Property Description

Real Estate in Collesano

The “Casa dei Borboni” is actually an ancient barn, located on the historic “Regia Trazzera” – a medieval road whose destination (eventually!) was none other than Jerusalem. This route enabled a location between coast and civilisation, in a commanding position atop rolling terrain with an almost 360° panorama of the mountains of the Madonie, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the valley of the Torrente Basalaci and the Gulf of Termini Imerese. The islands of Alicudi and Filicudi are clearly visible to the northeast.

Originally, this structure was probably a ‘casemate’ – a kind of small fortress or turret. We see evidence of this in the compact, almost completely closed construction of the building, which was equipped with a door and four loopholes (narrow windows designed to allow archers to fire out whilst remaining protected) on the sides. The building was certainly of military use, whether to house soldiers or munitions.

But this much is ancient history… until this year the once-imposing “Casa dei Borboni” was used for decades (the entire 20th century) as a storage place for straw, hay and food by the family business.

Furnishings

The current owner is an architect who recently restructured the property to be a modern bio-home: he constructed a underfloor ventilation system; built a solar thermal water heater; a solar collector (a cutting edge type which uses air instead of water as a heat carrier); cork board insulation; radiators powered by a thermal oven; natural plaster (average thickness 7cm); real parquet flooring; locally-produced artisanal ceramics and, in the kitchen, a runoff water collector, which can be used to irrigate the garden.

The house has a net floor space of 56m², the total size of the house including the external walls is 78m². Entrance is directly into the living room, which also contains the fitted kitchen. In addition there is a bedroom with space for a double bed, a bathroom and small storage room. A wooden staircase leads up from the living room to a small (approx. 4m2) mezzanine, which would fit another bed, although standing height would be restricted.

Surroundings

This spot is ideal for a couple who love country life, but also the opportunity to enjoy extensive beaches (both serviced and free) within a few minutes’ drive. Other local amenities include sailing activities, windsurfing and kite surfing; the beautiful city of Cefalù, the cities of Palermo and Monreale (each within one hour’s travel).

The house is serviced by a paved road which takes you to the village of Campofelice di Roccella in five minutes or to the many miles of beaches in ten.

The surrounding area is one of outstanding natural beauty, with the nearby Madonie a popular destination for hikers who enjoy trails up to 2000m elevation. This natural park is dotted with charming towns and villages – in any of which you will find that you can eat excellently!

Investment opportunities

A home for romantics, lovers of nature and tranquillity. The house has great charm and a real sense of history. Below the main building the owner has also built a small annex, which covers approximately 20 square meters. Here you could also add a bathroom and a kitchen.