CASUZZE APARTMENT
In the hills above Palermo, Sicily
Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms; 800 sq. ft., air-conditioned, with pool, terrace, garden, views, cooking classes, computer with Internet access
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The Casuzze apartment is located on the ground floor of a grand Liberty-style villa that sits on a hill above Palermo. Although Palermo is just fifteen minutes away by car, here there is a feeling of space, peace, and great natural beauty.

Palermo has boulevards, ancient squares, open-air markets, churches, golden mosaics, and proximity to the sea and beaches. Day trips are possible to Monreale, Cefalu', Agrigento, Segesta, Marsala, Erice, Trapani, Enna, Piazza Armerina, and a variety of beaches; or just linger by the pool to relax and enjoy the garden and the views — a panorama of Palermo, Monte Pellegrino and the sea, as well as beautiful views from the terrace of the garden, with its specimen plantings. On the property are lemon and nectarine trees, date palms, and flowers that bloom throughout the year.

The location, uphill from a main road that leads from the airport, is found up a narrow, steep, unpaved road. A grocery store, bakery and restaurant are within five minutes' drive downhill. The hills above the villa offer great possibilities for hiking.

Casuzze is a bright, charming apartment that is delightful for two couples, a group of friends, or a family with children. In all there are three bedrooms and three bathrooms (two are en suite). All of the bedrooms have access to a furnished, private patio; all of the bathrooms are gleaming and modern, with heated towel racks. There is also an outdoor shower.

• Living room with sofa, dining table, satellite TV
• Compact, efficient kitchenette with stove, oven, microwave, tiny dishwasher
• 1 double (queen bed), en suite bathroom with shower
• 1 double bedroom (twin beds), en suite bathroom with tub and shower
• 1 double bedroom (queen bed)
• 1 adjoining bathroom with tub and shower; washing machine

In addition to the furnished patio just outside the apartment, guests are invited to use the larger sun terrace above the apartment, with a panoramic view over Palermo to the sea.

Below the villa is a lovely, fenced swimming pool (9.5 x 4 meters), with a shower and changing room. The pool is available from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is shared with the owner's family; they live in the main villa upstairs, but they are very conscientious about respecting their guests' privacy and use the pool only when it is not being used by guests.

Amenities: air-conditioning, satellite TV, washing machine, telephone, computer with unlimited high-speed Internet access.

For safety reasons, children under five are not permitted.

The English-speaking owner will meet you on arrival. She teaches Art History and is a very special resource for information about the art and architecture of the area. She can also arrange a cooking class with a professional chef, one of the best in Palermo. Classes are held in the main villa, in the owner's beautiful, spacious, typical Sicilian kitchen. The owner will be on hand to help and to translate. Dinner is served on the main terrace or in the villa dining room, depending on the weather.