The latest additions to the Massimo Villas portfolio in Sicily -The Green Home and The Grey Home 

The owners, Giuseppe and Laura, an architect and tour guide, have combined their talents to create something unique for their guests. With Giuseppe's focus on style, detail and comfort, the finished apartments are incredibly comfortable. They come with the added benefit of Laura's expert local knowledge which guests can tap into during their break. Staying here really does enable you to make the most of your experience in Sicily.

We asked the owners to tell us more about the renovation project and setting of the apartments:

1. What was the main reason that led you to renovate the apartments?

The structures were created for hospitality according to a design philosophy aimed at comfort and focused on the services offered. The management of them makes use of the experience of the owner who has been dealing with hospitality as a tourist guide for years and who offers her availability in multiple languages.

Solid logistical support is offered towards cultural and food and wine routes of the city and its hinterland. Exciting excursions to the Etna volcano and nearby tourist destinations such as Syracuse and Taormina are also recommended.

2. Was the location of these apartments essential and why?

The property is located in the heart of the historic centre of Catania, a few steps from the Cathedral and the folkloric market. This stimulated us to finalize the restructuring towards tourist reception. Furthermore, Catania overlooks the sea, is located at the foot of Etna and occupies an excellent strategic position being located between historic Syracuse and fascinating Taormina.

I would add that the apartment is part of a building of architectural interest located in the centre of the most important tourist attractions of the city and a few steps from the beautiful Via Crociferi (the heart of the Sicilian Baroque and UNESCO heritage), from the Cathedral, from Via Etnea (shopping ), from the folkloric fish market and behind the Greco-Roman theatre. The palace is located in the most historic and beautiful area of ​​the city, and the most interesting sites are within walking distance. Located a few km from the sea, it is served by bus lines to reach the playa of Catania in a short time and by public transport to visit the most distant areas of tourist interest.

The house does not have private parking, but it is, however, possible to park the car along with the neighbouring crossbars.

3. What was your vision of the apartments?

The house is dedicated to the wellbeing of guests with a focus on aesthetics and attention to detail. My project was aimed at offering a unique sensorial experience in a clean environment with a refined design.

4. What changes have been made to the existing structure and layout?

The apartments have been completely renovated starting from a structural consolidation of the wall structures and floors. An attempt was made not to divide the rooms covered by fascinating vaults in order not to deprive the volumes of their original architectural spatial sense. The imposing load-bearing walls have not received any substantial changes except static improvements. The distribution of the spaces has been completely revised according to the new reception project.

5. What features and services have been added that were not there before?

The twentieth-century building, as shown in the attached photos, had been in a state of neglect and decay for decades. It was devoid of facilities and was not adequate for modern housing needs but possessed a natural propensity for conversion towards its current use.

6. Is there anything left of the original structure?

The property fully retains its basic structure and all the original typological and architectural features.

7. How long did the project take?

The conception phase and subsequent construction lasted 22 months ending in December 2019. The interior design project is by the owner architect with a deep renovation completed by custom-made furnishings with a refined and dedicated design.

8. How did you choose the furniture? Where did you get your ideas from?

I am privileged by the fact that my profession is the architect and that I deal in particular with this type of achievements devoted to tourism and hospitality. The love I have for my job explains the reason for so many choices that you can specifically appreciate from the technical drawings and the attached photos.

9. What was the most challenging part of the project?

The plant engineering part was undoubtedly the most complex to be carried out also concerning the load-bearing stone walls and the sophisticated control and distribution system of the pipes.

For more information about availability and prices for the rental of The Green Home and The Grey Home, please contact Massimo Villas