Having travelled across the world, the owners chose to build their dream home overlooking the ancient salt pans in the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Once you experience the sunset from the rooftop terrace you will soon realise why this part of western Sicily is so special – the views towards the vines, sea and islands are truly idyllic.
Villa La Vela is a beautifully designed contemporary holiday home with a private swimming pool only a 15-minute drive from historic Marsala. Air-conditioned throughout, the villa comfortably sleeps up to 7 guests across three stylish double bedrooms, all with en suite shower or bathrooms, one also featuring a sofa-bed.
The open-plan living and dining space is especially impressive with picture book windows framing the views and artwork on display inspired by the everchanging hues of the surrounding landscapes. Meanwhile, the modern kitchen is brilliantly equipped to prepare meals to enjoy on the al-fresco terrace – the owners can also help arrange a private cook or chef.
The salt-water swimming pool is made from grey marble whilst a sleek decked terrace features sun loungers for relaxing days by the pool. The highlight of the villa is its rooftop terrace and lounge – enjoy a glass of marsala as you watch the most magnificent sunset.
It’s around a 15-minute walk to a tiny harbour with a couple of café-bars, a small museum and boat trips to the archaeological site on Mothia Island. A little further, come across kite-surfing spots and kayaking opportunities. It’s also fantastic to explore the nature reserve by bike and there is horse-riding within a short drive.
Beyond the salt pans, drive to the historic town of Marsala to sample its famous fortified wine or head to Trapani to soak up its rich heritage and authenticity. Discover pretty beaches and summer lidos, try the wonderful cuisine of the region (fresh seafood, pasta and cous cous alongside a blend of Mediterranean and North African flavours) and take a boat trip across to the Egadi Islands for yet more breathtakingly beautiful scenery in western Sicily.
With beautiful views towards Marsala’s ancient salt pans and the Stagnone Nature Reserve with its islands, Villa La Vela enjoys a wonderful location in western Sicily, only a short drive from the historic towns of Marsala and Trapani. There is a village 1.5km away (via a road with no pavement) with a pharmacy, pizza takeaway and supermarket. There is a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants (some open seasonally) within a short drive - the owners will provide a list before your arrival and reservations are recommended.
There is so much to explore across the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Watersport enthusiasts can rent kayaks to tour the lagoon and you will also find various sailing and kitesurfing schools along the coast. Cycling and horse-riding are other superb ways to experience the landscapes. From the villa it’s around a 15-minute walk to Mamma Caura from where you can take a boat to the island of Mothia, an archaeological site.
Whilst the sea is very close to Villa La Vela, it’s a short drive to actual beaches such as the little bay at San Teodoro (8km) and summer lidos including Lido Playa De Rio (7.5km) and Marausa Lido (12km). South of Marsala, Lido Playa Blanca (20km) offers seasonal sun bed and parasol hire whilst the coast around Tonnarella (33km) near Mazara del Vallo is also very beautiful.
Spend time visiting the town of Marsala (10km), so loved for its rich history and fortified wine (there are many wine cellars to visit). You will also fall in love with the historic beauty and authenticity of Trapani (20km), a city with significant maritime heritage. From Trapani, a cable car takes you to the medieval perched village of Erice for yet more stunning vistas of the coastline and Egadi Islands.
Indeed, you should find the time to visit the Egadi Islands whether you wish to discover hiking routes, restaurants serving fresh fish or idyllic bays. Seasonal boat trips and excursions (including fishing trips) depart from both Marsala and Trapani.
A little further afield, other day trips include Mazara del Vallo with its fish market, exciting Kasbah quarter and a fascinating blend of Italian and North African influences. Around an hour away in the opposite direction, Scopello (58km) is a picture-perfect fishing village, not far from the pristine beaches of San Vito Lo Capo (65km), famed for its restaurants specialising in cous cous.
Villa Interiors (300m2)
- Open-plan living and dining area
- Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffee maker and fridge-freezer. Doors slide open to al-fresco dining terrace
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower
- Bedroom with double bed, sofa-bed and en suite bathroom with shower
- Additional bathroom (on lower level near the swimming pool)
Outside Grounds (1000m2)
- Salt-water swimming pool (8.4x4.4m, depth: max 1.5m)
- Poolside terrace with sun loungers
- Large roof-top terrace (via open-tread stairs) with views towards the vines, salt pans and sea
- Outdoor lounge
- Covered terrace for al-fresco dining
- Barbecue
- Fenced grounds
- Parking (within grounds and outside)
