In a perfect setting, Gia Costa is an exceptional home from which to enjoy the delights of western Sicily. Step inside and you will immediately appreciate the character of this beautiful house where lavish design meets minimalist elegance. Theres a sense of rustic charm throughout with wood-beamed ceilings, Italian furnishings, exposed stone walls and beautiful flooring. A Yamaha grand piano epitomises the distinguished features of the villa, amongst the deluxe ornaments and classy upholstery. As with Sicily itself, the decor has some Moroccan influence, with fabric wall hangings and intricate tiles and patterns. Equally magnificent are the outside grounds with a sun-drenched terrace, tastefully strewn with beautiful furniture. A covered veranda provides a shady area next to the pool, which itself has been stylishly designed, complementing the surrounding architecture. There is a spacious stone patio and outdoor barbecue for warm evenings at this splendid villa. Perfectly positioned for local restaurants dotted around the immediate area, its also just a short drive to many wonderful beaches and towns of western Sicily. Historic Trapani is a delight to explore and you can take the cable car up to the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Marsalas salt pans, the historic treasures of Segesta, the idyllic Egadi Islands and the dreamy beaches around San Vito Lo Capo are also waiting for you. Theres an abundance of beauty all around you whether discovering this alluring part of western Sicily or relaxing in the exquisite villa and gorgeous grounds. #### Features Villa Layout 1) 10 guests - 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms 2) 16 guests - 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms Ground Floor - Living room with fireplace - Sitting room - Dining room - Fully-equipped kitchen with two fridges, freezer, toaster, coffee perculator, kettle, mixer, ice-maker, electric oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher - Laundry - Study with sofa bed and ensuite bathroom with shower - Two double bedrooms with LCD televisions, minibars and ensuite bathrooms - Twin bedroom with LCD television, minibar and ensuite bathroom First Floor - Tearoom with kitchenette - Bedroom with one double bed and a single bed, LCD television, minibar and ensuite bathroom - Two double bedrooms with LCD television, minibar and ensuite bathroom - Two bedrooms with small double beds (120cm), LCD televisions, minibars and ensuite bathrooms Outside Grounds - Private, salt-water pool (6m x 12m, depth: 1.30m - 2.30m) with hydromassage corner, open all year round - Garden - Terraces - Veranda for al fresco dining with table and chairs - External shower - Sun loungers, deckchairs and parasol - Barbecue and outdoor cooking area - Private parking Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning (bedrooms only) - Televisions and Satellite receiver with Sky - DVD player - CD player - Washing machine - Iron - Hairdyer - Safe - Piano - Computer #### Location Gia Costa is ideally situated in north-western Sicily, in a semi-rural location just east of Trapani. You can wander out to a choice of restaurants and there is also a bakery within walking distance. The nearest supermarket is just 1km away or there are larger shops towards Trapani. This is a great location for exploring much of western Sicily with Trapani (20km) to the west, San Vito Lo Capo (28km) to the north and beautiful towns such as Marsala (45km) and Mazara del Vallo (60km) within an hour or so. The amphitheatre and temple of Segesta (22km) are only half an hour away and you can even drive to the magnificent city of Palermo (85km) if you wish to experience its vibrant street markets, historic treasures and fantastic shops. Start off with a day in Trapanis old town centre, much of which has recently been restored. You can also take the cable car (or hike!) to historic Erice, a medieval hilltop town with winding lanes, two castles and amazing views of Trapani and the Sicilian coastline. Along the coast you will find some of western Sicilys most glorious beaches, many wild with white sands and incredible natural landscapes, others with summer lidos serving delicious Sicilian cuisine. Take the boat from Trapani out to the island of Favignana for its idyllic coves and azure coloured waters or any of the Egadi islands for deserted walking paths and incredible scenery. San Vito Lo Capo is another example of a perfect beach near the tip of the Zingaro Nature Reserve with white sandy shores and crystal-clear water. There are colourful restaurants in the town, many specialising in seafood served with cous cous and look out for the Cous Cous Festival that takes place in mid-September. This area, including the nature reserve, is ideal for walking, hiking, snorkelling and incredible diving. Near the wine-town of Marsala you will also find a nature reserve, Stagnone Lagoon, a marine area with shallow water and incredible salt pans – wander along the salt pans at sunset for unbelievable views and you may even be able to spot pink flamingos which reside in the lagoon.