Casa Roselle, a traditional Sicilian rural estate, is the home, workplace and gallery of painter Elena Popova and sculptor Luben Boykov. It sits on top of a hill surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards in the southeastern corner of Sicily, between the towns of Ispica and Marzamemi and about 4 km from the Mediterranean and Ionian seas. The estate dates back to the 18th century and was originally a country home for one of the noble families in the area. It was designed in the classic "fortified Spanish hacienda" style and has retained most of its original features. Elena and Luben fully restored and renovated it with respect for its history and character, attending to every detail and to 21st-century standards of comfort. Luben's and Elena's art is exhibited throughout the property alongside pieces from their art collection, ranging from ancient greek artifacts, Roman bronzes, Bamana and Igbo African sculptures, to modern masters such as Picasso and Henry Moore. Some of the artworks are casually integrated into interior and exterior environments, while others are more formally presented, while still encouraging interaction or contact.
The main house has a surface area of about 650 sq. meters (about 7000 sq. feet) and sleeps up to 8 in three large bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. In addition, there is a 200 sq. meters (2100 sq. feet) living/gallery space, a very spacious kitchen and dining area and numerous additional indoor and outdoor places for common use, entertainment and relaxation. The main structure is enclosed by 5 m-high walls and features a 400 sq. meters cobble stone courtyard. The house is surrounded by a 7000 sq. meters fenced mature botanical garden with a swimming pool. There are two additional buildings on the property; an annex, featuring an en-suite, self-contained apartment and two artist's studios. Other features and amenities include: air conditioning and heating in all rooms and common areas, unlimited WiFi high-speed internet, a six-burner gas stove with double oven, espresso coffee machines, ice maker, wine cooler, outdoor lounge area with a fountain and a wood-fired pizza oven, rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, laundry/ironing room with washer and dryer, dishwasher, large screen digital projector, wireless sound system, hair dryers, and quality linens/covers. Luben and Elena are the happy owners of three cats (all Canadian ex-pats), Nive, a one-eyed Tuscan shepherd dog and Giorgio, a flamboyant German pointer, all very friendly.
The skies and fields around Casa Roselle are home to insects, lizards, geckos and numerous species of birds. You may also hear the shouts and whistling of workers harvesting lemons or grapes in the surrounding fields, or the occasional herd of sheep passing by outside the fence. Nature comes here as a package in its full diversity and authenticity.
The main house has a surface area of about 650 sq. meters (about 7000 sq. feet) and sleeps up to 8 in three large bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. In addition, there is a 200 sq. meters (2100 sq. feet) living/gallery space, a very spacious kitchen and dining area and numerous additional indoor and outdoor places for common use, entertainment and relaxation. The main structure is enclosed by 5 m-high walls and features a 400 sq. meters cobble stone courtyard. The house is surrounded by a 7000 sq. meters fenced mature botanical garden with a swimming pool. There are two additional buildings on the property; an annex, featuring an en-suite, self-contained apartment and two artist's studios. Other features and amenities include: air conditioning and heating in all rooms and common areas, unlimited WiFi high-speed internet, a six-burner gas stove with double oven, espresso coffee machines, ice maker, wine cooler, outdoor lounge area with a fountain and a wood-fired pizza oven, rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, laundry/ironing room with washer and dryer, dishwasher, large screen digital projector, wireless sound system, hair dryers, and quality linens/covers. Luben and Elena are the happy owners of three cats (all Canadian ex-pats), Nive, a one-eyed Tuscan shepherd dog and Giorgio, a flamboyant German pointer, all very friendly.
The skies and fields around Casa Roselle are home to insects, lizards, geckos and numerous species of birds. You may also hear the shouts and whistling of workers harvesting lemons or grapes in the surrounding fields, or the occasional herd of sheep passing by outside the fence. Nature comes here as a package in its full diversity and authenticity.