Meet the owners - Bruno

We have built up some amazing relationships with our owners over the years, many becoming firm friends.

Bruno is the owner of some of our favourite villas in Sicily – Villa Cabbanna and Villa Dabbanna – together making up Villa Donnafugata. Also in this family is Villa Xiluna. Bruno is the epitome of Sicilian hospitality and his love of the area around Ragusa and his wonderful houses is clear to see to all. We look forward to seeing him every time we return to Sicily. His homemade cakes are simply the best in Sicily. Our guests will undoubtedly verify this, especially his Cannoli!!

Ian had a chat with him recently whilst staying at Villa Dabbanna.

1. When did you buy your villas at Donnafugata?

I bought the land in 2013 and built the villas in 2015. I managed the building projects, the design of the gardens and all internal furnishings.

I fell in love immediately with the location, a sense of ‘magic’ struck me. Facing south the position and view blew me away with an incredible view to the south as far as the sea. The panorama is such that you can see the curve of the earth on the horizon. In summer a cooling breeze is always present, even in the hottest periods.

2. What made you buy in this area of Sicily?

I love the countryside of Ragusa, it talks to me. I made reference to the houses of the barons of Majorana and the Marchese Maggiore, one can see their towers rising in the surrounding countryside. Also the castle of Donnafugata, built in the late 1800s inspired me when building the villas.

Indeed, today the view of the castle and the towers are the focal point to the east. The castle is an ever present feature and reminds us of our history, bought to life in the Film Il Gattopardo by Luchino Visconti. Every August the castle hosts many events, including the Film Festival of Donnafugata.

3. What do guests at your villas enjoy doing when staying at yours?

The great thing is that they do not feel the need to do anything! They tend to stay put at the villa, mesmerised by the view. Sunset is the perfect time to enjoy the ‘vista’ which stretches from Marina di Ragusa to Licata. The colours at sunset are spectacular.

Guests tend to make sure they are home for the sunset and become hostage to it! The gardens have been carefully planted with aromatic plants which add to the experience. The large Carob tree is often a focal point for guests and guests love wandering the grounds discovering new plants and flowers, I love gardening and it is my passion. Guests love sipping a glass of local Sicilian wine by the pool along with some local street food delicacies – the Scacce Ragusane.

4. Which are your favourite restaurants in the area close to Donnafugata?

Without doubt the trattoria Al Castello – the cooking and the knowledge of Giovanni offers the visitor a genuine flavour of local dishes, always based on local ingredients and what is in season. For fish I recommend Viri cu C’e’ in Scoglitti, a coastal town, the owners Davide and Giovanni serve up a real fishing trip along the Sicilian coast.

5. Which are your favourite beaches close to Donnafugata?

If you manage to leave that is! Head to Punta Secca and along the coast to Marina di Ragusa. You will find kilometres of fine sandy beach, mostly free beaches with a few private lidos. My favourite private lido is Piper at Torre di Mezzo

6. Why did you decide to trust Essential Italy to rent your villas?

Easy, who better to trust than a friend. They understand both the guest requirements and my needs. Over time I have come to learn that they really understand travel and Italy. All their guests are delightful and seeing that they travel often with Essential Italy it is clear to understand that Essential Italy treat them like friends too. It is not always easy to find people who share my love of simplicity and elegance, Essential Italy share this love with me.

7. When you go on holiday where do you go?

I am a lover of gardens and often my travels take me to places with beautiful gardens and I always return full of ideas, seeds and plans for planting.

8. Which are your favourite Sicilian dishes?

My favourite dish is Sarde a Beccafino with orange and fennel, pasta dish is simple fresh tomatoes and basil

9. If you had to advise your guests one place to visit while staying where would it be?

For sure Ragusa Ibla, beautiful baroque architecture and a maze of small back streets and churches. Further afield I would highly recommend Villa Romana del Casale with its amazing mosaics, close to Piazza Armerina.

10. Give us a hidden treasure in your area?

The necropoli of Pantalica and the surrounding walks among nature plus the ‘stagnoni di Marzamemi’ with its incredible fauna.

See more of our Villas in Sicily