This place is stunning and we loved it!! The pictures do not do it justice. My husband and I have just got back after a ten day stay, with my sister and her partner, her two kids and my dad..... who wanted to celebrate his 80th with us all. The house has real charm and is beautiful, very tastefully decorated and with various sleeping options. The four poster bedroom with a high ceiling is particularly nice and there is a brand new shower room which we were the first to use. The upstairs twin room (above the lounge) is great for children, which is what we used it for. The annexe in the garden (with sitting area, with a sofa bed, a double bedroom and a bathroom with shower) is a great addition and my father loved it, as it was his own little house, to which he could retreat for some quiet time. The swimming pool is immaculate and large, with loads of loungers, a hammock and a table and chairs, and we spent many hours in it and around it. It also has a deep middle with shallow sides all way round, which I have never seen before, so it is great for kids! The garden and olive grove is stunning - and huge. It is incredibly well maintained with grass to die for and you can see Ortigia island from the end of it. There are many great local restaurants a stone's throw away and Syracuse town is only 15 mins up the road. There is a local mini mart a few mins away (for basics and local produce) and three large supermarkets on the road in to town. There are two separate outside tables where you can enjoy al fresco dining and the longer table under the trees, seats ten and is lovely at night. The host, Valeria, was great in answering our many questions and requests, before and during our stay, and was easily contactable throughout - and she gave great local info and advice. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you are wanting a private villa, for a family or group of friends, from which to explore Syracuse and southeast Sicily, look no further!