Sicily

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Premier Villas

Commenda del Santo

An inviting seating area is set in front of the indian pavillion of the villa
A bird's eye view of the Commenda with its marvellous gardens
The drive up to the main house
The property’s centuries-old walls.
The courtyard is well-suited for quick chats, engaging dialogue, or a peaceful read of your favorite novel.
The walk from the main house to the annex and the pool
The private chapel of the property
Cool and inviting, the pool provides respite from the Sicilian heat
Surrounding the pool is a terrace that hosts plenty of chaise longues and the pool bar
An overview of the estate
A red fabric canopy shades the outdoor seating area
Wicker chairs topped with plush cushions creates an intimate space ready for entertaining
Another canopy on the verdant grounds of the villa provides room for a grand gathering.
Playing in the garden
The prominent entrance hall is painted in a vibrant aquamarine and crowned with a large painting
Living spaces are generous
Detail of the decor
High ceilings and warm colours
Sofas and armchairs provide intimate seating around the fire place
The breakfast terrace
With plenty of indoor and indoor spaces, La Commenda is the perfect place for a family reunion
Jams prepared with the estate's citrus fruits
Each table is lovingly set up by the staff every morning
After breakfast straight to the pool
for a refreshing swim
or to relax in the shade
During the warmest days, lunch can be served at the pool bar ...
... or in the main dining room
The villa staff preparing drinks for lunch
Cooks preparing "timballo di melanzane", a typical Sicilian plate with eggplants, pasta and tomatos
After lunch, a siesta in the inviting daybeds
surrounded by the villa's lush garden
Total white and flowing curtains to add a touch of privacy.
and the sounds of the fountains
At sunset...
.... while cooks are preparing refined dishes from the sicial tradition
... you can join the spa
... for a steam bath and a sauna
Then, after a glass of bubbles ...
... under the Indian tented living room
Details of the candle lightened "Indian" pavilion
... the dinner is served in the courtyard
Bedtime...
Ten of the twelve bedrooms are located in the main building, all opening onto the large courtyard. Here is bedroom 1
Bedroom 1, 2 and 3 can be connected through a door. Here is Bedroom 2
The en suite of Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Each bedroom can be accessed separately
Also bedroom 4, 5 and 6 can be connected
Bedroom 5
Each bedroom has satellite TV
Bedroom 6
The maids are on duty 8 hours per day, 7 days a week. They prepare breakfast and do the rooms.
Bedroom 7 and Bedroom 8 can also be connected
En suite
Bedroom 8
En suite of bedroom 8
Bedroom 9 can be connected to Bedroom 10
Details of the beds
En suite of Bedroom 9
Bedroom 10
The en-suite of bedroom 10
Bedroom 11 and 12 are located in a dependence next to the pool
Bedroom 12
Bedroom 12 has a Jacuzzi tub
Antique hand painted tiles on the fountain of the courtyard
View of the garden from above. The two red pavilions provide shade to the outdoor living area
Commenda del Santo
Sicily
La Commenda lies in eastern Sicily, half way between Catania and the famous Syracuse, only a few km from the sea. It stands out for its marvellous gardens. Rooms are all accessed from the large central courtyard.
people
24
bedrooms
12 BR
bathrooms
12
airport
Catania 35 km / 21 miles
villa concierge
pool
child safe pool
spa
Daily maid
Cook
wifi
Air condition
helipad
pets welcome
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OVERVIEW

12 bedrooms, all en-suite, of which 2 with Jacuzzi.
2 extra singles possible on request.
100 hectare estate with orange groves, olive trees and archeological excavations against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Etna
The original building, now converted into a villa, was the only abbey of the knightly order of St James of the Sword in
Sicily. Only a knight from this order and from the most important aristocratic European families could hold the title of
Commander. In the XIX century the property became a stately home.

The property is made up of:
1. The fortified commandry built around a large courtyard, with 10 bedrooms, as well as living and dining rooms
2. A building between the main house and the pool with two more bedrooms
3. The chapel
4. The pool house with a summer kitchen to serve lunch by the pool
5. The spa with sauna, Turkish bath (steam), changing room and massage room
6. A remarkable 2 hectare garden with a breathtaking Italian garden planted with palm trees, cypress trees and an abundance of roses which keep blossoming all year round, a medicinal garden adjacent to the 18×9 m swimming pool, a pavilion of Indian inspiration preceded by a long canal built in the local stone, large lawns and beautiful vistas.
7. A separate wing, where the owner lives (completely separate from the main villa). On request the owner is happy to leave the property.
8. Orange and olive groves from which the estate produces marmelades, orange honey and olive oil

Outdoors

• 18 x 9m saltwater pool surrounded by ancient dry stone walls, a summer loggia and summer kitchen
• Pool house with shower and changing facilities
• 2 outdoor showers
• Spa with Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath in a separate building
• Breathtaking Italian garden with palm trees, cypress trees, fountains and water rills
• Medicinal herb garden adjacent to pool
• Two pavilions of Indian inspiration
• Large lawns and beautiful vistas
• Barbecue

Indoors

• All bedrooms have digital satellite TV, air conditioning, mini fridge and safe
• Each bedroom is accessed from the courtyard
• The bedrooms are also connected. Please look at the floor plan for details
• Professional kitchen, also available for food demonstration for guest participation
• Wine cellar from which guests can choose some of the best local wines

DETAILS

Amenities

• WI-FI in all the common areas of the villa
• High quality C&C Italian linen sheets
• Air conditioning throughout the villa is included in the rent. The house also has central heating.
• Rooms and bathrooms have complete sets of linen, towels, hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
• House laundry with washing machine, dryer
• Cots, cradles, high chairs and prams can be easily provided.
• Firewood supply for fireplaces
• Hi-Fi with CD and pen drive
• Satellite TV with DVD Player in one of the living rooms
• Fireplace
• Private parking
• Swimming pool is available from April to October.

Staff | Service included

• Welcome refreshment upon arrival
• Cook, assisted by staff, will provide 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner, and drinks or snacks as required). Traditional Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine, made with local products. Enjoy orange blossom honey from the bee hives of Commenda del Santo, homemade jams, fruit, yogurt, ham, tomatoes and cheeses, including ricotta from local shepherds. Fresh herbs grown in the vegetable-garden, local seafood and meats are always present.
• Concierge services provided by Villa Manager for menu and excursion planning and reservations (boat hire, beaches, in-villa wellness and beauty treatments)
• Daily cleaning service in the morning (6 hours per day)
• Daily housekeeping
• A minimum of one waiter to for meal service, depending on the number of guests
• Bed linens, towels changed mid-week
• Pool towels changed upon request

Staff | Service on request

• Additional staff members and additional staff working hours, to be agreed in advance
• One “Meet and Greet” at the Catalina airport
• Use of the private spa must be requested 24 hours in advance.
• Extra changes of bed linen or towels
• Grocery and newspaper shopping service
• Babysitting service
• Massage upon request
• Laundry and ironing services in the morning

FLOORPLANS

To receive the floor plans of this villa contact Katharina or Gaia at contact@excellence.villas
Distances

• Nearest village Brucoli, on the coast, 10 km
• Nearest private and commercial airport Catania airport 30 minutes drive
• 18 hole Golf Club “Le Saie” Km. 8
• Syracuse 38 km – 40 minutes drive
• Acireale 50 km – 1 hour drive
• Noto 65 km – 1 hour drive
• Mt. Etna 70 km – 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Caltagirone 74 km – 1 hour drive
• Ragusa 90 km – 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Taormina 90 km – 1 hour and 10 minutes drive
• Modica 95 km – 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Piazza Armerina (Villa Romana del Casale) 120 km – 1 hour and 30 minutes

Things to do

• Located at the centre of an area rich in prestigious natural sites (Etna, Oasi di Vendicari…), archaeological ruins (Siracusa, Pantalica…), and architectural works of art (Ragusa Ibla, Noto, Modica…), the Commenda enjoys a strategic position that allows you to visit all of eastern Sicily’s landmarks in one day excursions.
• Between May and June, don’t miss the yearly appointment with the classical performances in the Greek Theatre of Siracusa.
• Also of increasing popularity, along with the better known Taormina Film Festival in June, is the International Frontier Film Festival (July) in Marzamemi, an ancient fishing village that has now become one of the newest not-to-be-missed spots in the area, with the largest and southernmost open-air hall in Europe, positioned within the tonnara, a tuna-net maze dating to the period of the Arab domination of Sicily and still perfectly preserved.
• 18 hole Golf Club “Le Saie” 8 km
• The following can also be organised: sailboat and motorboat excursions, sea kayaking, wine tours, cooking lessons, trekking, mountain biking, horse back riding, quad excursions, trips in all terrain vehicles, river trekking, rafting, canyoning.
• Activities for special events: orienteering, historical-archeological treasure hunts, raid adventures, helicopter tours, free climbing.

To receive a complete overview of activities and sightseeing in the area, contact Katharina or Gaia at contact@excellence.villas We will promptly email you an exhaustive document.

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