I have to start with a criticism- the photos on VRBO are awful . However I saw the potential and took a chance. The difference in reality was massive- the extensive grounds, terraces(plural) the pool area, and the view, the brand new large ‘casita’ style area for shade , external shower and drinking fountain , the two sweeping curved steps to the terraces, the shady outside dining area and I could go and on. If anyone needs photos I have hundreds of stunning sunny photos. The pool is HUGE and a covered casita at its side meant my wife could sit for hours whilst the rest of us sunned ourselves. The inside of the villa was charmingly old fashioned- old rich coloured maple floors and seventies/eighties furniture. We started out with our bedroom upstairs but quickly moved to the downstairs bedroom as it was hugely cooler. Perhaps in hindsight it could use some more kitchen equipment but it didn’t affect our enjoyment. the villa is in the process of an other double bedroom and en-suite so for next year look out for this if you are a party of eight. We loved the area - we went up into the mountains behind the villa - the Madonie mountains and were delighted to see wild boar and their many piglets , hundreds of deer, hundreds of different types of butterflies, lizards and then to top off the day Golden Eagles soaring above us. Castelbuono and the mountain top town Pollina are both gorgeous medieval towns and well worth a visit to both. Cefalu was also charming and very worthy of a day visit. But mostly we stayed and gently baked and ate Fiorentina steak on the garden grill. Happy days and a huge thank you to Mariella and her daughter Taziana
