Taormina holiday farmhouse rental, Acireale with walking, beach/lake nearby, balcony/terrace, rural retreat, TV

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The House of Camellia, (farmhouse)

Home description

The House of Camellia is set in a large estate of citrus groves with Europe's highest volcano in the background,it offers a warm welcome , rural peace and ,at the same time, easy access to all amenities , shops and many restaurants for eating out.High standards fittings and furniture.Beautiful terrace for sunbathing , dining under the patio, or reading a book in the shade of the hundred-years camelia tree the house is named after.Possibility of walking in the property with ever-smoking Etna as a backdrop.
The owners live nearby but the position of the two houses guarantees a complete privacy.Cinzia speaks English and will be glad , together with her husband Nunzio, to give you a warm welcome , help and advice.
All accommodation is on one floor: a bright and spacious living area with fully equipped kitchen, a double bedroom on the left with wardrobe , and a twin bedroom on the right , where you can see in a corner the lava stone the house was built on; all these rooms lead directly to the terrace.Three steps lead from the living to the bathroom with shower.
Plenty to see and to do in the surrounding area during your stay for the unique closeness of a high mountain and the sea.

the south-eastern side with M.Etna in summer	the terrace from the patio
eastern side

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/35534

The Sicily region

Over 2500 years at a strategic crossroads of the western world have left Sicily with an unparalleled historical legacy. Nowhere else have Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish and even British left such an indellible impression.Whether you are more attracted by Greek temples, Roman villa ,Norman cathedrals or Baroque churches , Sicily offers a range of historical sites that is not easily matched.

Besides Sicily has on of the most pleasant climates in Europe,and every season has its own attraction. The average temperature in the deep midwinter is of 10-12 °,and in sunny days it can be warm enough to walk around in a tee-shirt. In February the almond trees are in blossom.In March and April the wild flowers begin to bloom all over Sicily and on the coast the first bathers start taking to the waters(though the water is still bracing).It's well worth a trip just to experience the Easter processions , bringing together religion,folklore and tradition .All over the island , in large towns and tiny villages alike,processions weave their way through narrow streets and piazzas until they finally arrive at the local parish church or Cathedral. In May the temperatures are ideal for walking with the mountain slopes exploding in colour. In June the sea is warm but the beaches are still deserted , except at weekends when the first Sicilins start to brave the waters.The fruit trees are laden with cherries , plums, peaches , apricots. In July and especially in August the coast is crowded but the beautiful areas of the interior ( and a few "undiscovered"parts of the coast ) are however relatively unfrequented.
In September there is the grapes harvest or"vendemmia",temperatures remain very comfortable and the island retains that summer feeling , but without the crowds.Many small villages celebrate the autumn with traditional"feste". October is one of the most beautiful periods for country walking with the vines turning to red and orange in the vast vineyards on M.Etna. In November often the temperatures stay in the high twenties during the day,even if it can rain(and rain is very welcome),though the big storms that often sweep the Italian peninsula generally pass safely to the north of Sicily.The oranges and mandarini season is starting.
In December one can still have extremely agreable temperatures during the day; Christmas is an important festival here and many small towns light up the night with their traditional "living" "presepi".Sicily is famous for the magnificence of its presepi that you can see in most churches especially in Caltagirone.Another tradition is the night of the Luminari on the 24th december when large bonfires are lit to keep baby Jesus warm.

Sicily's complex history has left its mark in architecture , landscapes , culture and customs and also in food. An important thing to say is that you will rarely eat anything that has not been produced within a few miles of you are sitting :the fresh fish on the coast , the tasty meats and cheeses in the interior,and a huge range of vegetables and fruit, all with a richness of flavour that you just don't find at the supermarket .Such is the pride that Sicilians take in their cooking that you will rarely be disappointed.On the east coast you should try Pasta alla Norma (with aubergines), arancini,ice cream and granita (originally made with snow from M.Etna and the traditional sicilian breakfast in summer with a brioche)The area around M.Etna is famed for its mushrooms, salsiccia and blood oranges.Etna Rosso , Nero d'Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria are very drinkable.

Taormina / Acireale area

The east coast of Sicily offers a lot of things to do every time of the year ,having one of the most agreable climate of Europe .Staying at only 3 km from the motorway exit"Giarre " and at 1 km from the main national road ss.114Catania-Messina you will be able to visit Taormina ( 20 min drive),Catania ,M.Etna ; also Syracuse , the baroque towns of the Noto valley , the Eolian islands, the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina, are all comfortably reachable for a day trips.

.Do you prefer relaxing? What about a glass of wine produced in our estate admiring M.Etna and the groves all around from the little terrace on the roof of the house of Camelia? Or do you fancy shopping or having dinner in a little restaurant on the coast ?Within a few minutes drive in Giarre (5km) and Acireale(7km) you can find many shops of all kinds , as well as restaurants, cafes and pizzerias.Anyway the nearest grocery shop in at 1 km in the village of Mangano and there is a big shopping centre open also on Sunday at 3 km
For a bath in the blue Ionian sea , the nearest beach is Praiola with lava stones at 4 km or the long peebly beach of Fondachello (7km) .In the splendid natural reseve of Isola Bella below Taomina you can swim among fish or go for a boat trip. You love walking? Have some beautiful walks in the farmland and discover the wonderful landscapes and paths of M.Etna's Natural reserve.
For food and wine lovers:follow the Road of Etna wine that winds around the flanks of the volcano passing through old vineyards and characteristic villages ;taste the genuine local products .
Do you know the gorges of the Alcantara valley ?They well worth a tour !
Golf lovers will find a eighteen holes golf course at about 35 min drive away : wonderful location , great climate without the crowds and high green fees , equipment hire and a smoking volcano as a backdrop.
In summer don't miss Taormina Arte Festival when the famous greek theatre comes to life with a season of top flight acts, starring the best performers of music , dance , theatre .And more.....
ACIREALE is a thermal resort from the rich baroque Sicilian and a strategic point of the eastern Sicily , at 5 min from the sea and less than 30 min from the snow of Etna.Its name is an example of how much Greek mythology was set in Sicily. Acis (a mortal youth) loved Galatea ( a Nereid sea goddess) and their love so infuriated the cyclops Polyphemus that he killed the unfortunate Acis.Galatea , taking pity on her lover, turned him into a river running all way down from the volcano to the Ionian sea.
SANTA VENERINA is one of the towns of M.Etna Natural Park and a main access to the undisputed king of the area : hiking on its slopes is an unforgettable experience at any time of year.
TAORMINA is the pearl of the Ionian sea ,idyllicly perched on a rocky promontory high above the sea , with medioeval buildings , breath-taking views around every corner , a network of winding streets strewn with shops , bars and restaurants , a perfect holiday spot.The main attraction: the greek theatre with spectacular views of ever smoking Etna and the bay of Naxos down below.
We can arrange for you cooking classes in a typical XiX cent.Sicilian house , horse riding on the beach and the Alcantara river, guided walkings in Mt Etna Natural Park as well as guided tours.
Good nightlife in Taormina and Catania.

How to get there

British Airways and Air Malta fly directly from London to Catania.
RyanAir and EasyJet fly to Palermo(about 2 and a half hours drive from Catania)
WindJet (very cheap flights) connects two times a day Venice and three times a day Rome with Catania ( www.volawindjet.it)
Meridiana , AirOne ,AlpiEagles,Alitalia fly from Milan, Rome , Venice to Catania .
Ferries :from Villa S.Giovanni to Messsina (www.carontetourist.it)
from Genova and Civitavecchia(near Rome) to Palermo
from Salerno to Messina(www.carontetourist.it)
Car hire:
All the main car rental companies at Catania airport ; with Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.it) from 209 euros per week all included

Activities near Taormina

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The tickness of the walls means that the House of Camelia (like most traditional Sicilian houses) keeps fresh inside even with high temperatures outside.
We can add a folding bed so the house can sleep 7.

Further details outdoors:
Garden furniture and a barbecue will let you enjoy the surrounding countryside and the grounds all around with lemon trees, olives, mandarini, oranges, figs and the rich Mediterranean vegetation.
A few stepswill take you to the little roof terrace , offering views from the mountain , groves and out to the sea.
The parking place is at 20 mt from the farmhouse.Two mountain bikes for adults and one for children available on request.

Further details

The owners live in a house nearby with a completely independent entrance.Cinzia speaks a little English and will be glad to help you and make you feel at home.

Conditions

A well-behaved dog is allowed.
If you have small children we can close the two ends of the terrace with a little gate and make the accommodation safe for them, just tell us in advance.

Rental rates

Prices for group size 7
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
July and August 2008	29 Jun 08	31 Aug 08	770£  611	0-	0-	1 Week
September 2008	31 Aug 08	28 Sep 08	700£  556	0-	0-	1 Week
October 2008	28 Sep 08	26 Oct 08	630£  500	0-	0-	3 Nights
November -December 2008	26 Oct 08	21 Dec 08	530£  421	0-	0-	3 Nights
Christmas time	21 Dec 08	4 Jan 09	620£  492	0-	0-	4 Nights
Low season	4 Jan 09	5 Apr 09	550£  437	0-	0-	3 Nights

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
July and August 2008	29 Jun 08	31 Aug 08	720£  571	0-	0-	1 Week
September 2008	31 Aug 08	28 Sep 08	650£  516	0-	0-	1 Week
October 2008	28 Sep 08	26 Oct 08	580£  460	0-	0-	3 Nights
November -December 2008	26 Oct 08	21 Dec 08	420£  333	0-	0-	3 Nights
Christmas time	21 Dec 08	4 Jan 09	590£  468	0-	0-	4 Nights
Low season	4 Jan 09	5 Apr 09	420£  333	0-	0-	3 Nights

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
July and August 2008	29 Jun 08	31 Aug 08	680£  540	0-	0-	1 Week
September 2008	31 Aug 08	28 Sep 08	580£  460	0-	0-	1 Week
October 2008	28 Sep 08	26 Oct 08	530£  421	0-	0-	3 Nights
November-December 2008	26 Oct 08	21 Dec 08	380£  302	0-	0-	3 Nights
Christmas time	21 Dec 08	4 Jan 09	520£  413	0-	0-	4 Nights
Low season	4 Jan 09	5 Apr 09	380£  302	0-	0-	3 Nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
No extra charges (water , electricity, bed linen ,towels all included)
A 30% deposit is required to secure the booking , balance to be paid in cash upon arrival
5 persons will pay the rate for 4 persons;
3 persons will pay as for 2 persons
The maximum rate is for 6-7 persons
Breakages deposit of 100 euros fully refunded on departure assuming no damage or breakages have occurred
From January 2009 to 4 April 2009 : 30 euros per week for the electricity expenses

Guestbook

"This restored farmhouse lived up to our expectations completely.We very much enjoyed our peace and quiet in the evenings and our BBQ's.I would suggest this house would be ideal for a family or a couple who want to get away from it all.Nunzio and Cinzia are wonderful relaxed , friendly,country people,and we were genuinely sad to say goodbye.I cannot recommend staying here enough!"
(Mr Simon R.-.London)
"The house is beautifully decorated with all the modern amenities and is situated in a peaceful setting in a citrus grove.The owners were very friendly and very helpful and provided information on the local area .We had a wonderful time there and would recommend this place highly for a vacation in a beautiful location that is relaxing."(Ms.Suzanne V.-Canada)
"...thank you for your warm hospitality, the house is beautiful, comfortable , well equipped and also Sicilian in atmosphere.how special it is to have your own lemon trees literally dropping fruit onto the breakfast table.We appreciated the convenient location for exploring he eastern side of Sicily...so many things to see ...We'll just have to return another time!(Ewa, John and Toby L.-London)
"We've had a very enjoyable week in this lovely house ,it's been very interesting to get a taste of Sicilian life , to walk on the slopes of Etna, to be surrounded by lemon groves (and sunshine!), to walk around the estate ."(Mary S. and Jeremy P.-Winchester ,England)
"A lovely country house , renovated with taste , in a peaceful neighborhood while just minutes from the highway.Exceptional and charming hosts.In a few words, a delightful stay I warmly recommend."(Erwan M.-Génève)

Availability notes

To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/35534

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/35534

Contact details for home 35534 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Cinzia Petucco
Tel:	+39 095 964474
Mobile:	+39 347 7410784
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Contact Notes: E-mail; any time
Advertiser joined: 21 Aug 2007 This property added: 21 Aug 2007

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