This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
5/5 Excellent
Vicki K.
19 June 2014
Country charm near Noto
Casa Isabella is the place to be if you want peace, tranquility, good views and a typical Italian Casa. Set amongst an old olive and almond farm with two outside eating areas and a small dipping pool it has charm and all the requirements for a great stay. The Casa looks across the valley to Noto and no better place to watch the sunset with a glass of your preferred choice sitting in the chairs on the upper terrace. It is a harsh landscape that grows on you. Everything was very clean and we had the delightful Marilou ( who speaks no English and we no Italian but we managed to communicate with lots of gesturing) meet us. We were late but she had waited patiently and we had opted for her home cooked meal on arrival. What a treat, simple fresh pasta and a fish dish, ripe tomatoes followed by cherries and strawberries all washed down with a little white wine. Well worth the extra money. We arrived after dark and found the track up to the house a bit daunting at first but soon got used to it. Do book a cooking demo day with Maria. She is delightful and while she cooks gives great advice on the ingredients, cooking tips and the Sicilian way of life. She speaks good English and it was a great time sitting in her kitchen listening, watching and writing down her recipes and the best part was the eating. Divine. We were luck enough to go shopping with her too, another insight into how they shop and the exchange between customer and shopkeepers entertaining even when you don't speak Italian. The advice, the communication, the maps and information given by Richard were a great help and made for easy planning. There is a detailed instruction book on how things work, plenty of books, DVDs and Italian learning books if you are so inclined. We had no time to watch TV. While secluded only a five minute drive from beautiful Noto. See Richard's recommendations on where to eat etc and you can't go wrong. Yes we enjoyed it and would highly recommend to anyone seeking a quieter alternative to hectic town life. We had sunny, warm days. Suitable for a couple. Has stairs leading to
bedroom/sitting room which could be difficult for any one with mobility problems. We had no security issues and felt safe during our stay as property can be well secured.