Nestled in the historic center of Modica, a baroque gem protected by Unesco, stands Residenza Hortus, a sophisticated Sicilian abode with Mediterranean garden coming from an important renovation intervention with bio-architecture techniques wich has converted a fascinating 16th century ruin into a private stone retreat for niche tourist hospitality.
This three-level property is about 350 sqm: the outdoor spacessize about 170 sqm and feature paved patio, garden with citrus trees and panoramic terrace;the interior spaces size about 180sqm and boast three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, living room, kitchen with underground wine cellar and animpressivecave that willbe turned into an exclusive private spa.
The main entrance to the property is from the garden, where the original terraced levels were preserved by restoring the ancient limestone walkways and pitch stone steps. Sheltered by tall walls, the garden is an idyllic and meditative place where one can enjoy the silence and reconnect with nature. Near a beautiful pomegranate tree an ancient circular stone basin was converted into a heated tub, where one canrelax in total privacy.
An old staircase connects the garden to the panoramic terrace with limestone floor which was designed to be the ideal place to drink a glass of wine in front of the Cathedral of SanGiorgio or gaze at the stars at night.
In the interiors the ecological lime and clay floors and plasters, the beds on a concrete base and the vaulted ceilings evoke elegant minimalistic atmospheres embellished by decorated stone headboards, antique Sicilian bedspreads, Caltagirone lava-stone tiles and bespoke sculptured washbasins. The specific features of each suite refer to the three elements of water, air and fire which complement the element of earth of the garden. The living room is a charming space retaining features of the Renassaincebuilding, such asarchs and niches, and on an architrave you can still see the date of 1554 B.C. identifying the year of construction of the property at the time of the Spanish rule of Modica. The stylish kitchen island, with its stone archway, is a functional space where you can have breakfast or dinner in the winter. The underground cistern with its original plaster, which can be accessed from a striking iron and glassstaircase, was converted into a wine cellar with a selection of organic and natural wines.
We at Anime a Sud, and me as an artist, were personally committed to designing this property as if it were a piece of art, workingin collaboration with local handicraftmenship to create a unique place where to perceive a deep feeling of balance and harmony.
Material Used :
1. Facade cladding: Original stone facades without cladding plaster
2. Flooring: Ecological clay and lime floors
3. Doors: Wooden doors locally handicrafted
4. Windows: Wood framewindows locally handicrafted
5. Roofing: Vaulted ceilingsand cork ensulated roof covered with ancient tiles
6. Interior lighting: Led recessed spot lights, vintage lamps for the kitchen table, reading led spot.
7. Exterior lighting: Steel net frame lamps handmade by Off Roma, led recessed spot lights
8. Interior furniture: Couches by Desireè, bespoke sculptured washbasins and decorated stone headboard made by Solarino Marmi (Modica), vintage radio from the antiques market of Modica,old Moroccan carpets from Tanger, 19th century sicilian terracotta amphora, dining chairs from the antiques market of Rome, kitchen island from Giunta cucine (Modica), bathroom tiles by Made a Mano (Caltagirone)
9. Exterior furniture: Relax chairs and couch byPaola Lenti, relax and sitting chairs by Emu, made-to-order lava stone table by Made a Mano
10. Technical plants: Domodry® elettromagnetic system against uprising ground humidity. Air conditioningand water heating produced by inverter heating pumps integrated with solar panels.
