Description
The two villas, part of the architectural treasures of Madonie Park, are located on the edge of the Gibilmanna forest, just a few kilometres from Cefalù. They are entirely surrounded by a vast park of over 538,195 sq ft, rich with oak, chestnut, and laurel trees. The property also includes two other buildings within the estate. The land was purchased in 1886, when it belonged to the Samonà family, an aristocratic Sicilian lineage known for producing many intellectuals, before passing to the current owners. The villa, designed by the renowned architect Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda, was also built during that period. Almeyda's major works include the Politeama Garibaldi, the restoration of the Palazzo di Città, the four aediculae of Villa Giulia, and, outside Palermo, the Teatro Comunale in Syracuse and the Casa Florio in Favignana (TP). The main residence is on a single level, with a rigorous symmetrical layout of the interior spaces, which includes an entrance hall, living room, dining room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, and scullery, as well as service rooms in the attic. The villa's volumetry is defined by its pronounced hipped roof with overhanging eaves. The other villa consists of a single space that includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a mezzanine floor with a small bathroom. Another large building, located next to the main house and originally used as stables and accommodation for farmers, has been partially renovated. The renovated part houses a flat with two rooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a storeroom. The fourth building, which is entirely in need of restoration, is located near the main house and covers an area of approximately 861 sq ft. Gibilmanna is 14 km from Cefalù and 120 km from Palermo airport.
