At the end of a twisting country lane lined with olive and carob trees, The Architect's Hideaway is an oasis of natural beauty and calm. For the owner, Daniela, an architect from Brussels with Sicilian roots, it’s a dream realised. After years of harbouring the hope of returning to her ancestral homeland, she came across this ancient farmhouse. Set on a privileged plateau with a sliver of blue sea painted across the horizon, it was love at first sight - and we can see why.
Now it's a sprawling masseria with five suites, a fragrant garden, and a shimmering saltwater pool. The picturesque stone archways, flagstone floors, and high vaulted ceilings remain, gently restored and elegantly paired with iron fixtures, natural wood surfaces and contemporary furniture. The first building, once home to the farm’s cows, is now the bright and airy reception and breakfast room. The suites are in the second building, each spacious and simple, with sunlight streaming in and doors opening out into stony courtyards. Beyond this tranquil refuge, the Baroque towns of Ispica, Modica, Noto and Ragusa are all a short drive away, along with countless pretty beaches. Stay a while, soak up those far-reaching views, and enjoy homemade breakfasts and sunbaked evenings with the warmest hosts.
Highs
- The peaceful countryside location is perfect for disconnecting
- It’s well placed for exploring nearby UNESCO-listed cities like Noto, Modica, Ragusa and beaches (just ask the hosts for recommendations)
- The owner, Daniela, and her partner Istvan, are warm and generous hosts and are often around to share local knowledge and recommendations
- The authentic Sicilian breakfasts are amazing, with a colourful spread of fresh, homemade treats
- You could relax for hours in the lush, green garden, looking out at the sea
Lows
- A six-night minimum stay is preferred
- The road leading to the property is a little rocky - you'll want to drive carefully
- They don't provide meals and there are no restaurants or shops within walking distance, so you'll need a car
- WiFi is only available in the communal areas at the moment (a hidden blessing)
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique B&B
- 5 rooms
- Breakfast only, drive to restaurants
- Over 10s only
- Closed: 15 November - 1 April
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The suites are all built into the large building that once served as a ricotta factory. The traditional stone walls and high vaulted ceilings remain, but the space has been divided into five rooms and suites, all featuring black metal fixtures and tasteful minimalist furnishings and decor. Large doors open into the courtyard, some have terraces, and most have views of the sea. Airy and bright, these rooms offer the perfect amount of privacy with convenient access to the pool, garden and shared outdoor kitchen.
For couples, Lo Specchio and Le Rondini are charming and intimate, with a round bathtub by the window for soaking in the views. We stayed in Lo Specchio when we visited, and loved its breezy little courtyard (shared with one other room) and the view of the garden over the bath. La Cisterna sul Mare has a loft space with an extra bed and access to a private terrace, and La Centrale is the largest room with a loft for two extra beds and access to a semi-private terrace.
Some of the suites have ensuites with showers, Lo Specchio and Le Rondini have baths in the room and a separate toilet.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Beach towels
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Toiletries
Eating
Every day here starts with birdsong and a beautiful breakfast. Wander into the sunlit reception room and you’ll find a superb spread with fresh ricotta from the neighbouring farm, seasonal fruit, homemade bread, jams, hand-filled cannolis, yoghurt with pistachio cream, a freshly baked tart or cake, and rich coffee to wash it all down.
Lunch and dinner are occasionally available on request, with traditional, local dishes that will make you think there’s a nonna in the kitchen. (And there might just be!) Daniela can organise this – but it's based on availability and only once a week, so you'll want to plan on picnic dinners or eating out most nights. You’re welcome to use the shared outdoor kitchen, perfect for whipping up simple meals, and eating in the communal courtyard. (We picked up sandwiches and snacks in Noto and enjoyed our light feast in the courtyard under twinkling lights with a bottle of wine.)
While there’s nothing within walking distance, you’re just a short drive from towns like Ispica and Noto, where there are plenty of good eateries to choose from. Try Pozzalo for some delicious fresh seafood right on the coast.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Spend an afternoon lazing about in and around the saltwater pool
- Ask Daniela about yoga classes in the courtyard or garden – weekly in summer and on request at other times of year
- Take a cooking class and learn how to make your own Sicilian specialities
- Embrace the tranquillity of this retreat and treat yourself to a massage
- Explore nearby towns like Ispica, Noto, Ragusa and Modica
- Don’t miss the outdoor cinema in the courtyard every week, screening films about Sicily from the 40s and 50s
- Take a walk along the path through the Lanzagallo quarry
- Explore ancient cave dwellings and ruins in the nearby Cava d'Ispica, including the Cave of the Saints
- Go horse riding at a nearby farm
- Relax on one of the nearby beaches like Santa Maria del Focallo or Pozzallo
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Spa treatments
- Swimming
- Walking
- Yoga
Kids
Only children over the age of 10 are allowed due to there being no railings, steep stairs in some of the rooms and no fencing around the pool. However, a few of the rooms are well set up for accomodating families with one or two older children.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Architect's Hideaway is outside the small town of Ispica, just inland from the coast, in the south-west corner of Sicily. The Baroque towns of
Modica, Noto and Ragusa are nearby.
By Air:
Fly in to Catania Airport, which is about 1hr 20-30mins away.
From the Airport:
You will need a rental car to explore the region.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Catania–Fontanarossa Airport 115.0 km CTA
Other:
- Beach 11.0 km
- Shops 6.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km
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Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests