Celeste - Quatre Chambres Villa, Couchages 8

Gazing out across the blue Ionian to Mount Etna rising majestically on the horizon, Celeste occupies an enviable position indeed. Its white geometric forms are softened by luxuriant wraparound gardens, which open out directly onto the shoreline, allowing guests to move from lawn-lounging to sea-swimming in just a few carefree flip-flop steps.

Inside: accommodation at Celeste is laid out over two floors.

Wide, black-framed sliding glass doors open in to a welcoming, bright open-plan living and dining are furnished with easy chairs and a sofa to one side and a table to the other. More sliding glass doors opposite the first ones bring in the sea views and allow guests to access a shaded terrace and the lawned gardens with ease. Through an arch and up a couple of steps from near the dining area is a cosy snug with an armchair, a corner sofa, a desk and a fireplace.

A door near the dining area leads into the long and sleek contemporary kitchen, which features a raised bar-dining area, a picture window, sea views and access to the gardens and terraces. There is also a guest WC just off the kitchen.

Back in the main communal space, a couple of steps lead up into the main sleeping wing, which hosts three bedrooms:

• a double with garden and sea views and an en-suite shower room
• a double-twin with garden views and an en-suite shower room
• a second double, also with garden views and an en-suite shower room

The fourth and final bedroom, a panoramic, sea-view double with terrace and en-suite shower room, is on the first floor and accessed via an external flight of steps.

Outside: Celeste sits amidst a sizeable, luxuriant seafront garden and offers plenty of possibilities for al fresco living.

Most activity takes place on the sea-facing side of the house, where, accessed from the living and dining area and the kitchen, is a wide expanse of terrace running along the façade of the house. Much of this space is shaded and there is a dining area and plenty of seating for those who wish to gaze out to sea or settle down with a book.

A wide, elegant sweep of steps lead down from this terrace to an emerald lawn surrounded by exuberant foliage, an exotic palm tree and a shady Mediterranean pine. To one side is a large covered dining area with barbecue and, a few steps nearer the sea, a panoramic heatable plunge pool. To the other, a flight of steps leads up and down - up to a panoramic terrace looking out to sea (and then on to the terrace of the first floor bedroom); down to the magical sea gate and the transparent waters of the Ionian.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

Please note that the sea access in front of this property can get busy in July and August. Getting into the sea is via rocks and so may not be possible to use if the sea is rough.

Boats moor in the bay, especially in the high season, and the seafront area is public and may be used by other people. While this can create a lively atmosphere, their presence may create some noise during the day. The sunloungers and other equipment provided are for the exclusive use of guests staying at Celeste, however.

Although this property is located within walking distance of some shops and restaurants, we strongly recommend that you hire a car.
Celeste is situated on the coast just outside the little fishing village of Brucoli, with its shops, restaurants and bars. It is well-placed for visiting nearby Syracuse, Noto and the surrounding nature reserves such as Cassibile and Vendicari.

Slightly further afield, Taormina, Mount Etna and Ragusa are all good day trips, and a drive down to the southernmost tip of Sicily beyond Porto Palo di Capo Passero is highly recommended.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.