Property Description

Gorgeous Townhouse in the Madonie

Quaint three-storey hillside townhouse in the Madonie

Casa Giovanna is a rustic 3-storey retreat positioned amidst the scenery of Sicily’s breathtaking Madonie National Park. Priced affordably at just 35,000€, this property offers incredible value for those seeking their own slice of Sicilian paradise.

A charming and inviting atmosphere, Casa Giovanna features a cosy kitchen and a well-appointed bathroom, providing essential comforts for everyday living. Ascend the staircase to discover a tranquil bedroom with a balcony offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

With recent renovations including a refurbished roof and reinforced floors decorated with beautiful majolica tiles, this home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last. While some minor improvements are needed, the potential for enhancement is vast, allowing buyers to tailor the space to their unique preferences.

Conveniently located in the charming town of Gratteri an hour from the bustling Sicilian capital, Palermo, and the vibrant beach towns of Lascari and Cefalù, Casa Giovanna offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful village retreat or a bustling coastal lifestyle, this property serves as an ideal starting point for embracing the beauty and charm of Sicily—all at an unbeatable price.

The Property

As you step inside Casa Giovanna, you’re greeted by warm, orange-painted walls and a welcoming staircase that leads directly ahead, with a spacious kitchen to your right. Reminiscent of Tudor style with its wooden beams in the ceiling, the kitchen exudes a quaint charm. Equipped with essential appliances including a sink, microwave atop a washing machine, and complemented by a small sofa, it offers both functionality and comfort. The kitchen also offers some welcome natural light from a window currently fitted with beautiful diagonal glazing bars.

Connected to the kitchen is a storage room, opposite a bathroom which shares the same rustic appeal with its wooden ceiling beams. While in need of lighting installation to brighten the space, it contains all essential amenities including a shower, toilet, sink with a mirror, and a convenient towel rack. Perhaps the addition of a bidet would make the house feel that extra bit more Sicilian.

Up the nicely decorated staircase there is quite a spacious bedroom. Complete with a single bed, chairs lining the walls, a wardrobe, and a chest of drawers, this room has a nice, tranquil atmosphere and plenty of space to customise to your needs. Additionally, it features a Juliet balcony offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, perfect for moments of relaxation.

Continuing up to the second floor, the final room at the top of the building is spacious enough that it can be converted into any number of things to suit your unique vision for this house. It could be a children’s bedroom for a small family, a reading room for those looking to relocate to the countryside for a bit of relaxation, or a beautiful dining room with a countryside view from the balcony for those looking to entertain.

Surroundings

Situated at the north-eastern edge of the charming town of Gratteri, a quaint village immersed in Sicilian heritage and culture nestled in the heart of the captivating landscape of the Madonie National Park, Casa Giovanna offers a tranquil escape with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With a population of only 1000, Gratteri warmly embraces newcomers, inviting you to join locals for lively card games in the picturesque piazza, immersing yourself in the authentic Sicilian way of life.

A 20-minute drive through the meandering roads of the Madonie towards the coast will lead you to Lascari, a vibrant beach town along Sicily‘s northern coast. With a larger population of 4000, Lascari offers a slightly livelier atmosphere and easy access to the stunning beaches. You won’t have any trouble finding a place to sunbathe as this stretch of coast runs for 10 kilometres from Campofelice di Roccella to Mazzaforno, composed of sandy and rocky beaches alike.

Alternatively, a 25-minute drive takes you to the enchanting seaside town of Cefalù, an unspoiled coastal retreat renowned for its natural beauty and charm, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. This medieval town is home to a beautiful Duomo, and the Rock of Cefalù for those looking for a relaxing countryside hike to some more beautiful views.

For those craving the excitement and convenience of city life, just an hour from home is Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital packed with history, culture, and culinary delights. From magnificent theatres to its awe-inspiring cathedral, and a tantalizing array of world-famous street food, Palermo offers an enticing blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring an enriching urban experience.

Whether seeking serenity by the sea or the vibrant pulse of city living, Casa Giovanna promises the perfect gateway to Sicily’s diverse wonders.

Potential

Casa Giovanna stands out among available properties as a solid investment requiring only a small amount of renovation work. Compared to others on the market, this house boasts sturdy construction and has already undergone improvements to bolster this. The roof was redone ten years ago, and the floors have been reinforced and decorated with beautiful majolica tiles. While the property is in great shape overall, there are some areas that could use attention for further enhancement.

The doors and windows could benefit from updates, with the ground floor window needing replacement and the balcony doors on the first floor requiring minor adjustments such as the application of new PVC. Additionally, the electrical and heating systems need to be refitted, estimated to cost up to €14,000 in total. The current 600-litre water tank capacity is adequate for most residents, however those accustomed to more liberal water usage may want to consider upgrading.

Beyond these necessities, there is ample opportunity for personalisation. Adding a double bed in the bedroom or installing an oven and a built-in cooktop in the kitchen are practical improvements that can be made quickly and affordably.

Additionally, moving to Sicily offers various benefits. While the island’s relaxed lifestyle is perfect for over-65s, it’s also becoming increasingly attractive to smart-workers and entrepreneurs due to favourable tax incentives under the inpatriate tax scheme, potentially reducing tax liability to just 10% of income to thank you for choosing ‘la dolce vita’ under the sun.