Holiday home Casa Balat

Nestled in the Sicilian countryside, surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Baroque treasures, Greek theatres and Byzantine relics, the brothers Ignazio and Luca Mortellaro have created an inspiring place in the hinterland of Noto. The 300-year-old farmhouse, which has been brought back to life, is set in a lush Mediterranean garden with its own saltwater pool, small and large terraces, an outdoor kitchen and a huge, sun-protected shala for yoga and meditation sessions.

The structure and patina of the building have been carefully preserved and combined with contemporary elements in a charming interplay. Brick arches, unplastered walls, exposed stonework, old wooden ceilings and historic doors meet Corten steel, Scandinavian design, simple furnishings and art in black and white as if there were no yesterday and today.

With three bedrooms, two living rooms, four bathrooms and an eat-in kitchen, Casa Balat is suitable for families or groups of up to ten people. The spacious master bedroom offers space for four guests, with access to the old well courtyard and its own bathroom. The two other bedrooms each have a double bed and a single bed, some with their own bathroom, some with special privacy, always in direct connection with the outdoor facilities. The well-equipped kitchen with a long dining table creates an atmospheric space for socialising, cooking and eating.

Those who want peace and quiet to read and catch the light of the sunset will find what they are looking for in the lounge. For cooler evenings, the living room has a fireplace with a view and access to the old courtyard and garden. Since life on the island takes place mainly outdoors, there are numerous chill decks around the house with cosy cushions, hammocks and seating as well as a monumental table that invites you to have lunch or dinner together under the stars, surrounded by olive, walnut, almond and fig trees.

What to do

Hiking, mountain biking, meditation and yoga (also available as retreats), swimming in the pool, excursions to the Vendicari nature reserve with its species-rich birdlife (e.g. flamingos), its lagoons, sandy beaches, rocky coasts and ruins (e.g. the old tuna factory ‘Tonnara’) or the Cava Grande del Cassibile gorge, numerous cultural highlights, such as the nearby ruins of Noto Antica, Noto rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style or the historically significant Palazzolo Acreide, which dates back to ancient Greece, as well as a visit to the island's many other natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Why we like this house

A subtly composed and well-balanced oasis that moves between times - full of appreciation for nature, the region and its traditions.

This house is great for

Holidaying families and groups of friends, yoga and meditation retreats, nature lovers, art enthusiasts and as a retreat and inspiration for creative projects

Sustainability

Largely energy self-sufficient holiday home with geothermal and solar energy, saltwater pool, e-charging stations at the car park

Details

Availability calendar

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