Description:

The key elements of what could be a magnificent residence, holiday location or tourist facility are here. Commanding views, tranquillity, proximity to services, shops, restaurants and transport links.Perfectly located, as close as possible to all necessary logistical points without being blighted by their presence;

Sitting on the first low rise from the sea over looking the Oasi del Simeto, a natural reserve of over 1800Ha (4600acres) situated at the mouth of the river Simeto and surrounding coastland and wetlands. A world recognised area for a host of flora and fauna that includes migrating birds between northern Europe and Africa.

A mid nineteenth century masseria, formerly owned by a baronessa.
Rich in history after being built in 1857, it was an important residence and was the centre of a country estate. Many original features such as the palmento ‘winepress’ with barrels, storage areas and stone troughs are still in evidence.

The significance of the location is also confirmed by the sight of a second world war bunker built onto the hillside overlooking the surrounding approach roads.

The buildings comprise three seperate units, allowing either maximised single use or privacy. Hand made cotti roof tiles are used throughout.
Patterned brick pavements and use of hand cut lava stone which is both decorative and very hardwearing.

Much of the surrounding ground has been terraced which maximises its usage. Different levels are used for either aesthetic or productive purposes.

Water storage has been combined with a comprehensive irrigation system, that underlines the original function of the property, that of a centre for agricultural production and processing. Nowadays this allows freedom of concern about possible water shortage, increased potential production of fruits, vegtables, olive oil, etc and a wider range of plant species that can be very demanding for water.

The gardens are interspersed with over 300 mature olive trees producing both green and black olives. These could produce a very high grade of oil.
Wild fennel and Indian figs are prolific.
Dwarf palms are also much evident reinforcing the tropical angle of the property, the latitude is equal to parts of Africa.
There are also other mature trees such as elm, mulberry, fig and cypress.

There is a swimming pool immediately in front of the main buildings, which manages to combine both seclusion and views of the sea and Etna across the plain of Catania.

A walled courtyard provides privacy and allows zones within the property to separate activies.

A total covered area of over 1,000 square metres(11,000ft2).
The fully fenced grounds total almost 50,000 square metres (520,000 square feet) and there are two entranceways with the driveway sweeping through the property.

There are stables and the surrounding area is perfect for easy treks.
There are also further smaller buildings currently used for dog kennels and pigsties respectively!

Other nearby land is available for sale if wanted.

Electricity is connected and the maximum available power (6Kilowatts) is available.
Mains gas and sewage is also available on the road and it is a relative task to connect them.
The buildings are designated urbano, which means they are fully listed at the Catasto(Land registry) and means changes of use are more likely to be approved.

The immediate surrounding area is mainly farmland which is extensively cultivated. The property overlooks the Plain of Catania to the north which is an extremely fertile area producing a wide range of top quality citrus fruits and vegetables – especially noted for it’s delicious blood oranges. The plains were famous for being inhabited by a tribe of cannibals called the Laestrygonians which were famous for alledgly eating some of Odysseus's crew!
Also the ancient roman settlement of necropolis di symaethus is located 3km(2 miles) away.

The sea is very accessable being only 1.5km (1 mile) away.
This area is within the gulf of Catania which enjoys over 20 km (12 miles) of golden sand beaches.
The warm and clean Ionian Sea enjoys an average annual temperature of 22c(71f) and a maximum around 28c(80f).

The nearest restaurant is 400m away and there is an alimentare (grocer's) and panifico (Bakery) 2km (1.5miles) away.

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