Overview
“Remember these aromas for the description” I heard from beside me. But my mind was still too taken with my first visual impression of the garden to have even noticed the smells. Perfect terracing, lawns, bougainvillea, palms, and that splendid pool all leading up to the imposing façade of the house. And then on the other side, the uninterrupted view over the valley of the Anapo River winding its way to Siracusa. Then I noticed the aromas, and their effect on my first impressions. Depending on the season, the smells of jasmine, rosemary, thyme, oregano and a multitude of flowering plants make this garden heavenly. We can usually tell within a few minutes if a house will meet the demands of a thinkSicily client. Here we knew instantly, and before even going inside.
"The Leopard Collection": read about the history of Villa San Tommaso >>
The Property
Inside: the inside fulfils all the promise of the garden and confirms Villa San Tommaso as a welcome addition to our thinkExquisite range. The house is on two floors. On the ground floor, one enters the huge living area with its views over the Anapo valley and access to the terrace at the top of the garden. The living room has been created from the old oil and wine press, and has extraordinarily high ceilings. It features a raised sitting area with an old stone oil pressing wheel and a dining area with easy access to the kitchen. Above the kitchen is a large sitting area with TV and stereo and a gallery overlooking the living area. On the same level as the sitting area is a double bedroom with adjacent bathroom. Upstairs are two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. All decorations, furnishings and fittings are of impeccable taste and quality.
Outside: arrival at the house is either via a courtyard to the rear on the same level as the living area (and so convenient for loading and unloading) or from the bottom of the garden, where there is shaded parking. The inside living area leads directly to the top terrace, which has a large shaded dining table and views over the garden, pool and valley. The garden itself is skilfully designed and impeccably maintained and is one of our favourites in Sicily. Several paths lead down through the terracing, passing shady lawns and viewing points to the large pool, which has its own shaded terrace. Just below the house is the apartment which is occupied by the extremely charming staff.
The Area
Following the defeat of the Athenians in 413 BC Syracuse was arguably the most important city in the Mediterranean (and hence perhaps the world). Remains of that period are beautifully preserved in Ortygia, at Neapolis and in the fabulous archeological museum, all of which are within a few minutes drive of Villa San Tommaso. Syracuse is not just an Ancient Greek museum however. The old baroque island city of Ortygia offers a marvelous choice of restaurants, bars and shops in beautiful piazzas and on the sea front. Also within easy distance of Villa San Tommaso are white sand beaches, towns such as Noto, Modica and Ragusa, Mount Etna, and much more.
Distances
Catania airport: 47km-29miles-40mins
Palermo airport: 280km-175miles-2hr50
Trapani airport: 366km-230miles-4hr45
Nearest shops and restaurants at Belvedere: 5mins
Central Siracusa: 12km-8miles-12mins
Beaches at Fontane Bianche: 25km-15miles-20mins
Noto: 38km-23miles-30mins
Modica: 75km-47miles-1hr
Vendicari Nature Reserve: 45km-28miles-30mins
Think About
Villa San Tommaso has an excellent ecological pedigree: its solar panels make it self-sufficient, saving some 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Clients should be aware that there is an inhabited property occupying the same courtyard. The lady who lives there is an experienced cook and would be delighted to prepare typical Sicilian meals for you.
Call Us
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from the UK
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020 7377 8518
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from outside the UK
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+44(0)20 7377 8518
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Toll-Free from US or Canada
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1-800-490-1107
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We can take your call during London office opening hours:
Mon to Fri: 9:30am - 6pm, Sat: 10:30am - 5:30pm.
Booking notes
Options: we will hold options for you whilst you decide. The duration
of an option will depend on the property and the dates
Booking: a 30% deposit ( 100% if 9 weeks or less before departure)
will secure your booking.
Read our booking conditions
>>
Prices and payment: we accept payment in EUR, GBP and USD using
any major credit card, bank transfer or cheque.
More information about how we calculate our prices.