n keeping with the style of a traditional stone-built Sicilian farmhouse, Casa Pietrarossa exudes charm and character. A large swimming pool is situated within the extensive grounds of the farmhouse, which offer magnificent sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Casa Pietrarossa farmhouse

The back & the large pool

Casa Pietrarossa enjoys a secluded position within this rustic landscape, but the shops and cafes of Raffadali are just a short car journey away. What’s more, within half-an-hour’s drive you can either be exploring the famous Valley of Temples at Agrigento or relaxing on the beach in the small resort of Siculiana Marina.

Outdoors: Part of a larger farmhouse, Casa Pietrarossa is set on the ground floor and has its own enclosed courtyard. Bordered by plants and flowers, this large cobbled area is equipped with sun loungers and an outdoor dining set with parasol. Beyond the courtyard’s large iron gate, you will find the extensive grounds that surround the farmhouse. To one side, a small stable is home to three beautiful horses and adjacent to the stable are vegetable fields that slope down into the valley. This valley can also be viewed from the front terrace of Casa Pietrarossa, which is accessed from the kitchen and overlooks the gardens. Set within these gardens is the large swimming pool (12m x 6m) with a shallow end.

The farm's three horses

The private courtyard

Indoors: The outstanding feature of Casa Pietrarossa’s interiors is the exposed stone walls in true country cottage style. These attractive walls and the terracotta floors serve to keep the spacious rooms cool in the summer months.

The main bedroom is furnished in a rustic style with a double bed and an old-fashioned bureau. There is also a smaller twin bedroom with similar décor, and both rooms share the use of the shower room. A bright corridor leads from the bedrooms to the comfortable living room, which has a double sofa-bed. The large kitchen also has a small dining table and opens out onto the pool-facing terrace.

The living room

The twin bedroom

Surrounding area: Useful amenities are just over five minutes’ drive away in the small town of Raffadali, whose main claim to fame is one of the best pasticcerie (cake shops) on the island - don’t miss out on the traditional delicacies that use local ingredients such as pistachios and almonds. Raffadali is built on a steep hillside and there are several well-placed benches to sit and enjoy the resulting views.

Fields & surroundings

The small city of Agrigento which has a lively pedestrianised area with shops and restaurants is approximately 15 minutes drive away. This hilltop city boasts fantastic views of the Valley of Temples - one of the most visited archaeological sites in Sicily. From Casa Pietrarossa, this site can be reached by a drive of approximately 20 minutes. A slightly longer drive heading west takes you to the Ancient Greek site of Eraclea Minoa which has a few ruins and a theatre in a spectacular natural setting of cliffs, sea and beach. Other nearby beaches are San Leone close to Agrigento and Lido Rossello near Porto Empedocle, and it is just 20 minutes drive on a panoramic winding road through untouched Sicilian countryside to the golden sands of Siculiana Marina. For a memorable two-day or longer excursion you can catch a boat from Porto Empedocle to Lampedusa or Linosa - the most southerly islands in all of Italy, renowned for their clear seas.

Panoramic countryside nearby

Golden sands of Siculiana Marina

Sightseeing: Siculiana Marina, Agrigento & the Valley of Temples, Eraclea Minoa, Sciacca, Selinunte, Palermo, Segesta.

Italian Islands Insight: The owner of Pietrarossa lives and works on the farm, tending to the fields and horses, and has his own apartment upstairs. His wife, a medical doctor, joins him at weekends and they are more than happy for guests to use the large built-in barbecue located on their terrace. Although guests will often find that they have the generously sized pool to themselves, the owners and their family will also use it from time to time.

Staying on a working farm that cultivates cereals, olives, almonds, pistachios, jasmine and prickly pear cactuses gives you a real insight into the local life of the Agrigentine inland. Guests can also take advantage of the fertile landscape by picking vegetables fresh from the fields.

The characteristic main bedroom

The pool measures 12m x 6m

This recently restored and comfortable farmhouse is blessed by its rural setting within acres of untouched countryside, enjoying views of the rolling hills and valleys that characterise this enchanting corner of Sicily. Casa Pietrarossa offers seclusion and relaxation as well as a chance to sit and reflect on this beautiful panorama. It is the perfect choice for those who want to combine a peaceful countryside location with ample opportunities nearby for sightseeing, eating out and swimming at the beach. Car hire is essential both to reach the delightful stone-built farm and to benefit from the nearby attractions. The central heating means that this is an ideal year-round destination.