TerraMia - Three Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 6

An unobtrusive gem of contemporary design with wide-open views of the sea and Vendicari Nature Reserve.

Seen from afar, TerraMia rises discreetly behind a veil of olive, lentisk and almond trees, an unassuming, deeply rooted extension of its terroir. Up closer, it's a lovingly designed and artfully crafted jewel of contemporary architecture, where form and function combine to perfect effect. A stylish 10m-long pool surrounded by extensive lounge areas completes the picture.

Inside: accommodation at TerraMia is all on one floor. The front door takes one into a luminous open-plan space, home to a living area with Paola Lenti sofa and armchairs, and a kitchen with hidden cupboards and an island that extends into a dining table.

Polished concrete floors run throughout, echoed by identically shaped ceilings in unfinished concrete, while white-painted walls and partitions of creamy local stone and a centrally-positioned lava stone fireplace add textural and chromatic variety. Wide expanses of sliding glass windows bring in the light, allow the internal spaces to flow outdoors, and frame the magnificent vistas of Vendicari Nature Reserve (and the migrating flamingos that stop off there), the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Should the Sicilian sun shine too brightly, bespoke metal shutters, redolent in design and function of Arabic mashrabiya screens, may be drawn to transform the sun's rays into dappled patterns of gentle light while still allowing the air to flow freely. Contemporary furnishings blend harmoniously with industrial pieces and mid-century objets, such as the delightfully retro illuminated Italian tobacconist's sign. This area is served by a guest bathroom.

Back near the front door, a corridor, subtly illuminated by long, slender apertures in the wall, leads to the three bedrooms (two doubles and one twin-double), each with its own sleek en-suite shower room, fabulous sea views and direct access to the surrounding terraces.

Outside: al fresco life at TerraMia takes place on the terraces that wrap around the property. The polished concrete floors of the internal spaces flow outside via the large sliding glass windows enabling guests to experience a truly effortless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Accessed from near the kitchen is the heart of the terraces, given over to convivial and gastronomic pleasures. A fabulous built-in barbecue, a couple of hobs, a sink, and a designer lava stone table with matching benches make al fresco cooking and dining a true pleasure.

A few steps away from here, is a sitting area with designer furniture and an extendable electric sunshade. A natural extension of this space is the irresistible 10m-long pool, whose surroundings feature green-and-white, geometrically patterned tiles, more quality furnishings, and a shady, sea-view gazebo.

Wherever you are in the al fresco areas, splendid views extend out to sea and Vendicari Nature Reserve. The fragrant gardens have been planted with a wide range of indigenous aromatic shrubs and plants, including lentisk, myrtle, rosemary, wild thyme and juniper. Exploring them you will come across more lazy terraces, each one furnished for lounging, sunbathing or simply admiring the magical panorama.

Last but not least, hidden away behind one the many lentisk bushes and a wall of local creamy stone, is a hot-and-cold al fresco shower.

If you need extra accommodation, why not book TerraMia's sister villa, DolceVita as well. It's just 120m away.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

The final section of the access road to TerraMia is a little rough, so we recommend guests hire a 4x4 or one with high ground clearance.
TerraMia offers fabulous views of and easy access to Vendicari Nature Reserve, with its fabulous array of beaches, and its unspoilt coastal habitat. The closest entrance to the reserve is about 4km away (please remember that there are no lidos or bars on the beaches of the reserve so you should take your own supplies/facilities with you).

Other gorgeous sandy beaches nearby include those of San Lorenzo and Marzamemi, which are 10 and 15 minutes' drive away respectively. Both have facilities.

The nearest major town, fascinating, gorgeous Noto (15mins drive), is the most easterly of a chain of baroque towns (protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), that includes Modica, Ragusa and Scicli. All were rebuilt in flamboyant style following a major earthquake in 1693 and are certainly worth a visit.

Just south of Vendicari is the pretty little fishing village of Marzamemi, which is a great spot for an evening stroll and a seafront dinner. Quiet and unassuming for most of the year, it comes to life in the summer months with bars and restaurants spilling out onto the lovely square and narrow streets. A little beyond this is Portopalo di Capo Passero, Sicily's southeasternmost point.

A stay in this part of Sicily, however, wouldn't be complete without a visit to Syracuse, once the mightiest city in Magna Graecia, and one of Italy's most lovely historic centres.

If hiking or horse riding in the hills is your thing, then there is some spectacular scenery in the rushing streams, waterfalls and gorges of Cassibile and Pantalica, a Paleolithic burial site near Syracuse.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.