Villa La Frala

SAMPIERI, near Scicli

At a glance

Villa La Frala is located close to Sampieri, an ancient fishing village, still retaining parts of its original structure, as well as sections of its old paved streets; and it holds a fascination that will bewitch the tourist. Moored at the jetty throughout the day, at dusk the rowing boats set sail; it is a place to pause, to enjoy the breezes off the sea; to experience the picturesque beauty of the neighbouring countryside. The bay, the spacious beach, and the ruins of the Pisciotto create a unique atmosphere.

The town-centre offers a variety of services: supermarket, chemist, post office, newsagent, tobacconist, bazaar, ice-cream parlour, bar, bakeries, a general store, restaurants and cafes and a hairdresser.

Accommodation

 The property has four air-conditioned double bedrooms, each with its own fully- equipped bathroom. All rooms are furnished elegantly and simply, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and welcoming, and open directly onto the adjoining terrace area. A small corridor links bedrooms to the open-plan sitting-room/dining-room, where guests will find, in addition to the usual dining table, chairs, sofas and coffee tables, a writing desk and large bookcase. This spacious room can thus be used for various activities, and also provides ample direct access to the easy chairs and other seating available on the open-air terrace. The terrace itself has its own unique ambience, with various corners in which to relax and enjoy the background of carob trees, and, in the distance, the blue of the Mediterranean.

Adjoining the sitting-room/dining-room is a roomy and well-provisioned kitchen, containing a central kitchen-island, generous storage space, fridge freezer, table and chairs. This work area opens onto a rear terrace, and thence to the garden, gazebo and barbecue. At the back also, an external flight of stairs leads up to sun-roof, from where there is a view of the whole of the bay of Sampieri.

Linked to the living area and on the ground floor are a laundry, a central ironing-room, and a utility room with all facilities. Below the terrace, there are covered parking spaces for four vehicles. The layout of the house is comfortable and pleasing, with an attention to detail that should ensure for all guests an enjoyable stay.

Setting

The garden, its outdoor facilities, together with the nearby carob trees, and the typical dry-stone walling surrounding the property, encourages alfresco living, and an enjoyment of gentle breezes in the shade of the carob-trees.

 A swimming pool will be ready for the summer of 2012.

Activities

The position of the house and its environs has been chosen to provide all guests with a period of relaxation and taking pleasure in nature: everything from the flower-beds to the sea views, from enjoyment of the sunroof and the sunshine in the day to the star-filled sky of evening! And in a few minutes as well one can be by the sea, in the friendly ambience of the Bay of Sampieri.

In this region of Sicily, one can eat well: easily found are fresh fish, organically managed agricultural produce, such as meat, wine, oil and locally made cheeses and confectionery.

Arrangements can also be made in advance for guests to enjoy alternative therapy during their stay: sessions are currently available in yoga, cranial therapy, anti-stress massage, aromatherapy, plant reflexology and hot stones therapy.

Other leisure activities that can be organised for you are:

• Lessons in Sicilian cookery
• A visit to a local farm
• A visit to a wine cellar
• A visit to a manufacturer of the famous Modica chocolates, or of other typical locally made products

Transport between Catania Airport and your accommodation can also be requested, as well as guided visits to other tourist centres.

What to do

The beach at Sampieri, three kilometres in length, consists of fine, golden sands, and is bordered by scenic dunes. It extends from the rocky outcrops of the Pisciotto, where the ancient former kiln factory Penna is situated, widens at the inlet of the bay, and finishes at the promenade and jetty. Next to the beach are a restaurant, bar and discotheque, supervised parking, and a pinewood area equipped for long stays.

During the summer, various cultural events and entertainments take place at Sampieri and in the neighbouring towns.

A Holiday by the Sea

From the end of May till throughout October, relatively high average air temperatures make it possible to be on the beach, enjoying the sun and the warm waters of the Mediterranean. During this period, La Frala offers the opportunity of combining a seaside holiday with one in the countryside.

Spring Holidays

Staying at La Frala during springtime gives visitors the chance to get to know and enjoy the landscapes of south-east Sicily at their best, when they are fresh and verdant. From the month of March through to late June, the climate of the Mediterranean coast renders the countryside and the open air enjoyable at all hours of the day. For exercise, one can take long beach walks, or explore the many country lanes by bicycle, passing through splendid panoramas of fields of scented wild flowers.

This period is also the right time to become familiar with local traditions and beliefs, and their celebration in local festivals and parades, but especially of course during the Holy Week of Easter.

A Study Holiday

The ambience of La Frala, its convenient and comfortable fitted interior, and peaceful external environment, is ideally suited to support prolonged periods dedicated to scholarship, to drafting reports, to scientific study, or to creative writing.

For this type of holiday, additional service provision can be arranged.