Villa Costanza, was built in 1968 by the painter Gunvor Advocaat and her husband Thurmann Nielsen Oistein, a painter and graphic artist. The couple first lived in Rome before moving to Taormina, Sicily, where they stayed for many years, making their dream come true by building a house on a mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean sea with a terrace-garden filled with exotic trees and flowers. Every corner of the villa is filled with the spirit of these two artists who left nothing to chance. Parts of the Mediterranean-style floors in some of the rooms, which are based on sketches by Thurmann, have a “faded” effect which shows the originality of these works of art covering the ground.
The indoor and outdoor areas of the villa are decorated with Sicilian cart keys and wheels, jars, horseshoes, stirrups, large stones and small old carriage lamps. The artistic couple decided to pay tribute to Taormina and Sicily in the garden-terrace: the villa is presented through a large wooden door (made by Thurmann himself) set within a lava stone frame, and the area in front of the door has mosaics created using sea pebbles collected from the beach.
Despite having made numerous improvements to the property, the current owners have also managed to preserve the atmosphere created by the two artists for your villa holiday in Sicily. The furnishings are typically Sicilian in color and style and the modern elements blend in perfectly with the original structure. Last renovation winter 2014/2015.
Experience the emotion of staying in one of the most exclusive Taormina’s villas, built with love and attention to details, chosen by many illustrious guests, including artists, politicians and business leaders. The interior reveals the soul of the owners, who have enriched their home with fine fabrics, precious handicrafts, rare and artistic works, to convey a cultural, emotional and spiritual experience to their guests. We offer you all services and assistance useful for your villa holiday in Sicily and for your business trip.
Ground floor
The entrance from garden opens to five connecting gracious common rooms that include sitting room, drawing room, hall with TV and fireplace, library with books in several languages, elegant dining room, breakfast room and screening room. The fully reworked kitchen is outfitted with all amenities. Besides you have 2 guest bathrooms.
The cinema hall connected to the swimming pool area (for safety reasons the swimming pool is protected by a rope net that completely surrounds it); from the living room it is possible to directly access the first floor where there is a double bedroom offering splendid views of the sea, and a bathroom with bathtub and shower.
First Floor
We get up by wooded stairs to this floor which presents 1 twin bedroom (without window) with bathroom and shower; 1 large twin bedroom with beds that can be joined together; bathroom with bathtub and access to a large panoramic terrace with sea view; 1 large double bedroom with living room/study, and bathroom with bathtub and access to another panoramic terrace with sea view. The garden overlooking Taormina and the sea is paved with white pebbles and the sun deck features terracotta tiles. The private swimming pool is ideally positioned facing the sea and fenced for safety. Several shaded outside corners to enjoy the summer hours are available as well as an area for dining.
AMENITIES:
A/C in every bedroom, Wi-Fi throughout, DLS internet, central heating, satellite smart TV 4k, CD and DVD player, Music dock station, screening room, wine fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, BBQ area, private pool, parking on site.
Check-in between 4:00pm – 8:00pm – Check-out by 10:00am Private Pool opening date 26/04 – 25/10
INCLUDED WITH RATE:
– Electricity up to 200 Kwt, water and final cleaning
– One day cleaning service (up to 4 hours) on Wednesday
– Weekly gardener and pool maintenance
– Wi-Fi internet connection and DSL internet
– Arrival Welcome drink served with a variety of Sicilian tapas
– Firewood in the colder months
– Concierge service on site
– Cot for babies up to 2 years old
NOT INCLUDED/EXTRA, ON REQUEST, TO BE PAID LOCALLY
– Additional staff hours, available on request: €15 per hour/per staff member
– Electricity over 200 Kwt and heating as per meter at €0.42 per unit
– Extra housekeeping service upon request €15 per hour/per staff member
– Cook service available upon request
NOTES
– No phone line available at the villa
– Pets allowed at owner’s discretion
– Security deposit: €1,000
Tripping Sicily acts as agent for your accommodation provider.
The contract is between the Sicilian property manager/owner (from here on PO) and the traveler.
- ACCOMODATION
All the accommodation advertised by us is sold subject to the following conditions. We act only as the booking agent of the accommodation supplier and accept no liability for death, personal injury or damage unless caused by our own negligence.
- BOOKING
Upon availability of the villa we ask for 25% deposit to be paid immediately. Balance 30 days prior arrival.
If there were delays balance must be paid not later than 15 days prior arrival. Your booking is considered definitive and a contract will exist between you and the PO once we receive your deposit payment. And we’ve sent you our confirmation. In order to comply with local legislation (fiscal as well as public security-related), POs are required by Italian authorities to collect some basic personal details from their guests, even for short-term stays. We therefore kindly ask you to provide the following information (at least for the group lead) before reaching your destination in Italy:
- Name
- Surname
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Home address
- Passport number
- Country of residence
- Nationality
We accept, on behalf of the PO, the following methods of payment:
(a) by Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard/American Express +2.5%)
(b) by Bank Transfer in Euro.
The price you pay for your holiday covers the cost of your accommodation only. A refundable security deposit, to cover possible breakages, must be paid to the key holder on arrival in cash. You will be denied access to the property if the deposit is not paid. This deposit will be returned to you at the end of your stay less any deductions. For some properties the deposit will be returned one week after your departure.
If you wish to pay deposit and other extra charges by credit card, there will be a charge of 2.5% of the total price Arrival time varies from property to property. Before booking flights, especially if early / late flights, Sundays, you are advised to check with our office whether access is possible at the accommodation of your choice. Some PO will accept you on payment of a supplement; some others may deny access outside their stated arrival times.
- CANCELLATION POLICY
If the cancellation happens before the customer has paid the balance, it will be up to our Company only 25%
deposit already paid. No Shows, early departures and reservations not cancelled within 30 days prior to
scheduled arrival date will be subject to charges all the amount of the reservation
- INSURANCE & HEALTH
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE FULL TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER YOUR HOLIDAY. By accepting our Booking Conditions you are confirming to us that your insurance cover is adequate and in force at the time of travelling with Italian Breaks.
- OUR LIABILITY TO YOU
We act as the booking agent for the PO of the accommodation where you will stay and accordingly your accommodation is provided by them and they will be liable under Italian law for any claims you may have for death, injury or illness arising from their negligence in the provision of the accommodation to you.
- OCCUPANCY AND BEHAVIOUR
The number of persons occupying must not exceed the number indicated on the voucher. Pets are not allowed unless agreed in writing in advance. Inappropriate or bad behavior may result in you being excluded from the accommodation in which case no refunds will be given, or alternative accommodation arranged. You are directly responsible to the PO and to Tripping Sicily as the PO’s agent, for any damage /breakage caused by you or any member of your party, while staying at the property. Tripping Sicily reserves the right to pursue any damage claim through the French Courts on behalf of the PO.
- WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Water shortages sometimes occur owing to long, dry periods and we ask you to be as sparing as possible. Although the water is drinkable, we advise visitors to drink bottled water. If too many electrical appliances are used at once, some properties will have limitations which can cut off the supply. Should this occur, guests are asked to reset the main switch which is usually located outside the property. Guests must ensure they are aware of the positioning of the metric (please ask the key holder). N.B. the voltage for electrical appliances in Italy is 220 volts.
Please note that electricity in Italy is expensive; the average cost per week is between €50 – €100, with smaller properties without air conditioning possibly less and full air conditioned larger villas paying more. We recommend that you turn off outdoor and indoor lighting when not in use. To keep charges down, use electricity wisely.
- INSECTS AND ANNOYANCES
Insects are attracted to light at night time. We advise visitors to bring necessary ointments against mosquito bites etc. Some specific areas are affected by ants; particular care has to be taken by visitors not to leave any traces of food on tables and floors. The PO do take care themselves to try and keep the ants and insects at bay but sometimes that is not possible, in which case insecticides will be provided if necessary. The PO and Tripping Sicily as their agent cannot be held responsible for something that is endemic and cannot be eradicated
