Villa Irminio

About this property

Is it hard to imagine a more atmospheric place to stay on a trip to Sicily than Villa Irmino; a former medieval monastery overlooking the old town of Ragusa Ibla and the surrounding hills.

The villa is set on one level and was built in the early Middle Ages and monks still lived and worked here way into the 19th-century. You can feel this character and history as you wander around the home, though the villa has been extensively renovated and modernised in recent years.

While the home retains its original stonework, archways, chapel alters and beautiful high ceilings, the owners have also provided all the modern conveniences you could require such as Smart TVs, Wi-Fi and Air conditioning. The villa is the perfect blend of old and new and is a lovely place to stay for up to six guests.

Indoors you will find an open plan living and dining room which is filled with natural light and is a great space to gather together in the evenings. The adjacent kitchen is fully-fitted and has all of the appliances you will need to cook up delicious meals and snacks for your party.

When you wish to turn in for the night, there are three bedrooms to choose from; a twin bedroom and two rooms with double beds. These rooms are serviced by two modern bathrooms with walk in showers.

Outdoors, a large garden wraps around the villa and offers staggering views of Ragusa Ibla town and the hills and valleys surrounding the home. Though just 1.5km away from the gates to the old town, the garden is a serene oasis where you can unwind and get away from it all. The recently added pool is a wonderful addition to the landscaped garden which also offers al-fresco dining areas and outdoor sofas amongst trees and lawned spaces. 

When you wish to dine out in the evening or pick up some groceries then you can simply stroll in to Ragusa Ibla where you will discover shops, cafes, restaurants and historic attractions. The newer half of the city, Ragusa Superiore is also close by at 3km away and can be reached by an uphill walk or a short bus ride. You are also well situated for enjoying day trips to Sicily’s stunning coastline which is 25km away.

If you would like to discover some more of the islands towns and cities then you could opt to visit Modica (15km away) Noto (48km away) and even the ancient city of Syracuse which is 96km away. 

Villa Irminio sits in the verdant Val di Noto in the Southeast of the Island of Sicily. With scenic walking trails, long sandy beaches, Baroque towns and charming villages close to the home, this is the perfect base for getting to know Sicily. From the villa’s garden you can even see the historic town of Ragusa Ibla which is a 1.5km walk away.

Ragusa is where you will find the nearest shops, restaurants and cafes and the older part of the city known as Ragusa Ibla is within walking distance of the house. The city, which was first settled in 2000BC, is made up of Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore which are located on separate hills divided by the Valle dei Ponti. Though Ragusa Ibla was an ancient settlement, it was mostly rebuilt from 1693 onwards following an earthquake that devastated the area, this is why today as you wander around the town you will see mostly intricate Baroque buildings and carvings. Ragusa is now part of a unesco World Heritage Site due to historic importance and there is plenty to see and do for visitors. If you don’t mind steps, pay a visit to churches Basilica di San Giorgio and Chiesa di Maria delle Scale which are each reached by climbing over 200 steps. You can also enjoy incredible views from the Giardino lbleo which is a lovely garden where you can stop off for a picnic.

Ragusa Ibla is a wonderful place to have so close to the house and the labyrinth of honey-hued buildings are packed with artisan, shops, cafes and restaurants including three Michelin starred restaurants. The newer part of the city, Ragusa Superiore is also hundreds of years old but has more modern areas and buildings too. Ragusa Superiore is just 3km away from the villa and boasts the cities impressive cathedral and a great range of shops and eateries, though many people visit to simply take in the amazing views of Ragusa Ibla from above.

When holidaying on Sicily, you are sure to wish to visit its sweeping coastline which is dotted with beaches and bathing areas. The closest beaches are around 25km away from the villa, meaning you can easily enjoy a long day at the beach. Marina di Ragusa is a brilliant choice as it is a long sandy beach lined with palm trees and backed by a wealth of bars and restaurants meaning you can enjoy dinner with a sea view before heading back to the villa.

If you are looking for somewhere to visit for a day trip then the South of Sicily has lots of options. You could drive to Modica which is 15km away and is known for its chocolate making, there is a chocolate shop and museum here to explore! Another option is Noto which is one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns and is well worth a visit. Noto is 48km away and is a treasure-trove of impressive Baroque buildings such as the grand limestone cathedral and a number of elegant palaces. 

Accommodation

Villa Interior (200m2)
- Living room with sofa and Smart TV
- Dining room with table seating 6 guests
- Fully-fitted kitchen with oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge freezer, toaster, kettle and Moka pot
- 2 x bedrooms with garden access, double-sized bed and Smart TV
- Bedroom with twin beds (can be made in to a double bed)
- 2 x bathrooms, each with shower, sink, bidet and WC

Outside Grounds (2000m2)
- Private swimming pool (12m x 5m, depth:1.3m) open approximately April-early November
- Sun loungers x 6
- Landscaped grounds with lawns, palm trees and shrubbery
- Patio with outdoor sofas
- Al-fresco dining table seating 6
- Firepit
- Barbecue
- Parking spaces 
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Smart TVs
- Fireplace
- Washing machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryers