Hortus is an enchanting retreat in the heart of historic Modica, with a secluded garden featuring a heated jacuzzi and dining area. Unwind amidst local stone decor, vaulted ceilings and contemporary art, or indulge in Sicilian cuisine prepared by a private chef.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6300 sq m
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Private stone retreat with garden in the historic centre of Modica
Hortus is an elegant private retreat coming from the renovation of an enchanting 16th century stone building close to the cathedral of S. Giorgio, in historic centre of the UNESCO baroque town of Modica. It features a wonderful secluded garden with fruit-trees, heated jacuzzi, dining area with bbq, lounge-terrace, 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, living room and kitchen with underground wine cellar. Decors with local stones, clay and lime floors and wall coatings, vaulted ceilings, contemporary art and ecological solutions combine with ancient features to create a unique environment where to relax and enjoy the Sicilian atmosphere in total privacy. Our services include transfers, private chef, massages, cooking class, local guides, winery visits, chocolate tasting, electrical bike rental.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Massage
Internet
Available in the villa: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Limo/town car service
Car recommended
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Kitchen island
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Chef service
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 private bathrooms
Bathrobes
Bathtub
Bidet
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Slippers
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Terrace
Laundry
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city center
Near the marina
Things to do
Ecotours nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Swimming nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Leave the kitchen clean and the house tidy before check-out
Agree your departure time and wait for our staff for check-out
Separate wastes and dispose them outside according the municipal calendar - Never leave inside wastes that could have been disposed or put wrong wastes outside (fees might be applied)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
late check-in after 8pm is available on request at extra price
for longer stays (more than 14 nights) an additional cleaning fee of 100 euros/week will be required
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number IT088006B482CHK4KU
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Modica, this villa is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sampieri Beach and Ispica Cave, while Museo Casa natale Salvatore Quasimodo and Chocolate Museum of Modica are cultural highlights. Vini di Olindo Giuseppe and Labirinto del Castello are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and ecotours. Visit our Modica travel guide
Is Private stone retreat with garden in the historic centre of Modica pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Private stone retreat with garden in the historic centre of Modica?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private stone retreat with garden in the historic centre of Modica?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private stone retreat with garden in the historic centre of Modica located?
Located in the heart of Modica, this villa is within a 5-minute walk of Duomo di San Giorgio Modica, Corso Umberto I, and Castello dei Conti. Museo Casa natale Salvatore Quasimodo and Church of San Pietro are also within 10 minutes. Modica Station is 22 minutes by foot.
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Private stone retreat with garden in the historic centre of Modica Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
A really beautiful property that provides modern conveniences in a wonderfully atmospheric, historic setting. Luca and Lorenzo were both very helpful, and the sprawling outdoor courtyard with fruit trees was amazing. Highly recommended.
Michael S.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
Robert S.
3 May 2019
Wonderful
Great place! Ancient decor features were very appealing. Courtyard was especially enjoyable. Property manager was very helpful in parking, assisting with our luggage, and being available for any request. Bedrooms did not have adequate storage for personal belongings. It would also be helpful to advise perspective users that location requires ascending 40-50 or so stairs. Would love to stay again!
Robert S.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Alberto B.
26 September 2018
Días maravillosos en Modica
Estuvimos en Modica 8 días en la maravillosa casa Hortus. Esta casa es un magnífico lugar de descanso. Un paraíso para los sentidos con su espléndido jardín de árboles frutales. La casa está distribuida con exquisito gusto y tiene un sinfín de detalles que te dejan con la boca abierta. Los dormitorios son de dimensiones generosas y el principal es de ensueño. Las zonas comunes son magníficas. Y el jardín.... ese jardín con vistas a la catedral donde desayunar, comer y cenar... es maravilloso en general.
Luego el servicio es fantástico con un Lorenzo Falco completamente entregado.
Aconsejable 100%
Alberto B.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Catherine G.
2 November 2016
A Beautiful Oasis
We stayed here for 2 nights, would have stayed three- but it wasn't available. Modica is a charming historic town that needs to be visited, but to truly enjoy it's ancient charm and wonderful restaurants it's best to stay there. And this was the perfect place, a very old home that has been beautifully redone with an artist's touch. It has everything you need. But the absolute best part is its enchanted garden with its fruit and nut trees. It is totally private but set within the city so you can hear the church bells and the chatter of your Sicilian neighbors which allows you to experience what it's like to live like a local. We spent an entire day there reading and relaxing. The home is a bit tricky to find, but Luca and his team have a great system in place that makes it easy to get you there.
Catherine G.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Nick C.
6 June 2016
Magical
We were 3 couples who stayed 3 nights in Luca's apartment. We were met by Amalia at a prearranged meeting place close to the center of Modica. We followed Amalia in our 2 rental cars to a parking spot a few paces from the apartment. We entered through the main gate and found ourselves in what on first impression was a scene from " the magical garden". The house was no less impressive. Clean, airy and with every convenience necessary. The architecture reminded me of the archways in Bologna where I had studied years before. We were sad to leave both this apartment and the city of Modica which we most certainly enjoyed. Hopefully we will visit again. Thank you both again Amalia and Luca. Peace Nick