Villa degli Aranci, Sicily

Villa degli Aranci is located in an oasis of flowers, gardens and orange groves in the middle of the Sicilian countryside and yet not far from the sea.

Set in exotic landscaped gardens at the heart of a private organic orange grove, the house and adjacent Orangery are built on a gently sloping limestone hill looking across to Mount Etna, enjoying gentle breezes and wonderful views. The main house contains the 8 bedrooms and a sitting room with TV, and a small kitchen for nanny and children’s supper. All the bedrooms are individually decorated and have en suite bathrooms, ceiling fans and air conditioning.

Four bedrooms are on the ground floor and stay cool even in the heat of summer. The Olivo and The Rosmarino share a private entrance and gated foyer and face the lavishly planted courtyard, garden and orange groves. Both have bamboo ceilings. The Olivo bathroom has a bath and the Rosmarino a shower and walk-in dressing room.

The Limone and The Bougainvillea share a private entrance and gated foyer and have traditional vaulted cathedral ceilings. The Limone bathroom has a shower and The Bougainvillea a bath.

The other four bedrooms are on the upper level and a long corridor leading from the library connects these rooms. The master bedroom, The Lavanda, has a spacious bedroom, separate sitting room, furnished shady terrace and two bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a bath.

The Palma and The Zagara share a small hall and both have private balconies. The Gelsomino has a beamed ceiling, a shower and wheelchair access.

The summer living and dining rooms are in the pretty air-conditioned Orangery, set in the garden by the pool. Surrounded by lush gardens and a large limestone terrace, there are plenty of sun beds and parasols for sunbathing.

The resident cook prepares the freshest of local ingredients, many grown organically on the Estate. Breakfast consists of home made honey and marmalades from the Estate, fresh breads, melon, yoghurt, Parma ham and local cheeses. Lunch is a selection of cold dishes, salads and local meats and dinner a proper Italian affair. Ali, the houseboy waits at table and generally helps out.

This is a wonderful house for family reunions or friends holidaying together. The high season starts with the fabulous orange blossom in April and ends with a warm swimming pool in October. Sicily is an island full of culture with loads to see and do and fabulous cuisine.