We absolutely loved this place. The house has been done up beautifully with real Mediterranean character and it suited us as a group really well (we were a family with one married daughter and two other adult children who appreciated their own space while then being able to come together to cook and relax.
The purple sofas in the photos have now been replaced with pleasing moss green (it was my one hang up from the photos and when I arrived they had been updated!) and there is space to play cards around the ottoman after nightfall as well as so much gorgeous outdoor space. You really can see the sea and yet it is so quiet. A real retreat.
Beware the mozzies. Our fair skin was badly attacked by the mosquitos while having drinks by the hammocks to watch the sun go down so we moved the table out a bit and used a lot of Jungle Formula. One of us had a very bad reaction but the problem was easily solved by an online, English-speaking consultation (a website called 'doctorsinitaly') and a trip to the pharmacy in Noto. Honestly easier to get an appointment with a doctor in Rome than it is to get one at our local surgery in London...
That aside, we loved this place so much that we did very little, even though there is lots to do in the area. We managed a wine tour, the cathedral, an art exhibition and the wonderful Caffe Sicilia, (honestly worth a breakfast trip or three) and an evening meal at Manna (also in Noto).
If possible, try to arrive in daylight - or hire a car that is not low to the ground. The track up to the house is very, very rough. We ordered a Fiat 500 with Eupopcar and were offered something totally inappropriate instead. We pushed back and got an Audi A1 which was ok, but a very small 4x4 would have been even better. Still, the last leg in 2nd gear is worth it. Perhaps for the gorgeous pool. Perhaps for the views. Perhaps for the outdoor kitchen. Or maybe just for the whole package and the real chance to unwind.
On the way back to the airport we enjoyed Ortigia and I can honestly say I had the best sandwich of my life at Casaeficio Borderi at one end of the amazing market there. The mozzarella was so fresh it had been made just an hour before.