Rustic-style accommodation with a garden and a terrace

Our philosophy
It all started in the summer of 2004 while I wandered through the sunny countryside surrounding Noto. I was struck by the beauty of the landscape and looking around I realized that in the Ferraro district the side of the hill could be rescued from man’s abandonment and neglect. Something inside me suggested purchasing the land. I signed the agreement without thinking. Immediately, after that, I said: I am crazy. Certainly a moment of madness, I thought.

Sicily can be a land of miracles and this seemed to be the case when some olive trees, recovered after being burned by the tragic fire that devastated south-eastern Sicily, in 1998. The skilled hands of expert farmers performed grafts on the still blackened logs. The olive trees regained strength by recovering the energy hidden in the roots which escaped from the fire caused by human stupidity. I told myself that if this miracle was possible others could be produced.

So the adventure began and an idea, inspired by the humble and anonymous force of the trees, became a reality. I decided to gather help from them in order to show that we should never consider ourselves as losers and we should dispel the common misconception that Sicily is a land of resignation. I, along with my children, was adopted by the olive trees. After having recovered some olive trees which were centuries old, we planted more than five hundred more as well as carob trees, pine trees, cypresses, citrus trees, fig trees, pear trees, plum trees, Lebanese cedars, walnut trees, medlar trees, mimosa, almond trees and more.

We reforested fourteen acres of ancient land spoiled by fire due to human negligence. Of course, this involved hard work, sacrifice and a financial commitment that can only be justified by unconsciousness and a strong personal decision. We are happy with the results achieved so far and we are determined to move forward.

We are Sicilians and left Sicily with the intention of returning to find the energy concealed within the land. We feel a deep respect for this humble tree and one day we would like someone to say about us that were stubborn like an olive tree. Our ambition is therefore to create a place within the hills surrounding Noto where the trees are finally masters and men coexist with them.

We believe that the beauty of this area should, above all, be treasured instead of being exploited superficially and in a hurry. We believe that sometimes you have to sit at the foot of an old tree and listen to the rustle of the wind blowing in its branches. We believe that the necessary strength to overcome life’s defeats is to be found in nature and in the depth of humanity. We believe in rebirth, in redemption, in the olive trees and in Sicily. We believe. Now we must go on … one chapter after another … 

Our Rooms
The rooms of Villa Augusta take inspiration from Mount Etna, Syracuse, Noto and Caltagirone. Each has its own style whose furnishings are designed to ensure maximum comfort for our guests. From our junior-suite, equipped with individual entrances, you can enjoy the bucolic landscapes.

"Caltagirone"
"Noto"
"Etna"
"Siracusa"

Our Cottage
The Bellavista cottage, located on a small plateau of the hill, enjoys a panoramic view over the most beautiful countryside of Noto. The scenery offered to the visitor is suggestive. It embraces the village, situated on a hill just in front the house, and the tip of Capopassero, recognizable during the night by the flashing lighthouse. All of which is framed by the blue of Sicily sea. 

An ancient abandoned shepherd’s shelter has been rebuilt with the old stones found in the open fields offering a peaceful refuge to those who want to empty the mind of all worries. The tranquility of the place and the enchantment of the landscape inspire you to find internal spiritual energy.

 
The house, surrounded by a rose garden, is equipped with one double bedroom, a loft with two beds, a veranda which is heated during the winter months by a wood stove, and a kitchen. The terrace protected from the sun by reed awning provides the final Mediterranean style to this cottage away from stress. The rustic touch is given by a wood-burning oven and a barbecue. Herbs are at hand. 

Lately, we have expanded the hospitality of the cottage by providing a "dépendance" hidden among olive trees, a romantic retreat for those who want to isolate themselves and listening to the rustle of olive groves.

"Services"
Like all junior suites, each room is equipped with a private bathroom and a living room set up with convertible sofas. Daily room service. To ensure comfort each room includes a stocked mini-bar, TV, wi-fi and air conditioning. Among the various services, in-room breakfast, arranged massages, and boat trips in the summer are also available.

To Our Guests
we offer to those who want more than a the newfound peace of the countryside, some attractive walk in mountain biking or hiking in the surrounding areas. A wooden boat waits for the sea lovers. Our guests can take advantage of picnic excursions to discover one of the most beautiful coastlines in Eastern Sicily. Only 15 minutes by car separates the property from the beaches of Noto, Eloro, Calamosche, San Lorenzo, Marzamemi and Portopalo.