Property Description

Large Three-bedroom Detached Villa near Agrigento, 500m from the Coast and Surrounded by Greenery

Just 500m from the sea on Sicily’s southern coast, Casa Carmelo is a three-bedroom detached villa near Agrigento. Built on two storeys, the upstairs balcony offers a partial sea view and a great vantage point over a rural area which is peaceful and green. It is a wonderful spot in which to escape into nature and the unique lifestyle Sicily has to offer.

It is found in a district known as Zingarello, on the periphery of the ancient territory of Agrigento, famous for the Valley of the Temples, probably the most impressive collection of Hellenic architecture outside of modern Greece. The nearest beach, only a kilometre away, is a spectacular sandy strip facing south-west and with a superb view of the island’s unique sunsets.

In great condition, Casa Carmelo will need no work or further investment after the purchase is complete, and represents great value for the 138m2 of living room spread generously between the two floors, plus a tree-filled front yard and a pair of shady terraces.

The two floors can be used fully independently of one another, thanks to the twin kitchens, bathrooms upstairs and down, an external staircase along the north side of the building and a door at the top of the internal staircase.

The Property

White wrought iron gates lead you into the front garden, with well-maintained flower beds on either side of a flagstone driveway which leads to a single garage. You would easily be able to store as many as three cars off road if you needed to. A footpath leads right around the detached property, with the entire plot measuring roughly 600m2. You’ll love cooling off under the outdoor shower on a hot summer’s day.

At the front, a shady veranda sits under the upstairs balcony and some of the master bedroom. From here the front door brings you straight into a huge deep ground floor living room of approximately 50 m². Once inside your eye will immediately travel the length of this impressive space, to the faintly theatrical rounded staircase which curves upstairs. The floor is in easy-to-maintain tiles, the ceiling high and the giant space is well lit from windows on three sides. At the front is a living room with air conditioning unit, while at the back a sleeping area has been created under the stairs, ideal if you want to use the ground floor as an independent studio flat.

The kitchen is on your right with simple white decoration, plenty of cupboard space and garden view window. The bathroom is also in bright white tile, with a cubicle shower and connections for a washing machine.At the top of that polished staircase, three double bedrooms on the southern side of the house each offer around 20m2 of space. All have air conditioning installed. The master, at the front, benefits from French windows onto the east-facing balcony, letting you wake up naturally with the warm rays of the morning sun, if you choose.

The huge balcony gives you a vantage point on the sea to the south, and then curves around the northern side of the property, joining up with the external staircase. Here you will find a covered terrace area that offers plenty of room to sit and enjoy the leafy green view of the surrounding gardens. This is accessed from the upstairs living room, where a kitchenette has been fitted in modern grey.

The family bathroom has plenty of space and a huge bathtub. A retractable screen lets you use it as a shower without fuss too.

The windows are new throughout, fitted with shutters and mosquito nets.  The house is connected to the municipal water supply and of course to the electricity network. Your water supply is guaranteed against even prolonged dry spells, thanks to twin cisterns which hold 3,000 and 5,000 litres of water respectively.

Surroundings

Casa Carmelo stands on a public road, but as it is a cul-de-sac you will encounter practically no traffic. There are about twelve houses on the street, but most are only used in summer. The vegetation, beginning from your own front garden and those of many of your neighbours, is lush and tropical. This is one of Sicily’s most agricultural regions, and much of the land around you is taken up with olive groves, almonds and citrus orchards and greenhouses producing all manner of fruit and vegetables.

Zingarello is a residential neighbourhood without many shops or services, so to make the most of life here you would need a car. However, the conurbation that connects the historical town of Agrigento to the sea begins just five minutes’ drive up the road. Here, in the area known as Villaggio Mosè, you’ll find supermarkets, pharmacies and all kinds of other shops to buy food, clothes and homeware. The best restaurants are either in the city, a twenty minute drive north-west, or – even closer – along the marina in nearby San Leone.

The region’s major tourist attractions are within easy reach. The Valley of the Temples is only a 15 minute drive away, while the stunning white cliffs known as the Scala dei Turchi, or Turkish Steps, can be reached in 30 minutes.

Thanks to the popularity of its temples, Agrigento is well-connected for public transport, with rail and coach links to all of Sicily’s biggest cities. The nearest airports are at Catania and Palermo, each about 2 hours away with the Catania slightly the closer of the two. Lovely southern cities like Menfi, Sciacca, Gela and Licata also found along the coastline within driving distance.

Potential

The plot of land next door is is about 2000 m² in size and has been very well maintained. It is not possible to build here, but it could be purchased to considerably enlarge the garden of Casa Carmelo, and would be perfect if you were interested in adding a swimming pool. One of these can be installed for around €30,000. The existing garden would be big enough to squeeze in a smaller one if you wanted to take a simpler route. We’d be very happy to advise you and help you find trustworthy local professionals to undertake any work of the kind.

If you need any help completing your move to Sicily, including advice on how to take advantage of the region’s favourable tax climate for international arrivals, or have any other enquiries about this lovely detached villa near Agrigento, please don’t hesitate to ask.