Balù - Five Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 11

Balù is an 18th century frantoio surrounded by olive groves, lawns, citrus trees and a fabulous pool. Tastefully decorated and with plenty of voluminous living space inside and out, the imposing building and its calming grounds provide an ideal base for a relaxing family holiday in close proximity to the sandy beaches and archaeological site of Selinunte.

Inside: accommodation at Balù is spread over two floors. Most of the ground floor is given over to a generously proportioned living area, with with 6-metre-high (20ft) ceilings and comfy sofas and armchairs wrapped around an ornamental fireplace. Accessed from this wonderful space is a dining room to one side and a lovely contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar to the other. Both the living area and the dining room open out into the gardens.

Also off the central living area is a cosy sitting room, which in turn leads to a double-twin bedroom with adjacent shower room. A door in this bedroom leads to a small study, which is also accessed from the dining room. Here, stairs lead up to a triple bedroom with en-suite shower room under the sloping eaves. This bedroom is also accessed directly via a flight of stairs from the press room and, while not suitable for taller people, it is perfect for any older children in your group.

Back in the press room, a couple of steps lead into a hallway, off which is a large shower room and a flight of stairs to the first floor. Passing a shower room and heading across a gallery overlooking the press room, one soon comes to main sleeping quarters, comprising three double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite shower room.

Outside: a long private driveway leads to the parking area from where one accesses the heart of the grounds. Just outside the kitchen and press room is the gorgeous shady al fresco dining area served by a barbecue and a pizza oven. From here a short path leads through the luxuriously planted gardens to a large lawn and the stunning pool area. The garden is centuries old and features a fine array of palms, cacti, olive and citrus trees, as well as many Mediterranean flowering shrubs.

The extensive organic farm surrounding Balù produces an excellent extra virgin DOP olive oil, oranges, lemons and a variety of vegetables. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of olive oil and each day a basket of fruit, vegetables and fresh eggs is delivered to the kitchen. The farm is also home to some goats, ducks, chickens and sheep, not to mention a renowned stud farm that breeds Arabian thoroughbreds. A pre-prandial stroll around the grounds is wonderful way of working up an appetite.

This property is surrounded by countryside, some of which is unfenced and may include drops or steep slopes. We therefore recommend that younger children are supervised by an adult when exploring the grounds.

There is a horse-breeding stable near to the house with horses and dogs.
Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.