Property Description

Real Estate in Santa Flavia

‘Villa Cicladi’ is nestled in a lemon grove outside the town of Santa Flavia in Sicily, and, together with some of the neighbors’ beach houses, backs directly onto a small sandy beach that may have been the port of the ancient Phoenician settlement of Solunto, as can be seen from the remains on the ‘la Formica’ reef. It is a beautiful piece of example of the kind of gems you can find when you go looking for historic real estate in Sicily.

Furnishings

This is a very large Villa on two fully-independent floors, each with around 400m2 of living space, vaulted cellars and terraces. Each has a very practical, classic structure. From the spacious staircase – there would be ample room here to install an elevator if needed – you enter into a hallway, from which the rooms branch off, some of which are also interconnected.

Although this property dates back to the 1940s of the previous century it is still inhabited by the owner family in the summer months. Extensive renovation is needed, which in the current market can offer a huge advantage in terms of value for money – and obviously in terms of ending up with a finished article to suit your needs and tastes.

The plot is approximately 3000m2, of which the house’s footprint is about 400m2 – a good deal of this being taken up by the huge marble staircase. There is a cellar, first and second floors and a loft with a terrace on the castellated tower. The entire property has more than 10 rooms, some of which are decorated with beautiful tiles and timeless wooden window frames. There are 2 bathrooms on each of the two main floors.

Surroundings

From the terrace of this magnificent villa you have a sweeping panoramic view over the 30 nautical miles of sea to the Aeolian Islands, the harbor of Porticello, the ancient town of Solunto on the ‘Catalfano’ mountain and the castle of Solanto.

The village of Santa Flavia is less than 1.5km away. Some of our team live in the area and would be delighted to show you around! Here you will find everything you need on a daily basis and plenty of leisure options (pizzerias, restaurants, ice cream parlors, creperies, bars, discos and even an outdoor cinema). Yachts can moor in the harbor at Porticello

The highway junction at Casteldaccia is only 3km from the property, and from here all of Sicily’s jewels and attractions are within a comfortable drive. From the UNESCO World Heritage sites at Cefalù, Palermo and Agrigento to the pristine Aeolian Islands and the majestic Mount Etna, there is something to explore in Sicily for years to come.

More locally, the train station is 800 yards away (and delivers you to the center of Palermo in 15 minutes).

Investment opportunities

This beautiful, characterful property is offered for sale with a heavy heart, but for reasons of age and health the owners are left with no choice, as all of their children have moved north to Milan. It would make a perfect home for multiple generations of a large family, a spacious retirement flat share or an iconic tourist rental property, if you are interested in starting a business in Sicily. Finding this kind of property near Palermo is a particular advantage, as the 2018 Italian capital of culture is undergoing a true renaissance. Gone are the stereotypes of underinvestment and the risk of Mafia culture – modern Palermo and its surroundings is as secure a real estate investment opportunity as you will find in Italy.

We would be delighted to help you find an appraiser who can estimate the scope of any planned renovation work in advance, and with our long-established connections in the area you can be sure you will be getting an excellent introduction.