A double-height lofted grotto, with three multi-level terraces shaded by an ancient carob tree, offers a view over Scicli. This small and prestigious residence has been designed by its owner, the designer Margherita Rui, and crafted with meticulous attention to detail by the finest local artisans, respecting original materials. The residence is equipped with two double bedrooms and an open-space sofa bed, one bathroom, terraces with dining areas, a pool, outdoor shower, and a solarium.
The space
Grotta e Carrubo: A Refuge Home
Grotta e Carrubo is a small sanctuary carved from the rock of a grotto, seamlessly integrated into the hillside crowned by the Cross of San Giuseppe in the baroque city of Scicli. This project reflects the design philosophy of Margherita Rui and her husband, Alessandro, embodying a deep connection with its surroundings. It’s a testament to an intimate rediscovery of traditional, local craftsmanship, where the beauty of imperfection brings forth an ancient, unhurried elegance.
From the choice of artisans to the selection of materials, every decision by the couple aimed to involve the finest local craftspeople. When Margherita and Alessandro first visited this small site, they immediately saw its potential to blend harmoniously into the rocky landscape.
Alongside the existing carob and prickly pear trees, they added mastic shrubs, strawberry trees, lemon trees, ferns, and native Sicilian aromatic plants. With the help of a skilled local landscaper, they enriched the urban landscape; the colors and scents of these native plants frame spaces of calm and rest, creating small sanctuaries that celebrate a slower pace of life. These quiet corners are set between the slope and UNESCO heritage dry-stone walls.
The house is constructed from Modica white stone, natural lime, and Sicilian chestnut wood. Every detail has been thoughtfully refined through a slow, patient process of finding the most suitable solutions, always respecting the original materials.
Margherita designed and crafted the decorative elements for the project, including fabrics by Erimiti and a chandelier from Fanale, two Venetian companies that champion artisanal design and regional identity. The lava and handcrafted terracotta tiles from Ninefifty’s Alfabeto project were also conceived here, blending the traditional patterns of Caltagirone with contemporary styles. Additionally, Margherita designed a ceramic tableware collection exclusively for this home. Hand-embroidered cushions reflect local natural motifs, handwoven olive baskets were crafted in Caltagirone, and the Liberta glass carafes in hand-worked borosilicate glass are Margherita’s design for Ichendorf.
This home is a collection of projects and objects, each speaking the same language—a balance of purity and texture, modern aesthetics, and tactile vibrancy. It’s the fruit of a harmonious blend between two regions, Veneto and Sicily, distant in geography but united by rich artisanal traditions.
The house spans five levels, from the entrance decorated with a custom-designed iron pergola and outdoor pots, up to a solarium with views over the city and surrounding hills. Inside, the home includes a lounge with soft yet sculptural built-in sofas on multiple levels, leading to a kitchen—adorned with Calatina ceramics—and a bathroom, both furnished with antique scifu. The upper floor hosts a master bedroom and a small loft.
Outside the kitchen, a staircase with risers decorated in Ninefifty’s handmade terracotta Alfabeto tiles leads to the first terrace, where an open-air dining area is furnished with a large lava stone table. Here, under the shade of a grand carob tree, guests can enjoy enchanting views of the surrounding neighborhoods framed by an iron railing designed by the owner and crafted by a local blacksmith. This area features a small pool carved into the rock and a soft-shaped large washbasin. From this level, two additional terraces lead up to the solarium.
Guest access
We would like to inform our guests that the pool will be closed from the end of October to the end of March.
Registration details
IT088011C28UK33MMD
