Property Description
Large Villa for Sale in Sicily’s Northern Hills, with Incredible Views
On a plot spanning 2000m2 of quintessentially Sicilian hillside, amidst olive trees and in the lea of a dramatic rocky outcrop, Villa Bosco is a peaceful and private haven, the perfect natural getaway from the stresses of the outside world. If you have ever dreamt of buying a home in Sicily, this is most likely the kind of spacious villa, immersed in nature, that you always pictured.
A recent construction whose design playfully balances the modern and classically Sicilian, its clean yellow plaster is balanced by visible stonework and timeless, locally-sourced timbers. Pitched roofs subtly mirror the mountainous hilltop above and the ample terrace offers a magnificent view across the olive-filled estate and over twenty kilometres of uninterrupted valley beyond.
Ready for immediate occupation and suitable for even the largest family, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this is a wonderful example of a large villa for sale in Sicily at an enticing price.
The Property
A creatively-designed semi-bungalow, with a loft under the eaves on its asymmetric roof, Villa Bosco nonetheless manages to offer 120m2 of internal space. The front side of the property faces west over the valley, and is entirely taken up by a long, open plan living room which flows seamlessly into a kitchen.
The interior decoration is homely, a traditional rural Sicilian home with dark hardwood ceilings and windows which are contemporary but in a similar shade. An open fireplace is the focus of the cosy living space, while the kitchen side has been smartly fitted with ample cupboards, all appliances and a double sink. The floors are in good condition, with a smart porcelain tile which is practical to keep clean, and beautifully cooling in the long hot Sicilian summers.
To the rear you will find a trio of double bedrooms, each of comfortable size and with garden views. The master bedroom has an en-suite WC with bidet. There is also a small family bathroom with shower. Up the beautiful open staircase is another suite of rooms under the gently-sloping eaves, offering a single bedroom, a second bathroom with shower, and a versatile living room or study space.
In front of the house is a large flat terrace, part of which is covered. The structure for a gazebo is in place, and plenty of gardens planted with olive and fruit trees, local herbs, flowers and cacti. To the north side is a private access road with secure off-street parking for at least three vehicles if needed.
The property is heated by gas radiators as well as the fireplace, making it suitable for year-round stays if you are looking to make this large villa for sale in Sicily’s hills a new home for the whole year, or even just for winter visits. Water is drawn from a 60,000 litre cistern which fills with rainwater.
Surroundings
Villa Bosco lies 700m above sea level, on the western side of a hill which rises sharply behind it to a thousand-metre peak. From this lofty perch it catches the afternoon and evening sun, and sunsets over the hills and villages below, and the gulf of Termini Imerese, are a glorious treat to behold.
In perfect seclusion, shielded from its neighbours by hedgerows and trees, the villa is the penultimate house on a narrow but well-laid road which connects to the main route to Collesano. The village is reachable in just five minutes by car. – or if you prefer to stretch your legs the walk would take about half an hour.
Collesano is a welcoming and surprisingly varied community of about three thousand inhabitants. While a great many properties here have remained in the same families for generations, there is also a small but growing community of international arrivals and second home owners, mostly from the north of Europe. We have ourselves helped half a dozen buyers purchase properties in the district over the past three years – we’d be delighted to introduce you to some of your new neighbours!
Founded in the tenth century, the village has a rich history with a castle, medieval watchtower and the sixteenth century Basilica of St Peter at its heart. The town achieved prominence in the motor sport community in the early twentieth century, when it featured on the route of the Targa Florio, the world’s first organised rally. A museum dedicated to the history of this fascinating event and its colourful competitors stands in the centre of Collesano.
In the village you will find plenty of small stores, selling groceries, magazines, meat and fish, freshly caught from the sea just 10km downhill. Here, at Campofelice, Lascari and especially the magically picturesque Cefalù, you will find all manner of sandy and pebbled beaches, some public and others privately-run with beach clubs and bars.
The hilltop above Villa Bosco is the first large peak of the Madonie Natural Park, a mountain range which extends some twenty five kilometres to the east. This nationally-protected nature reserve is home to innumerable species of flora and fauna, including roe deer, rare birds of prey and the Madonie Fir tree. It is a magnet for lovers of outdoor sports including trekking, climbing, paragliding, hiking and – in winter – skiing and snowboarding. Cyclists will be especially pleased to note that Collesano is home to the Madonie Bike club. The park’s hillsides are dotted with Medieval villages of fascinating character and delicious culinary traditions.
The great city of Palermo, and its international airport, are just an hour away to the west.
Potential
Little to no work is required on this large villa for sale in Sicily. Last renovated in the mid 2000s, it has modern roofing, floors, windows and utilities. The decoration is tasteful and unobtrusive and there is already sleeping capacity for seven people, which could become more with sofa-beds.
This ample size gives Villa Bosco obvious potential as an investment. If you do not plan to relocate to Sicily on a permanent basis, you will find that the size and tourist-friendly location of the property guarantees you a steady income from vacation rental. Property in Sicily, with our sister company Solemar Sicilia, has decades of experience in the tourist industry, and we would be delighted to discuss with you the range of ways we can help you make the most of your purchase. From advertising to property maintenance and even overseeing check-ins and cleaning, our portfolio of after-sales services is second to none in this regard.
If you do envisage the villa as a permanent base, perhaps for your retirement or a smart-working career, our friendly multilingual team can also talk you through several very interesting tax opportunities available to you as a new resident, to make your new property work pay off in more ways than one.
Give us a call or send an email asking about Villa Bosco today.