Casa Isabella - a cook's and garden lovers paradise - perfect for winter rental Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Is Casa Isabella - a cook's and garden lovers paradise - perfect for winter rental pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Q: Where is Casa Isabella - a cook's and garden lovers paradise - perfect for winter rental located?

Situated by the sea, this villa is within a 10-minute walk of Other Churches, Porta Reale, and San Salvatore Basilica. Church of Ecce Homo and Piazza Immacolata are also within 10 minutes. Noto Station is 18 minutes by foot.

8/10 Good

Carsten F.

19 August 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

romantisches ruhiges Anwesen

Wer dem Touristentrubel entfliehen möchte, gerne kocht oder grillt und gerne relaxed ist hier bestens aufgehoben. Wir können das Quartier uneingeschränkt an Gäste weiterempfehlen, die keine Berührungsängste mit Katzen und Hunden aus der Nachbarschaft haben.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dave G.

10 June 2019

A very enjoyable first experience of Sicily

As we first arrived, a very friendly Emi was there to greet us having cooked us a lovely meal, with the chairs, table and loungers all set out overlooking the peaceful valley towards Noto. The gardens, clearly the result of lots of work, are beautiful. The house, on two levels, is secluded, comfortable, well-equipped and clean with lovely outdoor seating areas, just the job for a relaxing break for two...several evenngs were spent sipping wine and enjoying the sunset. We went to lots of the places on the 'things to do/places to go' list...the beautiful Cava Grande (on a nice day, take your swimmers!...the pools are amazing), Syracuse/Ortigia and Marzemi to mention but a few. Noto is a lovely place to eat in the evening, car park easy to find, great ambience. Whenever we needed to contact either Sue or Richard, they were very prompt with their responses....all in all, a great retreat, highly recommended. Thank you Sue and Richard!

10/10 Excellent

Manuela R.

18 February 2019

We fell in love with Casa Isabella....

My husband and I stayed at Casa Isabella for almost 5 weeks as we took some time off of work since we were in need of some peace and rest. And that is exactly what we found at Casa Isabella. The house is very cozy and the surroundings are just like paradise. When I think back to our time there, I’m very sad we had to leave but at the same time very greatful that we found such a nice place. It was exactly what we were looking for. The house offers everything you could ask for: very comfortable bed, a nice shower, very well equipped kitchen and a stove to make fire during the colder months. On the first day we didn’t even realize how big the garden was and how much it has to offer. So it was a huge surprise when we found the orange and lemon trees, grapefruits, pomegranate, fig trees and the list goes on. It really is like paradise there! The view from the big terrace is just so beautiful and calming that most of the days we were just sitting there for hours enjoying the view, drinking coffee and doing nothing! (I cannot tell how much I miss those times). The terrace was also the best place for my daily yoga practice - highly recommended! We also very much fell in love with one of the cats who will usually greet you in the morning - Fabrizia - she always joined us when we were sitting outside relaxing and enjoying the view. She is just the cutest cat in the world and we still miss her so much. I also want to mention that Richard is the worlds best host. I have never rented a house with such a nice and caring host. He will try to help you with everything and anything, he answered all my questions, also about living or working in Sicily which was very interesting for us. Richard will also provide a very good map on google with all the places he can recommend (where to go, where to eat....) which made our stay even better as we went to places we would not have found on our own. We for example went to a friend of Richards for ricotta making which was such a beautiful experience! Richard, thank you so much for everything, we still talk a lot about our stay at Casa Isabella and have so many good memories. To everyone who is considering renting this house: DO IT! You will not regret it. A cozy house with great surroundings, close to beautiful Noto and the best host you can image - what more do you want?

10/10 Excellent

Annemiek W.

17 October 2018

Geweldig

Fantastisch huis op mooie locatie met uitzicht op Noto. Het huis was comfortabel en voorzien van alles wat we nodig hadden. De keuken nodigde uit tot het maken van lekkere maaltijden, alles wat je nodig hebt was aanwezig. De wifi was meer dan goed. We hebben heerlijk op de verschillende terrassen gezeten en genoten van de rust en het uitzicht. Het huis is een gunstige uitvalsbasis voor vele mooie plekken op Sicilie. Tijdens onze dagen in Noto hebben we Syracuse en Ragusa bezocht, en natuurlijk Syracuse. Ook zijn we naar kleine dorpjes en strandjes aan de kust geweest. Eigenaar Richard voorzag ons van handige links in Google Maps, waardoor we plekjes hebben gevonden die we anders zeker niet hadden weten te vinden. Eigenaar Richard was altijd beschikbaar en informeerde regelmatig hoe we het hadden. Alle communicatie met hem was zeer hartelijk en hij reageerde direct op onze vragen. De beheerster Marilou verwelkomde ons zeer hartelijk. We hebben genoten van de door haar gemaakte maaltijd op de dag van aankomst. Kortom, een plekje om nog eens terug te komen en we raden een verblijf in Casa Isabella zeker aan!

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

David K.

23 September 2018

Well Equipped Private Haven overlooking Noto

This was our third visit to Casa Isabella. It is located only a short distance from Noto, but offers peace and tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the town but with all the attractions being only a short drive away. It is a great base to explore this part of Sicily. We love the feel of the property and it’s privacy. Casa Isabella is ideal for two, well equipped - particularly the kitchen with a multitude of pots, pans and utensils. It’s so easy to buy local produce and make a fantastic meal and sit back on the terrace and eat whilst watching the star’s. Alternatively, there are many restaurants within a short drive. The availability of the owner to answer questions is another bonus and nothing seems too much trouble. Another highlight is the option to have a meal prepared for your arrival which is superb and allows you to chill out as soon as you arrive. We rarely visit anywhere a second time, let alone a third but this little villa ticks so many boxes that it is a ‘must’ return location. We soaked up the late summer sun, relaxed and enjoyed the privacy and tranquility so much. It’s very well managed, superbly equipped and in a great location.

10/10 Excellent

Carine H.

29 August 2018

Lovely holiday-house in Noto

Perfect location to visit the beautiful baroque cities in Sicily. Very nice and clean house with view over Noto. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet, the house is very private! Wonderful places outside to sit in the sun or in the shade to ‘dolce far niente’. You even have a fan and a fridge outside! If you like to cook with the exellent Sicilian products, you will find everything you need in the kitchen. The terraced garden is like the garden of Eden : figs and grapes for breakfast, roquet salad for dinner, almonds all fresh from the tree and later in season oranges and lemons. Best mattrass we ever had in a rental house and a musquito-net. The owners and the caretaker (Marilou) make you feel more than welcome. They were very helpful before and during our stay! We have already rented dozens of houses in Italy and Sicily, but this is a house we can definitely recommend!

10/10 Excellent

Mark B., UK

2 August 2018

Unique Casa Isabella

Myself, wife and 3 year old had a lovely holiday in Sicily whilst staying at Casa Isabella. From the very first communications with Richard it was clear that he was passionate about making sure we had the best holiday possible. He even took time out of his day to call me whilst on holiday when we encountered a small issue with our car hire. Very helpful owners. Travel from the airport was pretty straightforward though Italian driving standards are interesting to put it politely! On arrival, like many others we took up the offer of a meal prepared by Marilou the caretaker. It was a great decision and well worth the money, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this option! The accommodation was clean and everything you could possibly need was in the kitchen. The outside space was huge (the pictures really do not do it justice how much land is attached). Beautiful views of Noto and beyond are enjoyed from the various terraces and seating areas. We particularly enjoyed having the shaded seating area with fan during the hot July temperatures. Handily there is also a fridge up there too which we utilised for drinks!! We had some nice day trips to Modica, Scicli and the Aretusa Waterpark! Casa Isabella is certainly well placed to visit some lovely little towns nearby, although with a 3 year old in tow we probably didn't see a much as we might of liked! He certainly enjoyed exploring the outside space of Casa Isabella and loved going on hunts to fetch fresh lemons and oranges from the Orchards below! Thank you to Richard for use of his home and for all his help and advice throughout.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

8 July 2018

A hidden gem

Casa Isabella is a hidden gem - nestled in the countryside, peaceful and quiet. The house has everything that you need and is the perfect place to enjoy lazy days in the sun, finished off with a barbeque and bottle of wine watching the sunset. If you are interested in ancient history, impressive architecture, beautiful scenery, lovely beaches and good food, it is all within easy reach. Thanks to Marilou for making us welcome and cooking a delicious meal on our arrival and thanks to Richard and Sue for providing a place to stay where we could relax an unwind. We hope to return.

10/10 Excellent

LAURA M.

28 May 2018

Amazing place away from the crowds.

We had a fantastic time in Casa Isabella, the house is small and cute and the grounds vast and private. However you are not isolated, Noto is on full view from the garden terraces and only a 20 min walk or a small car ride. We lived on the terrace outside the kitchen and every meal was cooked on the BBQ, gazing over the valley to Noto's twinkling lights. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you could need and the bed was very comfy. We had no mosquito problems. There are nice beaches a short drive away and the lovely reserves to play in. The photo's do not do the house justice, you don't get a true feel of the view and outside space. Richard was wonderful to deal withand always answered our queries.

10/10 Excellent

Clare L., London

24 April 2018

Tranquil Casa on the outskirts of Noto

This was our second stay at Casa Isabella and we loved everything about it. It feels very rural but is only a couple of minutes drive to Noto. The Casa is clean, has everything you need and it all works. The views towards Noto from the terrace are lovely. The gardens surrounding the Casa are beautiful and the land, with it's many Citrus and Almond trees, is a joy to wonder about in. The hosts were very friendly and helpful both before and during our stay. Despite living in the UK they made it clear they were always available if we needed any help their housekeeper was unable to provide. They got in touch to check everything was to our liking after our arrival. They arranged for their housekeeper to do some shopping for us, as we arrived on a public holiday and all the shops were closed. The hosts also provide a google map guide of the area with many recommendations, which was great. We would recommend Casa Isabella to anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in this beautiful part of Sicily. We hope to return in the not too distant future. Rob and Clare - London UK

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

6 November 2017

Casa Isabella, Noto

Peaceful, relaxing hideaway, very well equipped. Plenty of nice restaurants in Noto.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Catherine R.

1 September 2017

Wonderful location in peaceful accommodation

Casa Isabella is in a wonderful location, overlooking the beautiful baroque town of Noto. The little villa sits in its own terraced grounds of almond, olive and citrus trees. Sitting in the gardens at sunset, with a glass of wine, looking out over the Duomo of Noto is a really lovely experience. Casa Isabella is just over a mile away from Noto itself, and the town has much to recommend it, including: good places to eat, with some of the best gelato in Italy; various cultural events throughout the year; wonderful architecture and a fascinating history. The little villa is clean and well-equipped, and Richard is a considerate host, even from the UK. He has provided a comprehensive file, with many recommendations, all of which proved reliable. His caretaker, Marilou, is also an asset, because as well as greeting clients, on prior request she is also able to provide a much welcome meal for the weary airport arrivee! There is much to see and do around the area, either driving or cycling, but it was always nice to return to the little quiet haven of Casa Isabella in the evening!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Hannah F.

27 August 2017

Delightful

This property is everything you could want from a holiday home. It is very well equipped- the kitchen has everything you could need to cook, there are lots of books on the local area and there's even a parasol for the beach. The views towards Noto and the valley are spectacular. The plunge pool was much appreciated in the heat of the afternoon. We loved reading books there and looking out over the valley. The property feels secluded and quiet. You can use herbs and fruit from the land, including lemons that are great for homemade lemonade! The house's location is ideal. Noto, lovely beaches, Syracuse, Cava Grande etc are well within striking distance. Richard, who owns the property, was really helpful before and during our stay. He sent a guide with restaurants and activities that he'd recommend as well as thorough directions from the airport. Definitely recommended.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy G.

30 July 2017

Beautiful place for a relaxing holiday

We had a wonderful week at Casa Isabella.The house itself has everything you need for relaxing holiday. Kitchen is well equipped with both utensils and cupboard essentials (which you just replace on an honesty system). Great comfortable sleeping and living area with air con which was much appreciated as it hit over 40C while we were there and I was 4 months pregnant! Loads of outdoor space including the kitchen terrace, covered terrace and pool area with olive trees providing some lovely shade. Everything was really well maintained and clean for our arrival. We also opted for the welcome meal which was great value and included one of the nicest meat sauces I have ever eaten. Richard was really responsive to any questions we had although his google and in house guides meant we didn't have many. The location of the casa was ideal for us, being very secluded but also close to Noto with lots of lovely restaurants (we really liked Dammuso and Il Cantuccio). I would highly recommend a car though in order to explore some of the nearly towns (such as Ortigia) and Sicily's East coast. Overall we hope we get the chance to go back to Casa Isabella. If not we will be recommending it to all our friends and family instead.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Frances H.

24 July 2017

A unique property in a beautiful location.

Casa Isabella is a fantastic base to explore the southeast corner of Sicily. It is an easy drive from Catania, and Richard's directions are simple to follow. The villa has been beautifully converted and had everything we could possibly need including a very well equipped kitchen. Cooking dinner whilst enjoying the view of the sunset through the kitchen window was a pleasure; make sure dinner is served on the terrace with a glass of something in time to enjoy the spectacular colours as the sun finally dips below the hillside. We made several visits to Noto which has a wealth of buildings and backstreets for many hours of exploring. Coming back from town, we loved walking through the orchard back up to the villa, picking a lemon or two along the way. In the higher July temperatures we were grateful for the plunge pool when we got back. We would recommend asking for Marilou's cooked meal on arrival, this was most welcome after a long trip, although it did set the bar rather high for our attempts at Sicilian cooking for the rest of the week. Thanks to Richard for being on hand to provide speedy text messages to advise on any query during our stay. In summary - a great week in a unique property in a beautiful location.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Malte P., Köln

13 July 2017

Great apartment in beautiful setting

We truly loved Richard and Sue's apartment! It is a stand alone property on beautiful landscaped grounds. The view from the terraces is just great and it is a short 5 Minute drive to the nearby City Noto, which has a lot of great restaurants and cafés. There are a couple of beaches Close by. We preferred the Il Gelsomineto beach, which is about 15-20 minutes from the apartment. As it is not a serviced beach, it is very relaxed and the sea is just beautiful. The Apartment itself has everything you could Need during a Holiday. We also had a lunch prepared by caretaker Marilou which I would definitely recommend to everyone as it is very relaxed for the day of arrival. Richard and Sue have everything well prepared and are always at your disposal if there is a problem or if you need advice. Richard's Google map, that he sends you after booking, was such a great help for orientation in the area and to find nice beaches and restaurants. Overall a great experience! Thank you!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Wendy R.

21 June 2017

Beautiful Location & Very Peaceful

Casa Isabella is in a wonderful location with gorgeous views, gardens and privacy. It is in an ideal spot for getting away from it all, sightseeing in this rich part of Sicily, and for enjoying the beauty of Noto. The Casa is rustic and homely with all you need for a self-catering holiday. The kitchen is well-equipped, the bathroom spacious and the bed comfortable. Casa Isabella was lovely to go back to each day and was a very relaxing haven, especially with the choice of outdoor areas to use. The views are spectacular, as are the sunsets. Being surrounded by nature, including numerous butterflies in the gardens, was beautiful. I would recommend a small hire car as roads in this area are narrow. We were offered a Jeep but chose a Fiat 500 which was perfect for sightseeing and parking on our days out. Richard is very helpful and always on hand if you need advice on anything. We can recommend the meal on arrival which was delicious and the perfect way to start our holiday. We hope to return next year. There is so much to see and experience in this part of Sicily and Casa Isabella provides a perfect base from which to explore and also relax in.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Iris G.

30 April 2017

Landhäuschen auf einem Hügel mit Blick auf Noto

Dieses Häuschen würden wir jederzeit wieder mieten. Wir haben wunderbar ruhig geschlafen in den bequemen Betten. Morgens und abends konnten wir gemütlich auf der Terrasse mit Blick auf Noto oder übers Tal speisen. Der Standort ist perfekt für Ausflüge in die Umgebung. Zur Sicherheit gibt es ein dickes Schlüsselbund und eine Alarmanlage. Die Umgebung bietet Möglichkeiten zum Wandern, Radfahren, Stadtbesichtigungen, Strandaufenthalte u.s.w.

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John F.

5 April 2017

Delightful cottage close to Noto.

Our second visit to Casa Isabella which is a delightful cottage overlooking a terraced valley with views towards Noto. Comfortable accommodation and a well equipped kitchen which enabled us to enjoy cooking local spring produce of artichokes, wild asparagus, fennel, beans and peas. There is also a very good butcher and fishmonger in Noto. Owner, Richard, is very friendly and helpful with tips about the area, and replies to emails and texts very quickly. Good wifi. We are looking forward to returning again. Thank you, Richard.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Santo V., Montreal, canada

9 December 2016

Absolutely beautiful property

This property is exactly as beautiful as described by the owner on the Holiday site. The house is really comfortable and supplied with everything that you can possibly need during your stay. The owner Richard is very helpful, attentive and caring of his guests. The caretakers of the property are also very nice people. We stayed for the whole month of November. We had a few rainy and cool days but it did not stop us from visiting the towns around. So many interesting places to see around Syracuse. On the property itself, we had fresh oranges and grapefruit everyday. We walked down often in the mornings to go for a walk in Noto. It is a 20 minute walk and by car it is only 5 minutes. There is easy access by the roads to visit so many interesting places. We went to walk on the craters of Mount Etna. We visited Taormina, Syracuse, Ortigia, Modica, Ragusa and the beautiful natural reserves of Vendicari where you can walk for hours. From Casa Isabella, there is a beautiful view on Noto. It is the ideal property to be in the countryside close to the city. Our compliments to the owners for being so attentive and ready to help if you should need anything. Marie-Claire and Santo from Canada

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

24 October 2016

What a view!

Richard and sue have a wonderful bolt hole with an amazing view over Noto. All you need is in the fantastically well equipped Cabin Lazing on the terrace in mid October is a great tonic before the reality of winter in uk. So much to see and do within an hours drive. Greek, Roman, Baroque architecture not to mention nature reserves, wonderful coves to swim in, 24 degrees, fishing villages. Richard on hand to help plan excursions. Perfect

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ian P.

1 October 2016

Beautiful Noto

The property more than lived up to our expectations. It is in a beautiful location and extremely well landscaped. The outside spaces were relaxing and varied, a great way to chill. The outside facilities (though we didn't have use of the dip pool) were excellent, thoughtfully laid out and very inviting. The views far exceeded any hopes we had, the sunsets over Noto were breathtaking. Inside the property was very well maintained very well equipped, clean and again, great use of space. Very comfortable to come back to. The facilities were extremely good and the netting around the bed was very welcome. Richard was very, very helpful and supportive providing us with very good advice beforehand as well as whilst we were there. There is so much to see and do that we had to plan what not to do rather than what to do. We loved the countryside and Noto itself. The beaches were excellent, we particularly enjoyed Eloro. Travelling to Taormina, Siracusa, and Montalbano country down south was very easy. Agrigento was also within an easy couple of hours, so from soaking up the sun on a beach to visiting the sights made for a very full two weeks, but also thoroughly relaxing and rejuvenating. The food everywhere we ate was extremely good and it was easy to buy fresh produce to cook/eat at home as well. We would, and have, recommend Casa Isabella to friends (couples). It is quiet, very relaxing and east to be in. Ian and Beverley

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew O.

22 August 2016

Well equipped, comfortable and relaxing property.

We had a fantastic stay at Casa Isabella. Richard and Sue have managed to think of everything you might possibly need during your time there. We were greeted by Marielou who had made us an amazing swordfish and baked zucchini and ricotta cheese meal with a well needed chilled bottle of delicious white wine, just delicious! All for just 25 euro well worth it after the journey. We really enjoyed using all the different outside sitting areas and having BBQ's while looking over the amazing views. Casa Isabella is a 5 minute drive or a 20 minute walk from Noto. We loved walking down through the valley into Noto picking fruit along the way. Pomegranates, oranges, lemons, figs and lots of almonds were very much appreciated! Noto is an amazing town well worth a visit it comes to life at night and there is always some sort of street entertainment. We had an amazing meal at Manna ristorante, which would be our pick of the bunch of many great restaurants. We would recommend bringing some walking shoes or pumps as there are lots of brilliant places to visit that require a bit of walking. We visited Cava Grande it was well worth the climb down the clear pools and waterfalls were amazing take lots to drink especially for the walk back up. Our favourite beach was Eloro 2 easy to walk to and clean but busy, as we found all the beaches were in August. We went on a boat trip with Giuseppe and Marie (Seecily Cruises) sailing from Marzamemi well worth a trip! Richard was very helpful before and during our stay and was always on hand with advice to ensure we had a perfect stay. Thoroughly recommended and we would love to visit again next summer.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Vicky E.

7 August 2016

A retreat from the Sicilian heat!

Casa Isabella is a wonderful retreat for a relaxing holiday in Sicily. With the temperature in the 40s, we were more than happy to use the many shaded terraces and the very welcome plunge pool to unwind and relax. The property is furnished with everything that you need for a self catering holiday, with Noto being only a 20 minute walk away, through the terraced gardens. The property and it's grounds were spotless when we arrived - we felt that we were the first ever to have stayed! We took advantage of Marilou's evening meal and were rewarded with a delicious vegetarian Sicilian meal. Definitely recommended! As a bit of a 'nervous driver' the unpaved road up to the villa was a bit of a shock but with practice it was easy! We would definitely stay again - perhaps in June when it is a little cooler!!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm G.

4 August 2016

Charming property in an ideal location

We arrived late after a flight delay and the caretaker gave us a warm welcome making sure we had everything we needed. The property is clean and well equipped, being close to the town of Noto. The owner provided us with a goole map guide with all the highlights of this wonderful area, make sure you use this. We cannot fault the customer service given to us and would highly recommend this property.

Casa Isabella - a cook's and garden lovers paradise - perfect for winter rental

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