N° 077 | Seaside Villa Sicily
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“The starting point is the tension to the beauty, to the art, in a way that the surprise, the amazement, and the unexpected are also part of the architectural masterpiece.”
– Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012)
Inspired by this philosophy, architect Armando Barraja designed this villa in the late 1980s as a summer residence for his family. Guided by the principles of Modernism, the villa stands as a bold modernist and rationalist statement, defined by its architectural form and the thoughtful use of materials.
The villa functions as a machine à habiter, a living mechanism crafted to enhance the experience of space in harmony with human life. Its design incorporates elements like balustrades and small, porthole-like windows, evoking the feeling of being aboard a ship poised to set sail—ideally positioned to embrace the infinite horizon of the Mediterranean.
With its unique architecture, the villa acts as a framing system for the ever-changing landscape: the iconic Mediterranean Sea and the towering Cape Zafferano mountain, which rises dramatically over the azure waters.
Since the family enjoys this stunning retreat for only one month each year, they have chosen to share it with those who equally appreciate and cherish the extraordinary beauty and uniqueness of this location.
The Space
The entrance is on the upper level, leading directly into a central living space with a fireplace and dining area. From here, you can access the kitchen, two master bedrooms (one en suite), a single bedroom, and a shared bathroom.
Two lower levels are connected via exterior staircases. The middle level offers a double bedroom with a private bathroom and a terrace perfect for sunbathing. On the lowest level, a detached suite with space for two guests adds extra privacy. The Villa’s interior showcases rare designer furniture, including pieces by Franco Albini, Dino Gavina, Verner Panton, and Marcel Breuer, as well as Mies van der Rohe, Kazuhide Takahama, Joe Colombo, Harry Bertoia, Carlo Scarpa. These designer pieces contribute to its distinctive charm.
The Bedrooms
Upper Level: Two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
Middle Level: A double bedroom with a private bathroom and access to a sun-drenched terrace.
Lower Level: A separate guest suite with accommodation for two people, ideal for added privacy.
All rooms are thoughtfully designed with comfort and a focus on the Villa’s modern, iconic aesthetic.
Outdoor Space
The Villa is surrounded by 3,000 m² of lush Mediterranean gardens, blending olive trees, palms, agaves, and colorful geraniums with the rugged beauty of the sea. A private path winds through the garden, leading to exclusive sea bays with platforms just 2 meters above the water, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
The main terrace, accessible from the living area, offers an unforgettable view of the Mediterranean and the nearby Capo Zafferano. A second terrace on the lower level provides another relaxing spot to enjoy the sun and sea breeze.
Environment
The Villa is located on the northern coast of Sicily, overlooking the iconic Capo Zafferano and surrounded by the rugged beauty of Mongerbino’s reef. This area is characterized by charming Sicilian maritime villages, such as Santa Flavia, Sant’Elia, and Porticello, where you can experience authentic local life.
Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, is only 12 km away and offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. Further afield, the picturesque coastline invites exploration, while the Villa itself provides the perfect retreat to immerse yourself in the serene Mediterranean atmosphere.
Related article:
Meet Giacomo Barraja, architect and son of Armando Barraja, the visionary behind this architectural masterpiece. Giacomo has brought this villa to life, honoring his father's creation as both a guardian of its unique cultural heritage and taking care of its hospitality. He will tell us all about the architecture of this stunning seaside villa, and takes us along to his favorite place, click on the link below:
Giacomo Barraja will take you along on his perfect weekend in Capo Zafferano
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Palermo Airport (Falcone Borsellino), approximately 45 minutes by car.
Nearest Train Station
The nearest train station is Santa Flavia, located just a short drive away, providing easy connections to Palermo and beyond.
Review
It might be seldom that you return to the same place as a tourist hunting for new and enriching experiences but with this villa, it is something different. Different from so many other places with beautiful architecture and a stunning view of the ocean or impressive landscapes. It is a place with a soul!
Everybody stepping out on the wide balcony after the gate to the villa has closed behind you immediately senses that this place – not only due to its wonderful view – but the certain atmosphere goes immediately under the skin. We assume the architect of the house must have sensed this deep inside his creative soul and with love and respect for the place managed to create a small wonder… The balcony which stretches all along the entire length of the house towards the 180° visible horizon of the Mediterranean is like one stretching out its arms in a big welcoming attitude to the place embracing millenniums of historical incidents to which the Capo is a rock-solid witness.
That is why we asked the owner Giacomo to reserve it yet another time for the entire family of 6 so that we could show our grown-up grandchildren that places can have a soul, and that architecture can enhance that feeling for a place when the architect has a love and a sense for a place.
Returning after 4 years we were both happy and relieved to see that Giacomo has been able to keep his family’s holiday home and his father’s architecture from the 1980s in good condition knowing that oceans and stormy weathers take their heavy tolls. Indoor it again becomes a pleasant revitalizing of Italian design from the 80s which remains in the house as a nostalgic reminder of another time (at least for our age), but by our grandchildren was acknowledged as “cool” to be polite. So the fact that you as a young and energetic person can climb the Capo 160 meters up and jump from the cliffs close to the house and jump directly into the Mediterranean is more than cool!
Giacomo’s list of restaurants is surely a list based on years of experience with Sicilian food on the true and basic delights of family Sunday together, and we can add a newcomer restaurant La Strummula in Porticello as a somewhat more exclusive addition to the family list.
Sicily spans the history of civilization over millenniums and between paradise and its lesser attractions of human’s ignorant activities… Villa Capo Zafferano is surely that place with a soul to return to…. and good to know that Giacomo always seems to be available with his help and understanding for our middle European needs. Thank you!
Bodil & Carsten on behalf of the Jørgensen family.
Photo credits: Giuseppe Cascio and Steve De Vriendt
Contact: Do you have any questions about this property or if you would like to combine other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary? Please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@plinius.homes
Prices 2025 | Price transparency: Plinius is transparent about the prices, we do not charge a booking fee or add any additional charges.
4 Guests, in case of extra guests* an additional fee of € 550 guest/week
January, February, March | Min. stay 3 nights | € 429 per night
April - May | Min. stay 5 nights | € 629 per night
June | Min. stay 7 nights | Saturday - Saturday | € 707 per night
July - August | Min. stay 7 nights | Saturday - Saturday | € 929 per night
September | Min. stay 7 nights | Saturday - Saturday | € 758 per night
October | Min. stay 7 nights | Saturday - Saturday | € 643 per night
November - December | Min. stay 5 nights | € 429 per night
*Total of 8 guests, upon request an extra guest can be accommodated
Included in the price:
Gas | Electricity | Water
End of Stay cleaning
Additional costs:
Security Deposit: € 500 ~ The deposit will be fully refunded upon departure when there is no damage/other issues
Extra Information:
Contact:
Do you have any questions, or if you like to combine other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary? Please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@plinius.homes
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