An amazing place
Arriving at the small town of Riposto, close to the Meditarranian ocean, we find a secrete road that leads us to the gate of Maria and Pippos, 150-year old lemon farm. Lemon trees on both side of the road, as we enter the farm area, and drive a couple of hundred meters to the concrete portal of the farm: two lions welcome us as we drive into the parking lot, gazing upon a little paradise: everything here is neatly cared for; stock roses, rosmary trees and Italian renaissance idyllic sculptures and furniture is linned up along the beatiful old big house. Welcoming us here is Maria and Pippo, an older extremely caring couple, their gartner and the house cleaning lady. We are instructed briefly on the practicalities of the house, and are left to our selves. On the west side of the house we clearly see Etna, Sicilys main mark, and turning to the east, the ocean is visible from the top of the many lemon-trees. There is a balcony with a long wooden table and benches, carefully crafted and with an big marhcise, ideal for a big family to dine, and right next to it: a beautiful round pool, in perfect pastel colours. Maybe one of the most architectural cool pool we have seen. Also on the terassa an outdoor kitchen; ideal for cooking in open air next to friends or family. The house has two other well equipped kitches, three nice bathrooms (one with jacqusi), a gigantic living room with a 8 meters high ceiling, rustic, and yet cosy. And three very nice bedrooms, each of them carefully and uniqly designed over various styles. There is so much soul and personality in the house, where the familiy used to lived (now the live with their chidlren in another town).
From Riposto you can drive to Taormina, visit Castiglioni or a variety of other small cosy Sicilians towns or etna wineries. There is a 5 minutes drive to the local market, wine and fish-shops and a 15 minutes drive to a very large supermarket, where you can get everything.
We stayed for six days, and were treated so well by the owners. The place are among the most beautiful and relaxing, we have ever visited, and therefore we give our highest recommondations to anyone considering staying at “Dueleoni”.