Baglio Fontana

There are only a handful of hotels in Sicily meeting the charming, historic ambiance category of agriturismo. On the northwest corner of the island around Trapani, an ideal touring base for the island, a group of owners have transformed their ancient, ancestral baglio farm properties into accommodation for guests. Typically, the stone-walled structure with large, inner courtyard housed everything from the family residence, farmer’s quarters, oil and wine press, to barns and stalls. The Baglio Fontana farm dates from the late 1700s and has been restored with care by the original Fontana family. On the outskirts of a small town, the huge, front doors of this fortress farm open to a stone courtyard. The courtyard leads to a large, rustic, beamed dining room with fireplace, and an ancient oil stone press, where dishes from typical, local recipes using all local farm products are served to guests. The austere, main villa has 6 guestrooms. Additional loft bedrooms and ground floor apartments are located in another section. The farm still produces wine, honey, and olive oil. Comfortable rooms, all with air conditioning, have new wood furnishings, bathrooms, and smart plaid fabrics. A cozy living room in the main villa, decorated with family antiques and paintings, is where guests gather after dinner to chat. An inviting pool is found in the large garden.