Christine Brown

Review of soloSicily

A most wonderful family holiday at Villa Barresa.

A most wonderful family holiday at Villa Barresa.
As a celebration of our daughter s 40th we had a family holiday at Villa Barresa in September 2019. The villa exceeded our expectations - it offered elegance, comfort, charm and spaciousness within the historic villa. Art, antiques, sculpture graced the historic house. Yet it also had all the modern amenities we required. The kitchen was well equipped and the welcome hamper was generous. Bedrooms were spacious, comfortable beds with good linen. There are plenty of bathrooms which we appreciated with three generations sharing the villa. The air conditioning was effective when we used it but it was not necessary most of the time as the interiors were comfortably cool. The gardens are large and beautiful, well kept and lush with trees and foliage. There are plentiful lawns. The large pool was a highlight of the holiday and thoroughly enjoyed by us all but probably most by our grandchildren! There was plenty of seating and loungers to relax in the gardens. A delight was to eat our meals together al fresco and the long trestle tables served this purpose perfectly under the large covered terrace. An unexpected bonus was the huge games room with table tennis, volley ball and other games equipment for our use.
Villa Barresa is in a very quiet, rural location. We enjoyed privacy, nature, quietness in these beautiful surroundings. The only sounds were those of nature - birds, cicadas. The darkness at night was wonderful providing a nightly show of the cosmos. The villa is set within a working orange farm. Early each morning a caretaker cleaned the pool, removed our refuse and recycling and maintained the garden. This service was discreet.
As a working farm the owner and his son were present on occasions to manage farm business in the offices and building adjacent to the villa. They offered helpful information and advice on restaurants, places to visit. They were very respectful of our privacy but talking with them was a pleasure and enhanced the experience of the Sicilian visit.
My husband and I slept in the tower bedroom, reached by external stairs from the first floor terrace. Etna could be seen from the steps and on one occasion late at night, the glow of red fire could be seen at her summit. Quite wonderful.
We cannot recommend Villa Barresa more highly. We very much hope to visit again.
Thank you Solo Sicily for the attentive service you provided from our first enquiry onwards. Our queries were always answered promptly, help was given on care hire. We appreciated the flexibility offered on rental period from Saturdays to Fridays.
We have the happiest memories of our family holiday in this beautiful villa in Sicily and do not hesitate to recommend it and Solo Sicily to others.
Thank you.