GETAWAYS

A Tribute to Sicilian Heritage: Dimora delle Balze

Dimora delle Balze stands as a testament to Sicilian culture, embracing its rich history while looking steadfastly towards the future. Originally conceived as a familial retreat, the project blossomed under the expert guidance of designers Stefano Guidotti and Draga Obradovic, who meticulously restored the noble manor house and its surrounding farm.

Dating back to 1886, this estate, nestled amidst the olive trees and rolling hills of the Iblea Valley, was the vision of Don Salvatore Zocco. Initially crafted as a fortified sanctuary named 'il Passo Ladro,' its towering crenelated walls and grand turret entrance reflect an era of opulence and strategic protection. The Zocco family, using it primarily as a summer refuge, adorned it with fragrant gardens, Byzantine columns, intricate frescoes, and neoclassical façades, epitomizing their devotion to detail and luxury.

Over the decades, the estate's vast expanse served as productive farmland, tended by generations of local farmers who inhabited what are now the estate's residences. Today, Dimora delle Balze stands as a harmonious blend of its storied past and contemporary design ethos, a sanctuary where heritage and innovation converge amidst Sicily's timeless landscape.

Not rated yet

We only review creative professionals we've worked with, destinations we've visited, or products we've personally used.