Modica, Sicily
This original 500 year old town house offers chic and contemporary accommodation in the centre of Modica, with hydromassage tub in the pretty walled garden.
Arrival day: Any Car hire: Recommended
If you are looking for a little luxury in the heart of the historical town of Modica then Casa Hortus is just the place. Sitting in walled gardens in the higher part of town – Modica Alta – this super house is over 500 years old and has been spectacularly renovated. The accommodation sleeps up to 6 guests comfortably but is also much requested by couples or honeymooners looking for the perfect retreat to spend some private and relaxing time together.
The entrance takes you through the thick stone walls into the charming gardens with a large terrace overlooking the Cathedral of San Giorgio. Amidst the fragrant orange, lemon, fig and pomegranate trees there’s plenty of shady space to enjoy some meditation, a good book, a glass of wine or some tasty dinner. Of course, you may choose to take a dip in the lovely stone-built hydro-massage bath – great during the heat of the day and magical under the starry night-sky.
Casa Hortus has 3 superior bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. Only local materials have been used throughout the property in keeping with the harmony of the original building – local stone, vaulted ceilings, antique Sicilian lace is found throughout. Suite Acqua is perhaps classed as the master bedroom, where there is a big circular bed with large stone bathtub. Suite Fuoco has a king-size bed and ecological fireplace. Suite Aria is found on the first floor, has a regular sized double bed with a terrace overlooking the beautiful Cathedral of San Giorgio.
Should you wish to escape the midday heat to perhaps plan a visit to Modica in the cooler months of the year then there is a spacious lounge with high ceilings, arched openings and exposed stone-work furnished with big sofas where you may chat, doze or even watch a little television. The property has WiFi throughout. An open-plan kitchen island has been created with everything you could need for some proper Sicilian cooking, plus there’s a dining table. The old water-tank underneath the living area has been transformed to form a wonderful wine cellar which is always stocked with some of the best local wines… a true comfort knowing you will never run short of wine during your stay.
For al-fresco diners, the gardens have a large stone table, a good-sized barbecue and hedges of scented Mediterranean herbs, perfect for adding that extra flavour to savoury and sweet dishes alike.
We recommend that you book your stay early in this delightful property, we know you’ll have the most wonderful stay.
Please email or phone +44 1223 460100 for prices.
Security deposit: €400 (payable in cash).
3/4/5/6th person: £40 per person per night.
Cleaning fee - €80 payable locally
Tourist tax: €1.50 per person per day payable locally
Minimum stay: 2 nights (low), 3 nights (mid), 4 nights (high)
Please email or phone +44 1223 460100 for availability.
Lucy McKane, Sheffield
Casa Hortus is a lovely villa in a fantastic location and a great base to explore the region from. Lorenzo was charming and very helpful, full of information and very keen to be of service.