The exquisite Casetta Sul Mare boasts a privileged seafront position with direct access to the sea and a sandy beach just steps away. There are restaurants within walking distance and, with charming towns like Pozzallo and Marzamemi nearby, it’s a wonderful base for exploring all the delights of south-east Sicily. Recently renovated, this is the epitome of a summer beach house, with wooden beams, blue shutters and panoramic sea views. Local hand-crafted materials and authentic touches combine with a modern and minimalist design to create an inviting and comfortable home.  This rustic yet stylish feel continues to the villa’s two bedrooms, which feature double beds, TVs and doors opening onto the garden. Floor to ceiling windows flood the open-plan kitchen/living area with light while doors leading to the decking outside bring in the faint sea breeze and serene sound of the waves.  Spend your days relaxing under the shade of the pergola or lazing on a deckchair on the stretch of sandy beach right outside the house. The sea offers brilliant refreshment from the Mediterranean sunshine and there’s a plunge pool set amongst cacti-filled garden for quick dips! Dine at the al-fresco table in the evenings as you watch the sunset on the water’s horizon.  Set on the road leading from Pozzallo to Pachino, there is plenty to entertain nearby. Visit historic Pozzallo (12km) with its 15th century tower and bustling old port or head to Pachino (15km) to discover the town’s popular fruit and veg markets.  Marzamemi (19km) is a picturesque fishing village filled with cobbled streets and ancient sites, including The Church of Dan Francesco di Paola and the Prince’s Pallazo Tonnara.  The Baroque city of Ispica (14km) is worth visiting for its flamboyant architecture whilst the archaeological park at Cava d’Ispica (25km) is also not to be missed. Similar to an open-air museum, this canyon is 100 metres deep and full of caves, catacombs and churches. Exploring it is a fantastic way to learn more about the island’s fascinating history through the ages. Further inland, the cities of Modica (30km) and Ragusa (50km) also feature grand buildings and ornate cathedrals, while in the east UNESCO-protected Noto (34km) offers another chance to admire some of Sicily’s finest baroque design. Features: Tourist License Number: 19088005C206858 Villa Interiors (80m2) Ground Floor - Living/dining room with sofa, table and chairs for 4 guests, doors leading outside - Open-plan kitchenette with fridge, freezer, microwave, electric hob, dishwasher, toaster, mixer, espresso machine - 2 x bedrooms with double beds - 2 x bathrooms with showers and WCs Outside Grounds (500m2) - Saltwater plunge pool heated at approximately 26 degrees (3m x 2m, depth: 0.3m – 0.6m). Open approximately March – end-November - Patio with pergola and comfy seating - 100m2 terrace with BBQ and al-fresco dining table and chairs - Garden with direct access to beach and the sea - Sun terrace with sun loungers and deckchairs - Parking Facilities - WiFi - Air-conditioning (3 units) - Satellite TV - Hi-Fi system - Washing machine - Iron Location: From its prime seaside position, Casetta Sul Mare is ideally placed for discovering Sicily’s south-eastern coast. Enjoy panoramic sea views as you relax on the beach right outside the villa or strike out in the sparkling water. If you choose to venture a little further along the shore, you will find another gorgeous beach just 1.5km away as well as Porto Ulisse (2.5km) and Spiaggia di Santa Maria del Focallo (5km), where you can splash around in the sea and perhaps try a spot of snorkelling.  There are restaurants within walking distance and summer beach bars and shops just a 5-minute drive away. The road to Pozzallo (12km) passes in front of the villa. An ancient fishing town, highlights include Torre Cabrera, an impressive watchtower overlooking the port, and its two Blue Flag beaches. Ferries departing to Malta from Pozzallo take just 90 minutes. Marzamemi (19km) is another coastal village with a pretty centre full of cobbled streets and historic sites, including The Church of Dan Francesco di Paola and the Prince’s Pallazo Tonnara. The central square, Piazza Regina Margherita, is a wonderful place to indulge in al-fresco food and drinks as you watch the world go by. Pachino (15km) is a delightful town to wander around and its fruit and veg markets are among the island’s best. Its cherry tomatoes in particular are widely celebrated – be sure to pick some up when visiting!  Ispica (14km) boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage and its churches and monuments are stunning examples of Sicilian ornate architecture. Head further inland to visit the canyon at Cava d’Ispica (25km) and be prepared to be blown away by the prehistoric caves, catacombs and hamlets built 100 metres into the ground.  The city of Modica (30km) is an exciting place to explore, with its labyrinth of exquisite architecture, chocolate shops and winding streets. Completely destroyed following an earthquake in 1693, UNESCO-listed Noto (34km) features picture-perfect Baroque buildings, including the reconstructed 18th century Noto Cathedral, the Palazzo Ducezio and the Porta Reale.  Hilltop Ragusa (50km) is one of the region’s most charming towns and is home to majestic sites such as the Duomo di San Giorgio. Like most of the region, it is brimming with excellent restaurants and authentic trattorias serving Sicilian specialities.  Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. (late arrivals from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., if agreed, will be charged a €30 fee). Departure time? 8.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes. Heating costs included? Yes. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Linen & towels included? Yes. Pool towels included? Yes. Pool opening dates? The pool is open approximately March to end-November. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Changeover day? Saturday from end-June - end-August. Flexible during all other periods. Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Pets welcome? Not allowed. Internet access? Wi-Fi internet access included. Tax? Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Pool heating charge? Extra charge of €200 per week, payable locally in cash and must be requested in advance. Maximum temperature that can be reached is 26° Celsius. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. Other Ts and Cs? Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted.