The charm of industrial archaeology in Sicily. Today, an elegant country house, ideal for those interested in the rural history of the island. Suitable for families.
Sicily is a wild, sun-drenched, rugged place with hot African winds (scirocco) but nevertheless generous to those who love and respect it. Farmers have always had to battle with these weather conditions for their crop-growing, and so it was that, at the start of the 1930's the owner cleverly constructed this house over a natural spring from the river Imera. Water was brought to the surface and used to irrigate the crops by using the ingenious and then, modern hydraulic system. This system, which was unique in Sicily at the time, made the baron even wealthier and more important. Today, this old and rare construction has been transformed into an elegant residence that is so fascinating, it is hard to put into words. Whoever enters the apartment that still houses the well and the ingenious system of pipes will appreciate the creativity and intelligence of the baron and his men, who came up with the idea and made it work. This is a real piece of rural Sicilian history.
Property details
In 1931 the Baron Fatta Del Bosco, a wealthy Sicilian landowner, had the ingenious idea to design a hydraulic system which was a very challenging task at the time. The idea was to use the water from the nearby river Imera to irrigate the dry Sicilian land and so the house was built with a well in it. The baron’s nephew, the current owner of the property, has had the system restored and it is now up and running again. The property is surrounded by a paved stone courtyard on approximately sixty hectares of land where vegetables, wheat and olive trees grow and the Mediterranean vegetation around the house provides a fitting backdrop to the 5x10m inviting swimming pool. On the ground floor, the elegant and sunny open-plan living has comfy armchairs, a double sofa bed, television, a dining table and an American-style kitchen. Off here lies the most surprising room of the house- the old well area that has been converted into a loft with a living room and two queen size beds. The house is dotted with surviving photographs of the opening of the hydraulic system. The other side of the living room leads to two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a family bathroom as well. Upstairs, on the first floor of the old tower,is a cool and quiet single room and a roof-terrace with a great sea view. In the garden, a second small building houses a barbecue, a washing machine and a second fridge and there are plenty of shady spots to relax in.
Prices
From | To | per day 9 persons | per week 9 persons | Minimum Stay |
---|---|---|---|---|
02-01 | 09-04 | 170 | 1190 | 4 |
10-04 | 25-06 | 229 | 1600 | 7 |
26-06 | 09-07 | 314 | 2200 | 7 |
10-07 | 27-08 | 400 | 2800 | 7 |
28-08 | 15-10 | 229 | 1600 | 7 |
16-10 | 07-01'22 | 170 | 1190 | 7 |
Deposit
(payable in cash upon arrival): EUR 300,00
Services included
- Consumption of water and gas
- Consumption of electricity
- Sheets, pillow cases and bath towels
- Final cleaning
Additional information
The warm, generous and hospitable owners love having guests from all around the world and they'll make you feel welcome immediately. They are helpful and full of wonderful suggestions and will assist you in discovering the warmth of the local people and they sometimes make up great meals for the guests. The owner who is the baron's direct heir, will be happy to tell you the exciting story of the origin of this charming house. They offer guests free use of 2 sun beds and an umbrella at Gorgolungo beach, which is ten minutes from the house.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Optional extra services
Mid-week cleaning: EUR 50,00 (per day)
Preparation of lunch or dinner: EUR 100,00 (per meal)
Consumption of electricity greater than 350 kwh.: EUR 0,20 (Kwh)
Contract terms
Availability
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Facilities
Bathroom / Laundry
- Washing machine
- Ironing board and iron
- Hair dryer
Indoor
- Satellite TV with Sky 52''
- Wi-Fi
- Log fire
- Air conditioning
- Facilities for the disabled
- Hi-fi with CD player
- DVD player
- Electric heat pump heating (hot air)
Outdoor
- Pool (LxWxH in meters) 10x5x1,30
- Private parking
- Barbecue
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
- Microwave oven
- Dishwasher