to the courtyard. This room can interconnect with Coro Spezzato.
Mal Giocondo: 20sqm room with 1.2m wide bed, en suite bathroom (shower) and terrace which opens up to the courtyard.
Dining room with fireplace and table that can seat up to 24; access to a terrace.
Three living areas, divided by arches. Each has access to a terrace and the owner’s garden.
Proibito: 25sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom; opens up to the owner’s garden.
I Putti: 30sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (wheelchair accessible shower) and access to a private terrace and the owner’s garden.
This area, also called winter garden, is accessed through the main courtyard. It has the original mangiatoia, now a covered sitting area.
Eva: 30sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom (shower). Accessed from the mangiatoia.
Clandestini: 25 sqm room with double bed (1.8m wide), en suite bathroom. The room is accessed externally from the winter garden and climbing some 30steps and therefore enjoys the best views over three windows.
Minimum rental period is 3 nights.
In order to confirm the booking, a 50% deposit is required.
Staff lives on the premises to ensure the stay runs smoothly.
The use of the kitchen and laundry facilities is reserved to the staff. Their services are available at extra charge.
The property is wheelchair accessible on request.
Children (0 - 10 years) should be supervised by an adult at all times.
The neighboring property, only visible from part of the garden, is a breeding farm.
Continental breakfast, daily, served from 7.30am to 10am.
Water, coffee, tea, fresh fruit is available daily.
Maid service, daily with evening turn down.
Arrival set of linen and towels. Towels are changed daily, linen are changed every three days.
English-speaking Concierge available at the reception area from 8am to 8pm.
Air-conditioning (available in all bedrooms and common areas of the villa).
Brunch, lunch and dinner - available on request.
Barman for the pool bar.
Wellness treatments: massages, personal trainer, beautitian.