Rosolini, our abode amidst the rolling hills and countryside

Today’s proposition is an unconventional one, suited for those seeking to retreat to a rural setting, away from the noises of cities and traditional tourist routes. We find ourselves on the Ibleo plateau, in the municipality of Rosolini, a major agricultural center south of Syracuse, with Arab roots from the period when they conquered Sicily, encountering the Byzantine Empire in complete disarray. It was not difficult for them to peacefully settle in the area, bringing the benefits of their culture. This city is surrounded by countryside, primarily used for the cultivation of almonds, citrus fruits, olives, and carob trees. It is amidst the gentle hills surrounding Rosolini, just 15 minutes from Modica and 20 from Noto, the splendid capitals of Sicilian Baroque, where we will visit a magnificent estate, finely restored.

Around us, stone walls wind their way, delineating various crops until we reach the gate granting access to the main courtyard of the house, where the ancient paving remains, a testament to the passage of carts and feet that once traversed here ceaselessly. The courtyard is enclosed on all four sides by walls or practical buildings, from the main house to garages and storage units, boasting in the center a well fundamental not only for past life.

In this initial space, one might consider poultry or dog breeding given the presence of independent premises allowing for shelter. The house, spread over two levels with views on all four sides to enjoy the sun at any time of day, now sees on the ground floor a spacious kitchen made of masonry with typical tiles reminiscent of the Sicilian sun and sea. From here, one can access the garden at the back to seek shade under the trees on sweltering days, now the favored spot of the many cats roaming undisturbed or dozing, casting indifferent glances at me.

This initial garden would be suitable for creating a barbecue area, as it is adjacent to the kitchen, or, with sliding glass doors, a winter garden to linger in when the weather is inclement. Attached to the kitchen, we find the first of the two double bedrooms of the house, with a large French window opening onto the courtyard and a window overlooking the garden, along with the ground floor bathroom, windowed with a shower currently used as a laundry room.

Imagine waking up here, stepping directly into the garden, watering the flowers as you wait to sip coffee and read the newspaper on an antique iron table found on an excursion from a second-hand dealer. The living area reminds me greatly of those seen in mountain retreats, spread over two different levels, with a stone relaxation area featuring a fireplace and wooden ceiling, and a mezzanine reached by an elegant wooden and wrought iron staircase.

The mezzanine is currently used as a study but could, with the addition of a sofa bed, become a guest room or a hobby room, or both at once. From here, passing through a suitable vestibule serving as a dressing room and walk-in closet, we reach the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, windowed with a shower.

As you might have gathered, this house is highly versatile, capable of accommodating couples seeking solitude or families with children. The property, totaling over 4 hectares, can become a source of income transformed into an orchard or land for sheep or other animal husbandry.

The house is ready and waiting for you, the rest is up to your imagination to make it the perfect place for you.