Sipario su Modica is a wonderful holiday house in the historical centre of Modica. Recently restored to its original 1930s feel, when my grandparents bought it, the house offers all modern comforts. It has an elegant living space and a spacious kitchen, both with domed ceilings and direct access to the terrace, a terrace with spectacular views of Modica's baroque S. George Cathedral, a bathroom in the living area, a laundry and 3 comfortable en-suite bedrooms.

Within the city, the house is strategically placed behind the Garibaldi Theatre and some 80 steps away from Modica's main high street, where there are shops, restaurants and bars. The name Sipario, which means Theatre Curtains, was inspired by the nearby theatre and refers to the theatrical effect of going through the doors of the terrazzo to be overwelmed by a breathtaking view of the city.

Address

Via Ritiro N.7, Modica, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy

Rooms

The house has three double rooms - all en-suite with air-conditioning, heating and a flat-screen LCD TV. Two of the rooms (Vaniglia and Peperoncino) can accommodate for two single beds each rather than a double bed.

Canella; The room Cannella is located on the ground floor. Furnished with original pieces from my grandparent's antique bedroom, it offers a cosy atmosphere just few steps away from the heart of the house, the living space and the beautiful terrace. It has a comfortable en-suite bathroom, TV, Wireless Internet, air conditioning, heating and hairdryer.

Vaniglia: The Vaniglia room is situated on the first floor and has a balcony overlooking the terrace which offers the same spectacular view of the historical centre of Modica and its magnificent baroque S. George cathedral. The room has a wooden ceiling and a cosy corner with two period armchairs ideal for relaxation. It has a particular en-suite bathroom with a separate spacious shower and sky windows, TV, Wireless Internet, air conditioning, heating and hairdryer.

Peperoncino: The room Peperoncino is on the first floor and has a window which offers great views of the historical centre of Modica and S. George cathedral. The period bedside tables and chest of drawers, which belonged to the family and are characterised by original red Verona marble tops, set a warm and elegant tone to the room.

Facilities

The house offers plenty of space to sit and relax - from the spacious and fully equiped kitchen to a stylish living room, and best of all, a long terazza to enjoy the sun and the views.

Kitchen
The kitchen is spacious (over 30 sqm) and well equipped with a range cooker with 4 hobs, fry top and 90cm oven. There is also a 3mx1m central island with 3 more hobs. There are also two sinks, an espresso and cappuccino coffee machine, a large two doors fridge and a dish washer. Pots, pans, cutlery and other kitchen tools are available.

We designed the kitchen as a space suitable for holding cookery courses, which we do for some weeks throughout the year. This is a service that is also available on request to guests renting the entire house.

Living Room
The large and airy living room has always been the heart of household festivities - from setting up the nativity scene on the piano during Christmas to celebrating birthdays with views of Modica as the background. There are two large tables that can comfortably sit up to 12 people and can also be extended to accommodate more. It also offers direct access to the terrace.

Terrace
Plants and herbs decorate the large terrace where there is a table and chairs to have a meal outdoor while enjoying the view or just to sit outside and relax.

Laundry
The laundry has a washing machine, an ironing board and an iron.
Extra Services on Request
Cooking lessons
Italian language classes
Guided tours of the area
Babysitting

Full Equipment List
TVs in all bedrooms - Internet wireless - Air Conditioning in all bedrooms - Washing Machine -Range cooker - 90 cm Oven - Extra 3 hobs cooker - Double doors fridge - Coffee Machine - Iron & Ironing Board - Hair-Dryers -Bed linen (weekly provided) - Baby cot (available) - Heating - Showers - Pots - Pans - Cutlery and other kitchen tools - Books (English, Italian)

Places to Visit

Modica is strategically located to explore the South-East of Sicily. Long sandy beaches are just 10-15 minutes away by car while Siracusa, Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, Noto, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli are all within 45min driving time. Catania and Etna can be reached within 1h and 30minutes while Taormina is a 2 hour drive away.

Rates

Rates begin at 1050 euros per week for 6 people in the low season (January, February, March - November, December ) and reach 1580 euro in the high season (July, August, Easter and Christmas ). Discounts are available for occupancy of four people or less and it is also possible to rent the house for periods smaller than 1 week.