During a casual Sunday supper, accompanied by red wine and meatballs, my Italian mother-in-law shared the news that her nephew—our cousin and one of the youngest among 13 siblings—was about to be married. The chosen destination? Sicily. Surrounded by family at her well-loved dining table on Long Island, which had seen us through numerous Feasts of the Seven Fishes, Easter gatherings, and birthdays, it was resolved that we required a house—specifically, a compound—where we could all experience the unique wonders of their ancestral homeland together.
The need for ample space was clear. We required accommodations for five adults, three children, alongside our shared aspiration of immersing ourselves in Sicilian life. When my husband discovered Villa Arcile, a stunning home featuring seven bedrooms and six baths, nestled among lemon groves in the tranquil hills of Brucoli, we were certain that we had found our perfect base.
Upon our arrival a few months later, as we unloaded our two rental cars and stepped onto the villa’s outdoor terrace, the sound of our luggage rolling over the gravel was eclipsed by the children’s joyous squeals. Remarkably, the reality of our surroundings exceeded our expectations.
The villa's centerpiece was a half-circle outdoor courtyard adorned with seven inviting arches, each beckoning us to embark on new adventures. On some days, we turned right towards a terracotta patio, an idyllic spot for enjoying Grillo as we watched the sun dip below the horizon. Other days, we explored left, engaging in spirited ping-pong matches near the gardens filled with ripe olives and lemons, where shade was provided for the chickens wandering in their nearby coop. Most often, however, we headed straight down a small flight of stairs to a gated pool deck. This 26-foot rectangular pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, free-standing umbrellas, and an outdoor kitchen, became our favorite retreat.
Days were spent reveling in the pool, sipping cocktails, grilling fresh fish, and sending the children into the groves to gather lemons for our meals. That summer, my daughter learned to leap into the open water, as we all joyfully counted her down with cheers until she took the plunge, landing uproariously in her nonna’s waiting arms, both laughing amidst the chlorine-soaked excitement.
Inside the villa, we were greeted by the essence of authentic Sicilian living—wrought-iron bed frames, geometric floor tiles, sheer curtains, and substantial wooden furniture adding charm and warmth. The arrangement of the bedrooms perfectly accommodated our group; our two families took up residence upstairs, while my niece and nephew were delighted to stay in the sole room featuring two beds. My mother-in-law, traveling alone, enjoyed the peace and privacy of a bedroom located on the ground floor of the villa.
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