Villa Scimone is a prestigious private residence set in the most panoramic and central area of Taormina. Overlooking the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, it offers uninterrupted, open views of the sea and…
Villa Scimone is a prestigious private residence set in the most panoramic and central area of Taormina. Overlooking the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, it offers uninterrupted, open views of the sea and Mount Etna. An exclusive retreat combining absolute privacy, generous outdoor spaces, and the rare privilege of reaching Corso Umberto I in less than five minutes on foot, with beaches easily accessible.
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The space
The villa unfolds over multiple levels, following the natural slope of the hillside and creating a constant sense of openness, light, and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly into one another, with panoramic terraces and terraced gardens that frame views of the sea and Mount Etna throughout the day.
The living areas are spacious and filled with natural light, designed as elegant yet relaxed spaces for sharing and socializing. The lounges open naturally onto the outdoors, extending onto furnished terraces ideal for relaxing, dining, or enjoying evening meals with a view. The fully equipped kitchens are discreetly integrated, offering both functionality and comfort for everyday use as well as longer stays.
The five bedrooms are arranged to ensure privacy and tranquility. The double bedrooms are spacious and bright, furnished with understated elegance, while the twin bedrooms are ideal for adults or younger guests. One of the main bedrooms features a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom with both shower and bathtub, providing an enhanced level of comfort.
The bathrooms, finished with high-quality materials, are well distributed between the sleeping areas and common spaces and include both showers and bathtubs, along with courtesy amenities.
Outdoors, the private swimming pool occupies a dominant and secluded position, overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. Surrounding terraces and relaxation areas invite guests to enjoy the villa at a slow pace, while the hot tub adds an extra element of well-being. The entire property is designed to offer a harmonious, elegant stay deeply connected to the natural setting of Taormina.
The independent apartment is not included in this configuration and remains closed, ensuring exclusive use of the main villa.
Space summary
- | Exclusive use of the main villa
- | 7 bedrooms
- | 7 full bathrooms plus 2 additional WCs
- | Private panoramic swimming pool
- | Furnished terraces and terraced gardens
- | Hot tub
- | Internal elevator and external staircases
- | Independent apartment not included
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Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire villa, with the exception of the independent apartment, which remains closed.
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Additional information
The villa is equipped with air conditioning and heating in all rooms, fiber-optic Wi-Fi, Smart TV, sound system, laundry area with washing machine and ironing facilities, safes, and private on-site parking for up to three cars.
The swimming pool is seasonal and is generally open from spring until early November.
Upon request, additional services such as a private chef, cooking classes, wine tastings, and personalized experiences in Sicily can be arranged.
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Additional information
A bit of history
The original villa, known as the Family House, was built in the early 1950s by Aenne Burda, a German publisher and founder of the renowned magazine Burda Moden. Many original features remain today, including the garden layout with historic trees and plants, the façade, and the red marble interior floors.
Our family, the Scimone family, purchased the property in 1998 from Mrs. Burda’s grandchildren. Since then, we have renovated the original house while preserving its character and added the Upper House and panoramic terraces that now complete the estate.
The interiors tell our family’s story through a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, personal objects, and books in several languages. Many of the antique pieces belonged to our Anglo-Swiss grandparents, Charles and Mary Schorno. The landscape paintings of Taormina are by our father, Egisto Scimone, while the contemporary drawings are by the well-known Milanese artist Luigi Rigamonti, who also contributed to the architectural design of the villa. Portraits and floral paintings are by Taormina-based artist Dori Vasta, while the large, vibrant canvases depicting dancers are by Sicilian painter Nino Carnabuci.
In the 1950s, our father founded the famous venue La Giara together with his older brother Chico Scimone, an Italian-American pianist and sportsman. La Giara soon became a focal point of Taormina’s social life, frequented by orchestras, artists, and numerous Italian and international actors, especially during the Taormina Film Festival.
Today, the villa preserves this legacy of art, culture, and hospitality, offering guests not just a place to stay, but a home with an authentic history deeply connected to Taormina.
