Chiusaliva

Inside

accommodation at Chiusaliva is all on one floor.

The chestnut front door opens into a wide, central corridor, off which all the accommodation flows.

An opening to the right leads into the heart of the home, a fabulously voluminous, open-plan social space that's been designed with conviviality in mind. Double-height vaulted ceilings in warm, honeyed wood create an airy atmosphere, and four sets of French doors bring in the light and open out onto the terraces. Sitting in pride of place is the mighty old millstone, one of several agricultural treasures that recall the property's former life.

At one end of this space are three sitting areas: the first has a pair of tan, sink-in leather sofas; the second features a couple of red leather armchairs; the third gathers four easy chairs around a couple of occasional tables.

In the centre is a table football table and a baby grand piano, while at the far end is a wooden dining table accommodating 10. Next to this is the splendidly sleek, fully equipped contemporary kitchen, whose dark, obsidian hues echo the lava-black flooring. A long central island incorporating a wine fridge, a sink, a prep area, and hobs divides the space from a wall of cabinetry with a double fridge and ovens.

An opening to one side of the kitchen leads back into the central corridor, off which are the sleeping quarters:

• a suite with a double bedroom, an en-suite shower room, and a sitting area with TV and access to the surrounding terraces
• two double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and access to the surrounding terraces
• a double-twin bedrooms with en-suite shower room and access to the surrounding terraces
• a guest WC

Outside

Chiusaliva sits at the centre of a 10-acre estate of olive groves, fruit orchards and vineyards. Rising in an elevated position, the house looks out over this canopy of greenery, which extends in all directions, seemingly without end.

All the rooms at Chiusaliva access to the terraces and gardens that wrap around the house, and no matter where you find yourself, you'll never be without a enchanting view: either the sparkling Ionian Sea or majestic Mount Etna.

The grand social space at the heart of the home opens out via four sets of French doors onto a terrace running along the entire façade of the house. Shaded by an elegant, wrought-iron pergola topped with cane, this dreamy spot culminates at a wide, lava stone-flagged solarium furnished with plenty of comfy outdoor furniture.

A couple of steps down from here, flanked on two sides by decking and sun loungers, is the wonderful, 18m-long, sea-view infinity pool, which incorporates a beach-effect shallow end.

Neighbouring the pool area is an expanse of verdant lawn dotted with centuries-old olive trees that whisper their wisdom in the gentle breezes. Floral borders add dashes of colour, and fragrant flora scents the air, making this the ideal spot the al fresco dining area, which is served by an outdoor kitchen equipped with a barbecue, a sink, gas hobs and a fridge.

Ambling around the house, lava stone-flagged terraces alternate with emerald lawns, and Mount Etna comes into full view. In the gardens accessed directly from the four bedrooms, a hammock swings lazily, suspended from a pair of slender palm trees.

Steps lead down from the al fresco lounge area by the pool to yet another large expanse of lawn, on the other side of which is the fabulously equipped gym.

Last but not least is a children's play area, located just across the private driveway from the house.

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

Chiusaliva features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity side so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

This villa features underfloor air conditioning, a more energy-efficient and environmentally- friendly alternative to traditional AC. It provides a gentle, consistent cooling throughout the space, though it may feel less intense than standard systems.

This property is part of a large estate, some of which is unfenced and may include drops or steep slopes. We therefore recommend that younger children are supervised by an adult when exploring the grounds.