Spacious, clean, traditionally furnished, 3 bedroomed house close to motorway and amenities in residential district, with amazing attentive host.
Host: Rosa was extremely friendly and helpful. She met us on arrival, on hand to answer every question or fix any problems no matter what time of day or night. Our ferry was cancelled at no notice so she allowed us back into the house to stay an extra night. She was very accommodating and made the residence as comfortable as possible. One point: we had an Italian speaker in our group which made communication much easier but I don't think she speaks much English. We communicated, through the trip, via email.
Location: The house is in a residential district in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto - a large town inland of the motorway. It is about 1 km off the motorway junction with a Lidl half way. It is about 1 km the other direction to shops and restaurants - we recommend Matteoto 85 and Masterchef.
House: The quirky house looks like at one point it might have a been a number of houses made into one. From the front it looks quite narrow but it stretches back, and back, and back. The downstairs has an airy tiled entrance hall leading to an enclosed room with seating area, kitchen and table. The kitchen has all essential items except corkscrew (or maybe we just didn't find it!). It is a gas oven and there is a fridge and small freezer. This lockable door leads into an internal 'courtyard' which has the main family bathroom before leading into a utility room with washing machine. Following from that is another yard for drying clothes and finally into an internal garage. The back is an enclosed yard where you can park your car. There are remote controlled metal gates and a roller blind shutter for security reasons. Upstairs there is a front double bedroom, a small ingress with a double bed fitted into and curtained across and a large hall. Rosa had kindly put another bed in there enabling my children to have a bed each. This led into an enclosed sun room. A corridor led to the back of the house to a toilet and sink room and next to that the largest back double bedroom with enclosed balcony. The furnishings are traditional Mediterranean style. Everything was spotlessly clean. I had to purchase a hypoallergic pillow as I have asthma. Towels etc. are provided.
Summary: A lovely place to stay and fantastic value for money. Recommend it as a great base if you want to spend some time in Sicily or even for a shorter stay before going to the Aelolian islands.