A beautiful property,clean and comfortable, very traditional - the photos on website do not do it justice! The outdoor areas are amazing. Elio and Giovanna were great hosts and made us feel very welcome. We will be back - there is such a lot to see in the area and it is such a relaxing place. Easy food shopping close by too. May not be suitable for very small children because of pool access, great for older families.
Chris Ott 2013-11-11
After a warm warm reception we spent wonderful days in the villa. Elio is a very friendly and helpful host. The house is as described, newly renovated and very well maintained. For swimming unfortunately it was too cold. We felt very safe, the dogs get used to the neighbors. We'll be back. Robert and Roswitha Mag 2013
Nous avons passe chez Elio une semaine parfaite avec nos 3 enfants ! La maison est idealement situee pour profiter de Raguse et de sa cote (marina di ragusa) mais egalement pour rayonner de Taormine a Agrigente, en passant pas les merveilles baroques de Noto et Syracuse. Vaste, parfaitement equipee, la maison est tres accueillante avec sa piscine et ses nombreuses terrasses amenagees. Ajoutez a cela l'accueil d'Elio et de son epouse qui avaient prevu le samedi soir de notre arrivee un repas typique sicilien copieux et delicieux. Amateurs de figues bienvenus : 2 arbres fournissent autant de fruits que necessaire pour 5 chaque jour ! On reviendra ! Merci Elio !
Philippe Ago 2013
I’m very happy to write a few words about this holiday, the hosts were so welcoming and the house and its lovely garden are an absolute gem. We travelled from Palermo and I am afraid we were not only late but also lost! Elios was very helpful in coming to meet us and lead us home. When we arrived at the villa they had prepared some wonderful local food for us which we hadn’t expected at all some ricotta and Ragusa cheese as well as some pastries and pasta…we didn’t go for dinner the next day we stayed in and finished it off! I have some pictures of the house which I hope to put up as soon as I get the hang of my new camera! However it’s clear someone has a very good eye for decoration, it feels very much like a home, the tiling the hearth wooden cabinets and crockery are all very pretty more like a cottage than a holiday let. I was quite taken by the garden it’s well established and very lush grapes, olives, lemons pomegranates and herbs with a lovely stone patio. You will need a car for this villa, that is not a comment on the accessibility of the property but advice on the area generally, there is a lot to see and Ragusa is a good base geographically to see it. If you are thinking of going to Sicily two pieces of advice do your research on train timetables and get a good map. Other than that. Enjoy!
Rosie H Set 2012
Die Lage des Hauses ist perfekt, für Erkundungen in der Region, aber auch für Ruhe und Entspannung (umgeben von Landwirtschaft). Die Anlage ist mit viel Liebe zum Detail hergerichtet, der Pool ist sehr schön. Die Vermieter sind unglaublich gastfreundlich und hilfsbereit. Absolut empfehlenswert!! (Empfang mit kompletten Abendessen, selbstgemacht und Flasche Wein)
Popiei Giu 2013
Rustig gelegen erg schoon huis,mooi gedecoreerd,grote keuken.
Je kunt op 3 plaatsen buiten zitten om het huis,mooi zwembad met veel prive .
Wij werden ontvangen met een eetbuffet dat je toelachte en een fles gekoelde wijn,
Verhuurder is erg behulpzaam,spreekt goed engels.
geschikt voor 4 volwassenen of 2 volwassene en 2 kinderen die goed trap kunnen lopen.
vanaf september vliegt Ryanair van Charleroi naar Comiso,plaats van huis.
Slangen Lug 2013
Wir waren 2 Wochen im sehr gepflegten wunderschön angelegten Ferienhaus, die Vermieter waren bei allem sehr hilfsbereit und um uns besorgt. Wir kamen nachts an, da war noch ein ganz liebevoll gemachtes Essen gemacht, einfach toll.
Löffler Lug 2013
Ausstattung sehr gepflegt und alle notwendigen Einrichtungsgegenstände vorhanden. Pool wird regelmäßig sauber gemacht. Freundliche und hilfsbereite Betreuung durch den Eigentümer. Einkaufsmöglichkeiten in 5 Minuten erreichbar (Einkaufszentrum).
Dahmer Set 2013
"a wonderful, intimate stay"
We spent a week at the villa at the end of the September. We enjoyed being in the Sicilian countryside, with views of the coast and easy access to Ragusa and beyond to the wonderful baroque villages and towns in the region. The villa has been renovated sympathetically and is simply a pleasant place to sit around and rest in. The area outside is a treasure trove of little alcoves, and places to relax by the pool. We used herbs and fruits from the garden in our cooking. The owners are very accommodating and gave us a special greeting leaving us with local produce to enjoy on our first night. They provided a cot and high chair on request. They live offsite and are not intrusive at all. We travel a lot around the world and research carefully where we stay and we definitely did well in choosing this villa. There are dogs barking in the early evening mostly, buts its fine, and its part of being located in a working rural area.
By Mickboire Set 2013
"Heavenly"
This villa lived up to all our expectations. Set in the hills, we could see the sea in the distance. The villa itself was cool, clean and had a traditional feel. There were several places to sit and relax in the shade. The pool was immaculate, the garden was full of pots of geraniums and herbs and olive, fig, pomegranate and lemon trees. We really relaxed and the teenagers rediscovered books! The countryside around has some spectacular towns and delicious food. Elio was very attentive and friendly. We would echo the reviewer who recommended earplugs because of the dogs but don't let that put you off. This place is gorgeous.
By Suffolk S from Ipswich, United Kingdom Ago 2013
We spent 1 week in that house and it was a very positive surprise. Arriving at 10 pm was no problem. Elio waited for us with delicious food, a bottle of wine, water, coffee, tea ...
The house is situated south of Ragusa on farmland with 2 neighbouring houses. It is ideal for 2 people or a family with 2 children.Kitchen furniture includes everything you need. The garden with pool is just as shown on the pictures - great relaxing guaranteed.
You can reach the important sites of the southeast but you absolutely need a car.
By Martin from Oberkirch Mag 2013
"Relaxing stay in charming corner of Sicily"
We had a great week in Elio's comfortable villa in the Sicilian countryside just outside Ragusa.
Elio and his wife were there to greet us when we arrived on the Saturday lunchtime. They had also provided a spread of tasty Sicilian treats, including rice balls, 2 huge lumps of local cheese, and pies, together with a bottle of wine. He'd also thoughtfully put bottled water in the large fridge. This was most welcome as we had got up at 1am in England to catch a 6am flight and had driven for three and half hours from Palermo without stopping.
The villa is comfortable with good bathrooms and 2 basic bedrooms, but the highlight for us was the large garden with the excellent pool. There were plenty of shady corners to relax, and a big stone-flagged barbeque area which we used on a couple of nights. There are lemon trees and lots of herbs in the garden if you like cooking.
The kitchen seemed to have a wood-fired pizza oven but the weather was a bit hot to try it out.
There was a good supermarket 10 minutes drive away, with plenty of Sicilian produce available.
There's a well-equipped laundry room and a washing machine in the villa, Elio also provided towels: useful to know if you are flying with only hand-luggage.
He was very helpful and happy to answer any questions during the week.
The villa does have neighbours with a pack of dogs, so there was a certain amount of nocturnal barking, plus sheep bells clanging early in the morning. It didn't bother us too much though.
Ragusa is just a short drive away and the old town is beautiful: full of lovely Baroque buildings and good places to eat. We went to the coast too - Elio left maps and suggestions of where's good to go. Noto and Modica were also fascinating towns, sadly we ran out of time to see Syracusa, which is over an hour away. We had a lovely week, I would recommend Elio's villa to anyone wanting to visit this part of Sicily.
By The Angiers from Norfolk, UK Lug 2013
"The loveliest villa my wife and I have stayed in, attractive, co"
My wife and I arrived late afternoon at the villa and were warmly welcomed by the owner and his wife who had provided lovely local food and wine for us to avoid the necessity of searching for somewhere to eat on our first evening in Sicily. The villa was very well equipped, spacious and clean. It had a washing machine but no dishwasher but this was not a problem as the kitchen was otherwise large and very functional. The entire villa was furnished in a very attractive style and the owners' concern for our comfort and enjoyment was clearly visible in numerous ways. The swimming pool was a good size and kept very clean; the area around the pool and all outside areas of the property were well tended and very attractive with beautiful plants throughout and places to sit in the shade. There was a spacious barbecue area with a large table and chairs in the shade. Our favourite place to sit with a glass of lovely Sicilian wine in the evening was the balcony on the first floor which had excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
The villa was conveniently sited for easy access by car to beautiful baroque towns like Ragusa Ibla and Noto and also for days at the beach. Punta Secca, Marina di Ragusa and Donelucata provided us with opportunities for swimming and sun bathing on the sandy beaches and also for lovely walks along the coastline. We like walking very much and so were a little disappointed that we could not walk to any local amenities from the villa but with the coastal walks and visits to nature reserves, we soon got used to having to use the car all the time. Restaurants were, on the whole, of a high standard and we particularly liked 'Sands' in Punta Secca with views of the beach and sea and who served delicious home made pasta.
What we liked best about this holiday was the warmth and friendly assistance extended by all the Sicilians we met and especially by Elio and his wife, Giovana, the lovely swimming pool, the beautiful views from the villa of the surrounding countryside bathed in a golden light and the wealth of places of interest to visit. We did not manage to visit them all and will definitely return.
By denjane_13 from Bampton, United Kingdom Giu 2013
"A wonderful holiday"
We recommend this charming villa set amongst the fields outside of Ragusa as the perfect place to relax. It is so peaceful and the surrounding countryside is beautiful.The only sounds you will occasionally hear are the neighbour's dogs and a rooster. We visited in May 2012 and apart from one day the weather was warm and sunny. The large and well maintained pool provided an excellent place to have fun and cool down in the afternoon. We were on our honeymoon and the friendly owners Elio and his wife Giovanna provided us with a host of local treats and a celebratory bottle of Prosecco. They were full of useful information and very kind to us. The villa has been lovingly restored by the owners and is clean, spacious and well kitted out. The kitchen has every utensil and appliance you could wish to use. There is a wealth of fresh produce to purchase in the towns nearby, so if like us you enjoy cooking you will be able to make some fantastic dishes! The garden is beautiful, with hammocks ideally positioned in the shade for an afternoon nap. The location is ideal and we were easily able to explore the picturesque baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica and Noto. The flower festival held in Noto in May is an event not to be missed! Ragusa Ibla and Modica are great for an afternoon or evening walk followed by an ice cream or aperitivo. They have a wealth of bars, gelaterias and restaurants. The Caffè dell'Arte in Modica sells the best chocolate we have ever tasted. The Osteria dei Sapori Perduti in Modica is a lovely place to eat. The menu is fantastic value, serving a variety of traditional, unpretentious Sicilian dishes. During our stay we also got time to visit The Valley of the Temples at agrigento, The Scala dei Turchi, Siracusa & Ortigia. They were well worth visiting and very easy to do as day trips. For those wanting to visit the beach, nearby Marina di Ragusa is worth a trip. I believe Elio also has an apartment there to rent. A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable stay.
By Rafael from Southend on Sea, UK Mag 2012
"Very relaxing, perfect getaway from it all!"
Elio and his lovely wife, Giovanna, met us at the villa with an array of local specialties and tangerines and a celebratory bottle of local prosecco - granted it was our honeymoon :)
We love to cook and the kitchen is by far exceptional for any rental property. You name it - it's there. electric burner, gas burners and a bonus wood burning oven. Combine that with the abundant sage bushes, lavender, rosemary and the lemons from the tree in the private courtyard and we were in culinary heaven!
Wait for May/June if you want warmer weather and use of the pool. It was too cold in april, though we weren't concerned.
The town is close by and there's a lovely castle with a great wine shop and cafe for a quick nearby diversion.
The dogs at the farmhouse next door do have some kind of battle nightly with the sheep. So bring ear plugs if you must have absolute quiet. They chill out after a couple of hours though.
And there is a rooster, that crows at the appropriate time in the morning - and sometimes during the afternoon riposa. :)
Heaven, with a little nature and some of the smaller animal kingdom. Highly recommend! Tutto bellissimo! (and practice your Italian... ours is terrible! but everyone was so nice to the crazy, sleepy newlywed Texans :)
By chauncycay from Austin, TX Apr 2012
"A Discovery of Sicily's Beauty"
The house is a beautiful cottage, characteristic for the region of Ragusa. It is an ideal place to come to rest, to read, to enjoy a calm but inspiring holiday. Due to its isolated setting in the fields outside Ragusa it is a haven of tranquility. It's location is ideal for trips to the beautiful beaches of southern Sicily and to cultural highlights such as agrigento, Syracusa and the treasure houses of Sicilian baroque: Ragusa, Modica, and Noto. We had a great time there. As this part of Italy is very hot in summer and early autumn, the well maintained swimming pool and garden are very welcome extras. The house itself is clean and comfortable, with a convenient kitchen in the traditional style. We made some excellent dishes there. At our arrival we were warmly welcomed by the owner, who we came to know as an walways friendly, helpfull and very nice man. We recommend this house to all who want to discover real Beauty.
By Jan & Dennis from Antwerp Set 2011
"Excellent holiday Home"
Staying in this villa was a great choice.
Location is nearby some lovely villages. The villa itself was very clean, with many opportunities to relax. Owner really put his heart in this villa. Always a place with shade outside, wonderful pool and a working pizza oven!
By Willem from Den Haag Set 2011
"Relaxing and beautiful place"
A great rural location but close to Ragusa and Modica. Lovely farm cottage with all amenities and lovely pool in a great garden. Elio, the owner was extremely hospitable and very warm, friendly and obliging. This was our return trip to Sicily after meeting my husband there 10 years ago. Would certainly recommend this as a quiet relaxing place to stay. The only problem on some nights was the neighbour's dog barking.
By Sporty31 from Bath, UK Giu 2011
"Recommended stay in a beautifil house and surrounding"
We stayed for the second time in this house.The owners are very friendly,the house has everything, a nice garden with big swimming pool, lovely kitchen,...And if you need something extra the owners always try to satisfy. One can enjoy a wonderful and untroubled holiday! I already recommended to my friends.
By Yolande Schulpen from Lot by Brussels Belgium Giu 2011
"A relaxing week"
We stayed at Ellio's for 6 nights on a week long break in Sicily.
His house is lovely and exactly as described. For two people this was a perfect base from which to explore the baroque towns and gave us somewhere calm and private to chill in between. The pool is great too. If you like cats, as my wife does, you're in luck as several from the next door farm came to check us out. The only downside was a noisy neighbouring dog that woke us up in the middle of the night most nights. The dog, the farm's sporadic water pump and the odd truck on the road are the only sounds to intrude on what is otherwise a peaceful and idylic spot.
By Lazy Ed from Wokingham Giu 2011
"Great house for a wonderful stay"
La maison est tout à fait agréable, l'accueil parfait et la situation, entre la mer et les villes baroques de la Sicile, est absolument merveilleuse.
By Catherine, Paris, France from Paris, France Mag 2010
"Nice destination"
Quiet and very clean house. The owner was very helpfull. Nice to visit the Baroque Sicily. We went there with our 5 sons and everybody has appreciated the area and the swiming pool.
By VINCENT from CHARTRES - France Gen 2009
"a lovely house surrounded by country, sea and historic sites"
Very comfortable house with a nice garden and swimming pool. Quiet environment, very warm welcome. We recommend this rent which allows to visit the wonderful baroque villages while taking advantage of the beach and the magnificent Sicilian countryside! Thank you!
"The villa is the perfect place for a restful stay around the pool and for visits to the historic towns and cities of south-east Sicily. The kitchen is large and well equipped, the garden is beautifully kept and ideal for open-air dining, the house is clean and comfortable. The owners are charming, generous with their time and helpful in solving travel difficulties. I would recommend the villa for a family holiday."
Julian S. (Regno Unito) - Data Set 2011
"We had a very pleasant stay at Villa Gelso. The owner gave us a very warm welcome with Sicilian food. The owner is friendly and very punctual on our appointments. Villa in quietness (!), a perfect retreat and an excellent spot for daytrips in the beautiful area. Very nice (!) garden with pool (unfortunately closed during our stay in May). The home has a complete household and is well decorated (romantic style). The only thing missing was nice/soft couch to sit on while using chimney during the colder Sicilian evenings/nights in May."
Maarten N. (Paesi bassi) - Data Lug 2011
"Äußerlich eher unscheinbar, ist das Haus von innen ganz besonders schön: qualitätvoll restauriert, individuell und geschmackvoll eingerichtet. Auch der Garten ist sehr hübsch und bietet vieles. Der Vermieter ist sehr gastfreundlich und sympathisch - grazie mille!"
Martina E. (Germania) – Nov 2010
"Tout était très agréable et conforme à la description. Je tiens à signaler aussi l''accueil très chaleureux des propriétaires à l''arrivée et leur présence discrète pendant le séjour. J''aimerais retourner dans cette maison abvec un temps plus agréable !"
Catherine R. (Francia) - Data Ott 2010
"Nous avons séjourné dans la maison d'Elio et Giovanna du 12 au 19 mai 2010. Tout a été conforme à notre attente et nous avons passé un excellent séjour. Je recommande cette adresse."
Jean-Eric M. (Francia) – Mag 2010
"Maison très confortable et bien équipée. Environnement calme, accueil très chaleureux. Nous recommandons cette location qui permet de visiter les merveilleux villages baroques tout en profitant de la plage et de la superbe campagne Sicilienne ! Merci !"
jérôme g. (Francia) – Feb 2010
"Nous sommes allés deux étés successifs dans cette maison absolument délicieuse. L'environnement naturel est très beau et l'on jouit même d'une vue sur la mer au loin depuis la terrasse. La maison est très joliment renovée avec des matériaux anciens, tout est très propre et de bon goût. La piscine est très agréable. Nos deux séjours furent un enchantement. Elio et Giovanna, les propriétaires, sont pleins d'attention et extrêmement accueillants. Un petit coin de paradis."
Judith R. (Francia) – Nov 2009
"Abbiamo trascorso una vacanza indimenticabile in questa splendida casa arredata con stile nel rispetto delle tradizioni. Con i nostri due ragazzi ci siamo goduti particolarmente i fichi maturi e dolcissimi del giardino a colazione! La zona è meravigliosa, vicina al mare e alle molteplici città barocche. La piscina perfetta per i giorni di caldo."
elisabetta d. (Regno Unito) - Data Set 2009
"Une très belle adresse, en pleine campagne , à deux pas de Ragusa . La maison avec piscine a beaucoup de charme et les propriétaires ont été très acceuillants "
JEAN F. (Francia) – Ago 2009
"Villa très agréable, confortable et joliment décorée. Propreté impeccable. Bien placée pour visiter les villes baroques voisines. Nous avons apprécié la délicate attention du propriétaire lors de notre arrivée, sa disponibilité et sa discrétion.C'est une oasis de verdure au milieu de la campagne brulée par le soleil de juillet. Nous avons aimé le côté authentique du lieu. Et nos 5 garçcons ont apprécié la piscine en rentrant d'excursions."
antoine v. (Francia) - Data 18/08/2009
"Maison agréable et bien équipée. La piscine est un vrai régal. Merci à Elio et Giovanna (les propriétaires) pour leur accueil et leurs gentilles attentions."
Romuald P. (Francia) - Data Nov. 2008