The villa is absolutely stunning. I know a few other people have said that the photos don't really do it justice - but they don't. Although it's not that far out of the town of Partanna (about a 10 minute walk, a little further to the centre), the gardens are huge and it feels completely secluded and private.
Every time we walked around the gardens, we found something new - herb gardens, fountains, statues, orchards, a spa (!) - it is absolutely gorgeous and beautifully maintained.
We stayed as a big family group - oldest mid sixties, youngest five months old and there were 16 of us. The layout of the house is wonderfully flexible. There are six double bedrooms in the main house, all beautiful - those on the upper floors have stunning views. There are also two dependences, which are ideal if you want a bit of separation from the house (perfect for us with a young baby so they weren't disturbed by the later dinners in the main house, but close enough that the baby monitor reached the outdoor dining and pool areas easily).
The pool is beautiful. Large, a great temperature and a wonderful central outdoor space for everyone to congregate around.
Livia, our hostess, could not have been more accommodating and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and it was a real pleasure communicating with her.
We had four amazing meals cooked for us by 'Nonna Maria' on four separate nights - a really lovely way to eat traditional Sicilian food without having to leave the villa (so no babysitting!) and really good value too.
We drove out to various places whilst there (a car is a real advantage - probably even a necessity to be honest) - including the ruins at Selinunte (impressive), the beaches at Marinella (lovely sand, clear water, about 25 mins) and Guidaloca (north, in Lo Zingero nature reserve, pebbles, bit more crowded, lovely water, about an hour). We also drove to Corleone (about an hour and 10 mins - VERY windy and potholed roads!) and visited the anti-Mafia museum. Whilst this was interesting, don't expect to find much else in Corleone (and the filming for all the Godfather films didn't take place there!). Just somewhere to say you've been...
Overall, this was an amazing break - the villa will blow you away. It's just stunning. I doubt we'll ever stay anywhere like this ever again (until we come back...).
Thank you Livia, Nonna Maria, Roberta and Irene for the most wonderful memories...