“It was this place that chose me! I‘ve only brought its forgotten beauty back to light. I wanted a home on Mount Etna, a place where I could dedicate the next part of my life to good wine and working on the countryside. On my very first day searching, I came across an old run-down villa immersed in pure beauty and knots of thorn bushes. It was love at first sight.”
"When I returned home, I kept thinking about that old 18th century villa and how I could bring it back to life. Since imagination is the first step towards creation, I set off to buy that estate which eventually became Monaci delle Terre Nere. So far, I’ve devoted my life to the rebirth of this former abode of a group of Augustinian Monks from Valverde who had previously chosen this place because of its extraordinary energy. The Estate is located at the foot of the largest volcano in Europe, bordered by Etna’s National Park, at 500 metres of altitude. My innermost desire has been to protect its historical and natural identity; rather than simply turning it into a wine resort, I worked to make Monaci delle Terre Nere a Home, whose intimacy I’ve been endeavouring to preserve."
Monaci delle Terre Nere is Guido's project, halfway between destiny and dream. But listening to Guido’s own words, it seems it was more a matter of “love at first sight”...
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Monaci delle terre Nere's project is based on the restoration of pre-existing buildings, thus reducing its environmental impact. We’ve turned to bio-architecture to restore both the central villa and the independent structures. Respect and sustainability have been at the core of any demolition or rebuilding we’ve implemented, therefore Monaci delle terre Nere’s project has resulted in an authentic example of respect for both tradition and the environment. It mingles traditional Sicilian architecture with contemporary art. All spaces have been furnished with care and equipped with all relevant comforts such as whirlpool baths, fireplaces and glass walls which create a full immersion effect in the natural surroundings.
Guido and Federica fell in love on the Eolian Islands and got married two years later at Monaci delle Terre Nere Together, they have been developing the Resort and the Farm project in the name of their love for Nature and for genuine hospitality. You will feel at home here at Monaci delle Terre Nere! Over the last few years the estate has grown consistently and so have its premises, with 4 new Villas and 7 private swimming pools, over 25-hectares. In its journey towards developing guest facilities, which has proudly led Monaci delle Terre Nere to become Relais&Chateaux, it still preserves its original vision, one of respect and love for the land. Future projects concern a second swimming pool, a wine cellar, a Spa and a solar grid to increase the estate’s energetic self-sufficiency. The couple’s passion for good wine and fresh food is reflected in their culinary suggestions. Monaci delle Terre Nere is a unique experience, accompanied by gorgeous music and vibrant energies.
