Dimora delle Balze is an ancient estate dating back to the 1800s located in the province of Noto in Syracuse. It was originally built by a noble family from Palazzolo Acreide, who used it as a farmhouse and summer retreat. After being abandoned for over 50 years, it was subsequently acquired by the current owners.

Thanks to meticulous, carefully conducted restoration work, combining contemporary taste with a resolutely Mediterranean flavour, and following painstaking research looking for unique vintage and design pieces, guests can today be thoroughly pampered by the homely atmosphere to be found within these ancient, weathered walls, with their original frescoes and traditional Mediterranean colours, a welcome fusion of the many invasions that have taken place on the island.

Walking through the interior and exterior spaces, which in all make up a total of 27 hectares, you can’t help but feel like a child again finding him or herself in a world yet to be discovered. The attention to detail, ancient frescoes, original vaults and traditional colour schemes all create a unique ambiance that makes Dimora delle Balze a truly special place to visit. This historic estate engages all the senses, offering unique hues, scents, and flavours.

The original architecture has been preserved, including the three original courtyards, the first of which features Modica stone pavements, reminiscent of those characteristically found in traditional ‘masseria’ farmhouses. This courtyard is overlooked by 7 residences, each with an adjacent terrace, and its quadrangular shape means it can accommodate events for up to 150 people. The second courtyard, known as the "Winter Garden", is an ideal relaxation area as it is enclosed by centuries old walls and can host up to 180 people at a time. It also contains the former manger, which is overlooked by a bedroom that used to serve as a chicken coop. The third and final courtyard is the so-called "Master Garden", where we find ancient columns in the classical style and can enojy a splendid panorama of the valley and Manghisi River. It is a perfect location for events of up to 100 people.

The "Lounge", "Swimming Pool" and "Limonaia" spaces constitute picturesque and evocative settings to host up to 300 people, enabling them to enjoy the breath-taking view of the surrounding barren landscape and savour the intoxicating scents of lemons and jasmine. The interior spaces consist of 12 residences, each ranging in size from 25 to 40 square metres, and each uniquely and intricately designed, their names paying tribute to different Sicilian artists who have made this beautiful region famous. Additionally, there are three other salons, each fulfilling a different function, and individually accommodating up to 30 people. Crossing under the original arches, we find first the "Green Room" where breakfast is served, followed by the "Blue Room ", which provides a relaxing space for reading, and finally, the "Pink Room ", which is otherwise known as the ‘games room’. Adjacent to these salons is the "Mangiatoia", which features furniture with Mediterranean-style furnishings and suggestive design elements: the perfect place for convivial gatherings around mealtimes.

The large size and originality of this evocative location means it is the perfect venue for hosting wedding ceremonies, art and photographic exhibitions, fashion shows, scenic events, photo shoots, film sets and much more. Dimora delle Balze can comfortably accommodate up to 300 people, in a serene and tranquil setting, far from the chaos of the city.

THE HISTORY OF DIMORA DELLE BALZE

Dimora delle Balze boasts a centuries-old history. The first part of the estate was built in the early 1800s, and it was later enlarged after being purchased by a noble family from Palazzolo Acreide. However, the estate was abandoned for nearly 50 years before being acquired by the current owners in 2009.

The place where the Dimora stands is steeped in history, as is documented in Mara Morrone's book "Massa, Massari e Masserie siracusane" (‘Farms, Foremen and Farmhouses in Syracuse’). After the events of the Italian unification, the countryside in the south became a gathering place for bands and brigands, their numbers swollen by those evading the conscription imposed on them by the Savoy state. To protect themselves from these criminals, noble estate owners were forced to make their properties inaccessible by constructing high enclosing walls, solid guardhouses and recognisable loopholes, some of which can still be seen today. It is precisely because of this historical development that the estate was given the name "Passu Latru”, meaning ‘Thief's Passage’. In fact, in the area around the estate and in the neighbouring areas there are numerous caves dug into the rock that were used by brigands to hide or prepare ambushes.

In ancient times, Dimora delle Balze was not only used as a summer retreat for the noble family that owned the estate, but was also as an area where animals were kept and land was cultivated. Even today, 14 of the 27 hectares over which the Dimora extends are farmed and certified 100% organic. Formerly, the large ‘masseria’ farmhouse used to be gathered around a large quadrangular stone courtyard. The left side housed the farm manager's dwelling, the warehouses and stables; today, thanks to its conservative restoration, we find the reception area and numerous rooms, each with a small terrace adjacent to the courtyard, which has also been restored in keeping with the architecture of yesteryear. The right side was residence of the property owners. Passing through the ancient gate, one proceeded into a garden where there were a few benches placed under a pergola supported by classical columns, which have been restored and remain present today. They provde a stunning view of the Valley and the Manghisi River.

The main residence consisted of several spacious, frescoed rooms, which the current owners have faithfully restored using lime-based paints. The kitchen area had an elevated pantry and a large oven, both of which are still present today. The solid guardhouse was to be found outside, embellished with a characteristic battlement, which now houses a bedroom overlooking the Valley, the Carob Tree Valley and the swimming pool area.

Thanks to the meticulous restoration work carried out, the atmosphere of ancient times and humble peasant work is palpable inside Dimora delle Balze, taking the guest back in time by harmoniously juxtaposing contemporary life and Sicilian tradition, the latter influenced by the various invasions of the Corinthians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, which took place from 652 onwards. Dimora delle Balze is located on the high plateau of the Hyblean Mountains, a few kilometres from Palazzolo Acreide, a town in the Val di Noto region recognised in 2002 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its Baroque churches.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: ACCOMMODATION, WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN SICILY

With its 27 hectares, Dimora delle Balze is the ideal place to organise wedding ceremonies, vernissages, photographic exhibitions, fashion shows, scenic events, photo shoots, film sets and much more, accommodating up to 300 people.

The interior spaces include three halls, each with the capacity to accommodate up to 30 people. By renting a minimum of 8 out of 12 rooms or the entire Dimora, guests will be able to enjoy the many services the estate has to offer, such as the fitness area next to the swimming pool, spa services, free Wi-Fi, daily room cleaning with evening turndown service, air conditioning for cooling or heating the rooms, hair dryer, satellite TV, customised toiletries, safe, minibar, kettle with herbal tea. Pets are allowed.

In the outdoor areas of this ancient ‘masseria’, guests can enjoy stimulating walks in the woods and visit the ancient caves. Periodically, workshops related to pastry, photography and gastronomy are held, conducted by important experts.

The Dimora also offers its guests a variety of excursions, such as visits to major cultural and artistic centres like Syracuse, Ragusa, Noto, Taormina, Scicli and many other sites of artistic interest. For more adventurous guests, it also offers sailing boat tours, rafting and climbing in the Anapo and Cavagrande valleys, as well as excursions with local fishermen. The estate's strategic location also makes it easy to access many coastal areas such as the Marzamemi Nature Reserve, Fontane Bianche, Lido di Sacramento and Marina di Noto. Guests can also reserve transfer services to and from the airports or transfers for their excursions. It is possible to bring large vehicles on the estate as there is ample parking.