Masseria Rigiliffi was conceived as a colorful and inventive tribute to Sicilian art and craftsmanship. The property's original features and floors have been retained, creating a charming mix of contemporary and traditional, thanks to a careful and conservative restoration, respectful of the memory of the place. Outside, well-manicured gardens surround the property, culminating in the pièce de résistance, an absolutely irresistible swimming pool.
The rooms of Masseria Rigiliffi are developed on two floors finely restored.
The main entrance leads from a baglio with a large araucaria tree in the center, to the whimsical living area that features high ceilings, original stone floors and a sumptuous fireplace: originally, the white stone millstone of the property, which has been recovered and is - still today - in its original state.
A door on one side of the living room leads into a delightful dining room served by an eat-in kitchen, with its original red brick floor, antique tiles and an impressive pot-bellied wood-burning oven. A short corridor leads from the kitchen past a guest bathroom to the first bedroom on a mezzanine, accessed by an antique cast iron staircase, with an impressive en-suite bathroom with giant walk-in shower and windowed tub overlooking the gardens.
Back in the living area, an open flight of stairs leads to the second floor and to a double bedroom with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. It has an en-suite bathroom with a 15th century antique wash basin recovered as a sink, a sensually round tub from which you can enjoy the view of the Etna volcano and the driveway with the ancient olive trees, and a separate shower cabin.
Going down the stairs, a door, from the living room, leads to the third bedroom, accessible directly from the beam that also boasts a very original en-suite bathroom, this time with a bathtub set in stone and a large glass shower.
The fourth bedroom is accessed from the baglio and includes an en-suite bathtub and an adjacent bathroom with shower and a large glass window overlooking the orchard.
Masseria Rigiliffi is immersed in a large well-kept garden. To one side of the house is a rectangular baglio, at the center of which is a landscaped area and an imposing Mediterranean pine tree.
The gardens open beautifully around the house, leading finally to the focal point of the outdoor areas: two large expanses of lawn, planted with gnarled ancient olive trees, and seating on either side of the magnificent swimming pool, whose steps and floor are made of ancient stone. The overflow of the pool is made with an ancient stone trough that creates a stream-like sound.
Off the living room is the outdoor sitting area, furnished for relaxing under a thick pergola shaded by passion fruit. Further along this stone paved terrace, which runs along the entire front of the house, is the outdoor dining area, next to a fully restored 1700's Benedictine well, shaded by an ancient white mulberry tree. Conveniently accessible from the kitchen and overlooking the gardens and pool, it offers the perfect relaxing environment for long convivial meals and cool Sicilian evenings. Completing the exterior of the property are a number of other delightful spots, including a second old fenced-in courtyard, a small vegetable garden, and a magnificent orchard that houses the chicken coop.
