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Review submitted by Paul & Maureen from Kirk Michael (Submitted: 13 Jun 2013)
The house is set in a lovely area, good restaurants nearby, easy and quick access to Mt Etna.
The man looking after the property for the owners was helpful and very pleasant.
However there was no internet availability in the rental part of the place and the pool was too dirty to use.
The poolside seating also had no cushions.
The adverts should state that the house has three dogs roaming around, although friendly, they barked considerably during the night.
Add to this a stubbon horse, also wandering around the property which might worry some would be rentees.
Overall the place was adequate but no-where near as good as the other three places we stayed in this year in Sicily.
Review submitted by Sali from Cambridge, UK (Submitted: 15 May 2013)
We stayed for a week at the Villa - very good stay and Id definitely recommend! Great view of Etna from the garden (and from the upstairs bedroom) the garden is fine and the pool looked lovely (very cold though, according to my partner - the weather in our week wasnt brilliant).
Facilities are fine - my MIL stayed in the downstairs bedroom and we had the upstairs mezzanine (Id agree that if you were 2 couples this might not work so well, but it worked fine for us). Reasonably well equipped kitchen for those who want to cook (and they provide a range of cookbooks as well which was helpful!). The chilled bottle of fizz on arrival was much appreciated!
Area - the pizzeria Feudo Delizia was good Pegaso not open I think when we were there. It took quite a while to get anywhere by car - you need to assume 30-45mins to get to the main roads / motorways, and the road to Catania is very busy. We failed to find much in Belpasso - it was very confusing with many one-way systems! - but found a good veg shop in Nicolosi.
Definitely recommend - the dogs were very friendly, and the horse was interested in what was going on (!) - and Benson (caretaker, as owners were away) was helpful and friendly.
Review submitted by Pamela from Desford, Leics. (Submitted: 15 Oct 2012)
We had a lovely weeks stay in the Villa Segreta. The accsommodation was excellent with comfortable beds and stylish decor. Most importantly were the hosts Jason and Maria who made us so welcome but although living next door were very discreet but quickly supplied us with any need. We reccommend the meal provided by Maria which was delicious and very reasonable. Swimming in the pool and watching Mount Etna was something I will remember for a very long time. We would certainly go again.
Review submitted by Ewa from London (Submitted: 28 Jun 2012)
Villa Segreta is a charming place with great views of Etna. It is well-equipped and spacious there is a good-sized pool and all the amenities to make a great vacation. The house is located in a peaceful location, ideally placed for sightseeing trips to Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Etna etc. or just for relaxing around the pool with a book and a glass (or two) of cold Prosecco … We stayed there for 10 days in June and loved it it was a great place to come back to after our daily trips the pool provided a wonderful respite and the views of Etna exceeded our expectations. There are a number of inexpensive restaurants within a walking distance (e.g. Pegaso or Feudo Delizia) plus there are good local shops in Belpasso to get cheese, wine, local produce, pasta etc. if you fancy a home-made dinner. The villa definitely offered a good value for money and we would recommend it to anyone who is looking for great location and unbeatable views.
We were lucky that the owners (Maria and Jason) were on site during our stay. Their hospitality, sound advice and a warm welcome made our holiday really memorable… And who can forget those bottles of chilled Prosecco near the pool or a wonderful Sicilian dinner we have been invited to:)
Review submitted by Judith from Dublin (Submitted: 15 Jun 2012)
We had a great stay at Villa Segreta. The location was excellent- rural yet within reasonable distances of the major sites to visit on the east coast of Sicily and of course Mt. Etna. Wonderful views from the garden.
The hospitality of Maria, Jason and family was very welcoming and genuine and we enjoyed making pizzas in their their newly built pizza oven! They were also very helpful in providing recommendations for places to visit, shop etc. The Villa was comfortable and well equipped so although we enjoyed eating out, cooking at the Villa was a pleasure.
We had a lovely time in Sicily, made all the more pleasant by our stay at Villa Segreta.
Review submitted by ollie from cork, Ireland (Submitted: 13 Jun 2012)
We booked this property for our honeymoon, and unfortunately it was not quite what we had expected or hoped for. The owners were very friendly and welcoming, but we were hoping for something rather more secluded and private. The property is attached to the family home, and while the entrance door is screened off, and the property itself is quite private and separate, it is in the grounds of a family home, with all of the usual traffic that this entails. The presence of security cameras overlooking the outside dining area was also rather off-putting.
The inside of the property was very pleasant, clean and well kept, and had plenty of space - exactly as it had appeared on the pictures.
We couldnt fault the helpfulness of the owners, who when we explained our dilemma, very graciously helped us to find other, more suitable accomodation.
Owner reply:
For all other guests. Before booking please read the description and other reviews - something sadly these guests admitted that with the hussle and bussle of preparing for a wedding they didn't have time to do. Villa Segreta is an Agriturismo holiday destination - by definition a holiday in an Agricultural property. We are happy that we were able to find something that suited you better. Best wishes for a happy married life and your baby.
Review submitted by Lee from Enniskillen (Submitted: 3 May 2012)
We have just return from a lovely weeks stay at Villa Segreta. The villa is located approx two Miles from Belpasso and three from Nicosia, on the main road to Mount Etna. 40 Mins from Catania Airport. Sat Nav a must.
Although car hire is needed to get around this area. We feel that the villa is located in an ideal location to do this. The driving in Sicily is mad at times but if you ignore the horns and people up your back side and take your time. You should be fine.
I hired through Economy car hire who are the broker for Maggiore. They where great and we got a free upgrade to a new jeep.As long as no issues arise now that we are home. I would recommend them.
The villa is a beautiful extension to the family home and houses Two double rooms, kitchen/Living area (Sofa bed) and Bathroom.
There is a number of animals on site, all of which where great around my two baby daughters. There is also a horse who has been trained to be around children with special needs.
Maria, Jason and their family are fantastic and to be honest welcome you in to their very close and friendly home. A great privledge to be around.
Overall I would really recommend this Villa if you are planning to hire a car and dont have any issues with having animals on site. We hope to come back soon and thank you Maria and Jason for all you did for us.
Review submitted by Matthew from Bedford (Submitted: 1 May 2012)
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Segreta over Easter 2012. The Smith family were welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable and nothing seemed like too much trouble. The villa adjoins their home which made it easy for our children (boy aged 7 and girl aged 2) to become part of the family playing football, hide & seek and collecting eggs for breakfast etc. The villa is beautifully furnished and has everything you need for a relaxing stay Maria has achieved her aim of ensuring it is cosy and comfortable. On arriving late we were greeted with a roaring fire, a bottle of prosecco and some well needed nibbles to sustain us. The villa is conveniently located for Etna and Catania where we thoroughly enjoyed trips to the local markets. I would recommend Villa Segreta without hesitation and would like to return at some point in the near future.
Review submitted by Anna from London (Submitted: 21 Feb 2012)
This was the best place we ever rented. The house is clean and nicely decorated, the kitchen has everything you need (even salt and olive oil :)). February nights were cold and we used the real fire place every evening. The view to the Etna mountain from upstairs is fantastic. The villa is nicely placed between places worth visiting. Would definitely stay there again if we decide to go to Sicily.
Review submitted by Laurene from Carradale (Submitted: 19 Jan 2012)
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at villa segreta. The views were spectacular, the villa fully equipped with everything that we needed and the location ideal. The owners were great and could not have done more to help us, although they were also very unobtrusive. Overall, it is a great place to stay and I highly recommend it.
Review submitted by Laura from Exmouth (Submitted: 29 Oct 2011)
After a very long journey and an unexpected late arrival at the property, we were welcomed into a beautiful home for a week and couldnt have been happier with what we received. The log fire was lit and inviting and the proprietors had very kindly left us some supplies to get us through until the morning.
The best thing about the property was the beautiful rural setting. We have travelled a lot and this is the first time we have actually been quite jealous of the life that somebody else has living abroad! We were on holiday with a toddler who was allowed to collect the eggs from the chickens, which she absolutely loved, and really get close to the animals. We enjoyed exploring the grounds, were called out to have a look when the volcano erupted (very cool) and were always made to feel like nothing was too much trouble. My husband even got invited on a camping trip up the volcano with the family!
The only reservation that I did have was that the cot was on the gallery and was too heavy to move so with a slightly older and active child we did have some worries about her climbing out and falling down the stone steps. I would perhaps recommend to the owners to either move the cot to the downstairs bedroom or invest in a travel stair gate just for peace of mind but this really was a minor thing amongst a whole host of brilliant things about the place.
I would definitely recommend staying here if you are in the area - I have always vowed that I would never stay at the same place twice but I may have just changed my mind and go back for a visit soon.
Owner reply:
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. A stair gate is a very good idea and will invest in one. However if you had asked we would have only been too happy to move the cot for you (I would have got Jason to do it !!!) We hope to welcome you back in the near future you were splendid guests.
Review submitted by anne from london (Submitted: 7 Oct 2011)
This is a great find with nothing too much trouble for the owners. Very well equipped villa with extra special touches. The pool is great and the furniture around it is lovely. We thourougly enjoyed our stay here in nice surrundings and plenty to do or just time to chill. lovely free range eggs supplied from the owners chickens. Supermarket 5 mins drive away and local eating places within walking distance. We had a lovely holiday and enjoyed every minute of it. We hope to be back!!
Owner reply:
Thank you for your kind comments it was a pleasure having you all stay. Hope to see you again soon.
Review submitted by Jo from Surrey (Submitted: 13 Sep 2011)
Very comfortable and well furnished small villa, ideal for one couple or couple with child (two couples may not feel comfortable as second bedroom is on open plan mezzanine floor). Very welcoming and accommodating British hosts live in attached accommodation but this is not a problem. Enjoyed having the dogs, horse and chickens and geese on the land. Pretty big pool for your sole use with great views of Etna. Excellent value for money. Only issue for us was lack of decent eateries close by. You do have to drive to pretty much everything and the traffic was heavy almost all of the time.
Review submitted by Guy and Kathy from Robertsbridge (Submitted: 13 Sep 2011)
Lovely villa in a beautiful location which exceeded expectations. Swimming in the pool watching Etna erupt is quite something.
The owners, Jason and Maria and family, are extremely kind and convivial the atmosphere is always relaxed and comfortable. We had a wonderful afternoon and evening altogether which was very special. Getting to know them all was a real highlight and our children rarely wanted to leave the property. The animals do not intrude in any way and, if anything, enhance the experience. We visited the newly opened pizza restaurant many times (great for kids) and the owner and staff also became friends by the end of the holiday. About a three minute walk but only open in the summer months.
We hope to return again soon to catch up with everyone and continue exploring the area.
Thanks very much to the lovely Smith family!
PS Come on Chelsea !!!
Owner reply:
Thank you for your review, you were very easy guests and such fun can't wait to see you all again. All say hi from Pegasus!
Review submitted by cathy from brighton (Submitted: 1 Sep 2011)
The location of the property was stunning with amazing views of Mount Etna. The property was clean and well maintained, although the kitchen could have been better equipped and the fridge was very small with no freezer. The washing machine was also broken, although we were able to use the owners facilities instead. The only other negative was the lack of sun loungers by the pool, as there were only two, even though the property could accomodate up to six people. The instructions on how to get to the property could also be improved. However, despite a few minor negatives, overall this was a fabulous villa and we had a great holiday. David and Alice looked after us very well in the owners absence and we had a really fantastic holiday.
Owner reply:
Thanks for the review as mentiond the washing machine has been replaced. There are 6 sunloungers around the pool(Alice and David didn't know where the extra sun loungers were stored...sorry!)
Glad to hear you had a great holiday.
Review submitted by Amanda from Norwich, UK (Submitted: 14 Aug 2011)
Property is joining the owners private home and the swimming pool is in the owners garden. House is beautiful and furnished in a very welcoming, friendly and cosy manner. My kids loved it. Swimming pool is lovely with a very nice seating area next to it. We saw Mount Etna arrive the first night we were there which was amazing. So view wise this place is perfect. Lots of grounds for guests to walk through with varying fruit trees. Everything was in the villa that we needed. However the washing machine and wi-fi didnt work. Also be aware that there are animals at this location which arent mentioned including 2 dogs, cat, horse, chickens and geese, the dogs did like to go in the pool in case this puts anyone one off, and the cat came into the house quite a lot, even jumped through the upstairs skylight one night and scared the kids. One downside is the amount of dogs barking through the night, not the owners dogs as they are put inside but I am guessing wild dogs or others in the area, making it noisy with the windows open at night. Maria the owner is very helpful and welcoming, although we didnt see much of her when there as she was away on her vacation too. However they had a very friendly and helpful set of friends for whom we asked questions. Great base for exploring Etna, Taormina and Catania. Would recommend this property to others as long as they are aware of the above points. I imagine in winter time the property is very cosy with the wood burner in the living room.
Owner reply:
Thank you for the review. The description of Villa Segreta is very accurate and said it was set in an "Agriturismo" which translated is a Farm holiday so the presence of animals should really be expected and adds to the charm of a traditional sicilian farm house. The mentioned washing machine has been replaced with a new one Wi-fi does work but is slow as we are 1000 metres above sea leve and on a volcanol!. As for the animals they aren't a problem and don't interfere with your stay and we don't expect guests to look after these in any way this is all done by the owners. The horse is available to guests if intrested in pony- treking and the chickens and geese offer guests the opportunity to have fresh free range eggs. The Kitten probably was feeling a little lonely with us all away on holiday...sorry! The dogs NEVER swim in the pool (as they are scared of water) but do sit on the first 2 steps to cool off... it's a dog's life
Review submitted by Erik from Vejle, Denmark (Submitted: 18 Jul 2011)
The house is situated very beautiful with a view to Etna. Because it is about 1.000 m. above sea level the temperature was a bit lower which one learn to appreciate if you are there in the summer where it can be very hot.
Maria Smith and her husband Jason are exceptional kind and helpful. As danes with only poor skills in understanding and speaking italian it was a grat help for us that we could speak english with them.
The kitchen in the house is well equipped.
Review submitted by Lotte from Aalborg (Submitted: 18 Jul 2011)
We had a wonderful week and enjoyed the great hospitality of the host family, who were very helpful and gave good local advice.
Very interesting location with lots of possible trips.
Very nice atmosphere in the house, very comfortable.
Review submitted by Phil and Maggie from London (Submitted: 1 Jun 2011)
We had a wonderful three-week holiday at this terrific property: a comfortable & cosy villetta within a truly dramatic setting. The considerate, friendly owners were happy to share their expert local knowledge. We particularly enjoyed local walks on the wooded slopes of Mt Etna but also found it easy from this location to visit mountain towns on the Etna tourist train - nearest station about 15 minutes drive.
Review submitted by Jenny from Aberdeen (Submitted: 13 May 2011)
This is a lovely property, located in a great position for exploring the Mount Etna National Park. Suitable for a couple or a small family.
There are opportunities for walking directly from the property, or a short drive will take you to a very interesting volcanic landscape. Also a good base from which to explore Catania or Taormina.
The property is adjacent to the family home of the hosts who are extremely accommodating and very keen that their guests should enjoy the best of the area.
Highly recommended - we loved our visit.
Review submitted by Bridget from London (Submitted: 14 Apr 2011)
This is a great, spacious, nicely decorated villa with everything that you would need. Lovely scenery and really good that it is so close to Mount Etna.
The owners make you feel welcome and are very helpful and friendly, cant recommnend enough.
Review submitted by ALI from LONDON (Submitted: 27 Feb 2011)
The villa is spacious and well equipped. The views are simply to die for.
The hosts were incredibly generous and helpful - I punctured my tyre on my way to the villa - the following morning they replaced my tyre for me. The next day my wife had severe dental pains - our hosts drove her to the dentist who saw her for free and cooked for us the same day as they knew she was unwell.
I cannot recommend either the villa or its hosts enough.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 11 Jan 2011)
When I stayed in this gorgeous villa my family and I had a magnificent time. The view of Mt.Etna is spectacular.If you have the chance to go on the season that the olives come out, you will have a wonderful time and it will be a experience that you wont forget. I would definitely go there again. Im pretty sure that who ever goes their will be delighted by its enchanting views. Also the owners are really outgoing and nice. So I hope who ever goes there, will have a wonderful vacation! (:
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 11 Jan 2011)
We had the pleasure to stayed in this wonderful villa and share a unforgettable time with its lovely owners. Definitely we will return again. Ciao cari amici
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 13 Dec 2010)
We arrived at the address and were surprised by the road side appearance of the property. Although it was positioned with a great view of the mountain from the road the villa doesnt look anything. However when we entered the gate and saw the pool and grounds we were not disappointed! It was great just like the photos on thw website. The pool and poolside has beautiful views of the mountain and (just about) the sea. The Villetta/Apartment is part of an old winery and farmhouse and has been restored in a cosy Sicilian cottage style (if there is such a thing). The bedrooms were a good size, but we probably could have done with 2 bathrooms for two couples rather than the just the one. We spent most of our time by the pool, although the owner pointed out some fantastic walks - the flowers were incredible. We took a trip to Taormina (45 minutes there but 1 hour back) and only went to the beach once. One thing I would recommend is talking to the owners (who live on-site) about restaurants. The quality is highly variable locally varying from excellent to dire. It was not the first time we had been to Sicily so we knew what to expect of the Island, although it was a lovely change to stay on the mountain -. peaceful! Would we go to Villa Segreta again? Yes
Owner reply:
Thanks for the lovely review. Since this was posted we have refurbished the side of the property roadside to the same high standard as the rest of the property as you can see from the photos on the advert. Electric gates to replace the manual ones are due to be installed in February 2011! Please note that we will probably have to ask for an extra €10 euro returnable deposit per controller.