The Bishop's House
Siracusa, SicilyThe Bishop’s House, Siracusa
Nestled amidst the verdant fields and the rocky cliffs of the River Epipoli, which once constituted the city walls of the ancient Greek city of Siracusa, this estate’s origins can be traced back to the time of the Norman conquest of Sicily. It was owned by the local diocese for over 700 years, serving as the bishop’s residence, and spacious farmhouse.
From the latter part of the 20th century the building had fallen into total disrepair. In 2019, it and surrounding lands were purchased by an Italian-Norwegian couple who had sent much of their professional lives living and working in eastern Africa.
After four decades, they decided to return to Europe, and chose to a place which retained much of the climate, as well as the spirit and nature of their beloved Kenya. The searing heat, yet lush nature and varied wildlife of southern Sicily was their choice, and they came across this abandoned spacious building just a few kilometres from Siracusa.
They knew what a huge undertaking, but what attracted them was the fertile land, where they planted 4,000 citrus trees, and 2,000 olive trees. It would be a living, breathing, active and productive country estate once again.
The first thing to do was to the stabilise and rebuild the walls and collapsed ceilings, which they managed just before the Covid lockdown halted the works. Subsequently with their vision and experience as set designers and art directors for international cinematic productions, they set about the decorations the many rooms with their expansive collections of paintings, sculptures, furnishings, objects, and items from their African houses. They thus recreated this expansive building to the elegance and beauty of its former glory.
The Lounge
The lounge is a cavernous space, with the olive press at one end recalling the estate’s former life as an agricultural hub. On the wall beside the fireplace are drawings of the SS Sardinia ship. After being torpedoed in the First World War during its active service, some of the sailors on board were given refuge in this estate in Siracusa.
The Inner Courtyard
In the centre of the cluster of spaces of this ancient baronial estate was a room whose roof had completely collapsed. The owners decided it would serve a etter purpose to be left as it was, as a sort of inner courtyard which connnected to on either side the dining room and the lounge, as well as serving as an entrance. It is also perfect as a shaded outdoors dining area in times of searingly hot summer sun
The Exteriors, Gardens, Citrus Groves and Pool
From the main highway from Siracusa, an untarmacked road leads to the property, lined with palm trees. On one side lies the olive grove with the 2,000 trees. Past the tall wooden main entrance doorway lies the courtyard. The farmhouse complex has a classic quadrangular layout pivoting around this central courtyard or baglio, with from which can be accessed the different sections of the Bishop’s House. These include the lodgings for the bishop, staff and workers housing, storage warehouses and stables, a large mill and wine press, and a mezzanine level chapel. New additions from the recent refurbishment include the perimeter wall, the wild flower garden and of course the spacious swimming pool.
Dining Room and Kitchen
An elegant dining room lies between the kitchen and the open-aired atrium room. It is lined with paintings and craftworks from African artists on one side, and old master hunting scenes and still lifes sourced from local antiques shops.
Private Quarters
The upper floors of this estate compromised the private section. Here can be found a commemotative plaque dedicated to Archbishop of Siracusa Angelo Robino, from his son Pietro. As well as a little chapel and altar room, for private devotional use. This section of the house also includes a kitchen and lounge, and a little terrace overlooking hte swimming pool.
Indian Bedroom and other rooms
The owners lived between Kenya and Mozambique, and their houses contained many objects and artefacts collected during their time spent there and their many travels. All of the contents of their houses were transferred to Siracusa. The Indian Room was inspired by the Indian influence of the Island of Mozambique. Other bedrooms and connecting corridors were decorated with distressed coloured stuccoed walls, and artefacts found in auction houses, antique dealers and flea markets across the world.
