Villa Giardina
Modica Sorda, Sicily
Dating back to 1760, Villa Giardina is a historic country residence set amongst the rolling landscape between Modica and Ispica, surrounded by approximately 3,000 m² of established Mediterranean gardens and countryside.
Substantially remodelled in the early 20th century, the villa has evolved over more than two centuries while retaining much of the character that makes these old Sicilian country houses so compelling: metre-thick walls, an original period kitchen, generous living spaces, mature gardens and a panoramic terrace overlooking the southeastern corner of the island.
At a Glance
Asking Price
€510,000
Renovation Estimation
TBC
Size
375m2
Land
Approx. 3,000 m²
Rooms
12
Bathrooms
4
Features
Original period kitchen, metre-thick walls, fireplace, panoramic terrace, historic Mediterranean gardens, mature fruit trees, two covered parking spaces
Condition
Historic property with significant original character
Distance to Modica
Approx. 15 minutes
Distance to the Coast
Approx. 20 minutes
Distance to Catania Airport
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Why I Selected It
The original body of the house dates to 1760, with a substantial early-20th-century renovation creating much of what we see today. Rather than being stripped of its past, the villa still carries evidence of the different generations that have lived here.
I love the original kitchen, the extraordinary thickness of the walls and the relationship between the house and its gardens. These aren't decorative details added during a restoration; they are part of the architecture itself.
And then there is the upstairs terrace, with countryside views stretching towards Capo Passero and Marzamemi.
Property Highlights
Dating to 1760
Original period kitchen
Walls reaching up to one metre thick
Naturally cool interiors during the Sicilian summer
Large first-floor living room with fireplace
Panoramic terrace with views towards Capo Passero and Marzamemi
Historic Mediterranean gardens to the front and rear
Mature fruit trees within the old vegetable garden
Countryside setting between Modica and Ispica
Two covered parking spaces
Renovation Notes
Although the villa is structurally in very good condition and does not require significant work to make it habitable, I would still allow a healthy interiors budget if the goal is to realise its full potential.
The existing bathrooms are functional but would benefit from updating, and while some of the furniture may potentially be negotiated as part of the sale, I would approach that as a bonus rather than relying on it. New furniture, lighting and thoughtful decorative interventions would make a significant difference to how the property feels.
At approximately 375 m², furnishing a house of this scale properly will become a meaningful part of the overall project budget, even without major construction work.
Best Suited For
Buyers looking for a substantial Sicilian country home
Families wanting a multi-generational summer residence
Lovers of historic architecture and original features
Buyers seeking privacy without owning a vast agricultural estate
Those considering a character-led hospitality project
Buyers wanting access to both the Val di Noto and southeastern coastline
Anyone looking for a property to preserve rather than completely reinvent
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