STAZIONE DI SOSTA
Near Agrigento, Sicily
Sleeps 4+4 in 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, air-conditioned, with pool, on an olive estate
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Stazione di Sosta, near the southern coast of Sicily, east of Agrigento, was once a stationmaster's house on a long-forgotten railway. Surrounded by olive groves and beautiful countryside, the house offers charming accommodations for two or three couples, or a family of up to eight. During the fall, guests can participate in the olive harvest, or just watch the hand picking that is the hallmark of the very special oil that is produced here.

In addition to olives, this peaceful estate grows a variety of fresh herbs. Guests are invited to help themselves. Relax by the pool or explore this enchanting island. Palermo, Catania, Cephalu, Siracusa, Piazza Armerina, and Selinunte are all within two hours, as well as Agrigento, with its magnificent Valley of the Temples. Swimming, mountain biking and boat excursions are available nearby. The nearest shops are two kilometers from the house, and the nearest train station is 15 kilometers away.

Stazione di Sosta was renovated to the highest standards in 2004. Exposed stone walls, special stone tiled floors and the house's original stone steps are a distinctive complement to muted pastel walls and attractive furnishings. Appliances are all new. On the ground level are two large rooms — an airy eat-in kitchen and a spacious and comfortable living room with a fireplace and sleep sofas for two additional guests. There is also a bathroom with a large shower.

On the second floor are two bedrooms, each with a double bed, a single bed and an en suite bathroom with shower.

The house has lovely views of the wild and hilly Sicilian landscape from every window. Outside, a large patio with both sunny and shady areas encircles the house. A short distance from the house is the spring-fed pool, continually refreshed with natural water. (The pool is 7 meters long with no shallow end.) Stazione di Sosta is centrally heated and air-conditioned, making it cozy and comfortable all year round, and is furnished with TV (Italian channels) and telephone.

Many services are available, including cooking classes, meals, laundry and babysitting. On request and for an additional charge, the owner will take you on his 35-foot boat where you can enjoy the scenery and have lunch on board.

Arrival Day: Saturday
Minimum Stay: one week
Not Available: Christmas, Easter, July-September
Price Range: $2,500-$5,000/wk