Borrowing its name from the ancient language made of Arab, Sicilian, Turkish, Genoese, Catalan and Venetian words which was used to connect different peoples in the Mediterranean ports and markets over many centuries, Casa Sabir is a stylish early 1900’s apartment that opens out on to the colours and scents of the historic market of the island of Ortigia. Its balconies, facing the blue of the Ionian Sea, are a privileged viewpoint to capture the lively atmosphere of the counters of fish, fruit and vegetables, offering the emotion of an authentic and vibrant Sicily.
THE HOUSE
In the interior of Casa Sabir the charm of the original features – dating back to the beginning of the 20th century – such as the old floor tiles, the decorated plaster of the walls and the high vaulted ceilings throughout, combines with the contemporary style evoked by designer lighting, microcement finishes and handcrafted bespoke furniture, which create a sophisticated and peaceful harmony in contrast with the vitality of the market in street below. At the entrance, characterized by the minimalist touch of the polished concrete floor, there is a living area and an eye-catching wine cellar with ancient maiolica. From here, you enter the kitchen, the heart of the house, with a fully equipped steel island that invites you to cook produce fresh from the stalls. The light enters through the large windows with balconies and enhances the original floor tiles and the ancient decorated walls rediscovered under the most recent plasters, in gray, pink, red and blue tones that recall the lively chromaticism of the market.
The two bedrooms boast designer floor lamps, artisanal bedspread coming from the antique markets of Modica and handcrafted bedside tables and hangers made of iron and wood. The master bedroom, with en-suite bathroom and “pece” black stone washbasin, features decorated ceiling and king-size bed with sea view. Both bathrooms are embellished with vintage chandeliers, stone details and hand-made wall decors created with old lace doilies. On request we organize courses of Sicilian cuisine with our chef who will accompany you to shop at the market to discover traditional flavors.
SUSTAINABILITY
Ecobeton microcement floors, natural paints, ducted heat pump air conditioning system, led lighting, water flow reducers, separate waste collection, Ecolabel refill body soap and shampoo
ART
The artworks showcased inside the property are by artist and owner Luca Giannini e are available on sale.
For further information: + 39 3389275393 – info@lucagiannini.it – www.lucagiannini.it
ACCOMODATION
How to arrive
– nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa (67 km)
– from Catania airport to Syracuse: by train with Trenitalia (1h-1h20′), by bus with Interbus (1h10′)
– by car: Talete parking (3′ walk from the house)
– airport transfer: service available on request
– Our house is located in Ortigia out of the ZTL (restricted driving area)
Itinerary Modica – Syracuse
If you plan an itinerary in the South-East of Sicily splitting your stay between our homes in Syracuse and in Modica, you can move from one city to the other by train (1h40′) crossing the charming countryside of the Val di Noto. The railway stations can be reached from our houses by taxi in about 5′. Alternatively by car it’s about 1 hour drive (mainly highway).
Reception & concierge
– check-in by our staff from 3pm to 8pm (late check-in after 8pm available with extra price)
– check-out by 10am
Amenities, facilities and services
– towel change every 3 days, bed sheet change and room cleaning every week
– air-conditioning and heating
– free Wi-Fi, Hi-Fi stereo, books
– equipped kitchen, oven, fridge/freezer, dish washer, toaster, kettle, squeezer
– wine cellar with selection of Sicilian wines
– washing machine / dryer, ironing board, iron
– body soap and shampoo, hairdryer, room slippers
– memory-foam mattresses and pillows
– step-free access not available
Policy
– parties are not permitted
– smoking is strictly forbidden and pets are not allowed
– refundable damage deposit: 400 euros
THE SOUL OF THE PLACE
The renovation of this home was like a process of subtraction which was undertaken after discovering, almost by chance, the traces of the original 1900’s decorated plaster under the most recent wall paintings. Bringing them back to the surface was like, in a sculpture, cutting away the parts of material that hide the soul of the work. In this way we gave new life to the essence of this place, immersed in the colors of the South.
As a nude in its real skin, undressed by its unnatural clothes, this home, now made light and free again, appropriates itself again of its identity to accept harmoniously the new contemporary features.
CREDITS
Architectural project & interior design: Luca Giannini and Iolanda Buonomo
Supervision of the works: Luca Giannini
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