Welcome to Sicily! If you're seeking a good property to retire to in Italy, then Sicily holds a good number of cards. When compiling this month's list, I was struck by how good the value was for many of the properties. You'll be getting a good bargain for some quality accommodation, and for the couple of restoration projects in the list, you're still getting good value for money.
The local scenery is also a benefit of Sicilian property, and if you're itching to get away from miserable weather (I'm looking at you, Brits), then the sunny sand dunes and clear blue seas are the perfect antidote. Factor in a bit of Sicilian history, culture, architecture, and of course, cuisine, and you've got a fine Italian location for retirement!
€720.000 ($820,944; £636,984)
Dive right into the world of Sicilian property with this amazing villa with its own infinity pool.
There's no better way to enjoy retirement than sitting in the Sicilian sun by your own pool with an ice cool drink. So if you've got the cash, then this is a property that's worthy of strong consideration.
Situated in the town of Ragusa, this villa has plenty of space both on the inside and the outside. Inside, you've got four bedrooms to fill (making it a good place to stay for family and friends), two bathrooms, laundry room, and a combination of kitchen and living room that looks out to the pool.
On the subject of the pool, it's 15x17, and comes with beach and whirlpool areas. Located in front of the veranda, it's a strong selling point of this wonderful villa. Right now, in high Summer, the villa offers an ideal outdoors experiment. Invite your family, friends and neighbours around for a barbecue. There's even an outdoors kitchen where you can whisk up a delicious outside banquet for all your guests!
€ 265.000 ($302,153; £234,446)
The second villa that I've chosen in Sicily this month is more affordable than the first, but it still offers plenty of delights.
A key benefit is that it's modern, having been built in only 2003. The villa is in top condition, spanning three levels with quality materials creating a strong, habitable environment.
The ground floor offers some of that old-time Sicilian tradition, with its attractive terracotta mosaic floor for the lounge, and also a kitchen that's been built-in with stone of Caltagirone. There is also a bathroom, an entrance room, and a stone fireplace.
Move on up to the first floor, where there are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a master bedroom with its own dressing room. Meanwhile, you can turn the basement floor into a place to relax or play games.
Outside, the spacious garage can fit in two cars, while the well-maintained garden boasts picnic and barbecue areas, and a beautiful environment in which to relax and enjoy your retirement.
€ 160.000 ($182,432; £141,552)
The third villa on offer in this month's listing may be the smallest, but it's also excellent value for money. It's a new build property, which means that everything you could want is up to date for your living quarters.
The villa spans two levels. The big living area again combines lounge and kitchen, leading on to the outside veranda which is ideal for hosting barbecues and parties. Upstairs, you've got two bedrooms, bathroom and a balcony that looks out on to the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The garden is also a good size, and there is ample space for parking cars.
Looking to explore the local sights? There's no better way to enjoy your retirement by seeing the sights of Sicily, and this property is the perfect base to do so. It's near to the local beach (100 metres away), the tourist town of Pozzallo, the baroque town of Ispica, and also Modica, a place to be if you're keen to taste some genuine Sicilian cooking!
€ 250.000 ($285,050; £221,175)
For a real taste of Sicily, you won't go wrong with this princely apartment which is part of the historic Scannapieco Palace located in Via Plebiscito, Catania.
An advantage for retired couples or individuals is that this apartment is reasonably accessible, being only on the first floor of the building. Your apartment packs an awful lot in its generous 200 sqm frame, with a total of six rooms inside.
Following on from the spacious entrance hall, you move into a double living room, a large hall, a kitchen, a bathroom, and of course, a bedroom. The decoration of the apartment marks this one out, having been renovated while retaining the doors and floors of the time. In addition, as a further example of harking back to the era of the 1930s, the electrical system has been restored to the building's original style, with all the renovations of the property conjuring up the heart and soul of a unique era.
The property is also near to the Ursino Castle (it's right behind it), the local cathedral, and if you want a bit of fish for your supper, then the local fish market provides plenty of choice.
€ 230.000 ($262,246; £203,481)
This fabulous detached house could be the retirement property you're looking for.
It's based in the centre of Calatabiano, Catania, and overlooks the local castle. Taormina is only 11km away, for another unforgettable place to visit.
The house itself is spread over three floors, with a decent selection of spacious, comfortable rooms. The ground floor includes two recently renovated rooms: the open kitchen and the bathroom. For yourself and any guests who come to stay, there are three good-sized bedrooms, which come with bathroom and closet, and the choice of either windows or a balcony.
Meanwhile, on the upper level, a large-scale kitchen gives way to two terraces where you can look out at the outstanding views of the local castle and the surrounding environments.
Farmhouse Country Home to Restore, Santa Croce Camerina, Val di Noto
€ 110.000 ($125,422; £97,317)
The first of two country houses is the greater challenge of the two. After retirement, you may like to take on a project, and the restoration of this farmhouse offers you the chance to muck in and put your own stamp on the property.
That's one of the advantages of this purchase. Another is the price, which, because of the work required, is a steal. On top of that, you get the beautiful views, including the coast of Ragusa.
The 100 sqm house includes a generously sized lounge (with fireplace), kitchen, two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and a mezzanine (which is currently used as a study). Outside, there are also the 80 sqm old stables to rejuvenate. It's a good project to undertake, with huge rewards at the end of completion.
Restored Country Home, Giarratana, Val di Noto
€ 220.000 ($250,844; £194,634)
OK, so there's no project to take on for this country house, but let's look at the upside. You've got a ready-made house to move into, and this is just the first of many boons connected with this restored home.
The location is especially stunning, situated outside the village of Giarratana in south east Sicily, and at the gates of the local Parco di Calaforno. You've already got your own mini park in your new home as well, with its collection of olive trees, almond trees and vegetation.
The well furnished and maintained property includes all mod cons including Wi-Fi, telephone, water and electricity, plus a wood burning stove.
Town Home, Modica, Val di Noto
€ 500.000 ($570,100; £442,350)
This is a unique property for those looking to retire to Sicily. Located opposite the Cathedral of San Giorgio, this period property is in very good condition. The house is a slice of history, with ancient frescoes and original ceramics belonging to the Caltagirone construction era.
You can look out at the world surrounding you from a spacious attic room with a balcony. The property is also close to a local supermarket, and there is also a good bus service close by, taking you to many of the local Sicilian attractions.
€ 700.000 ($798,140; £619,290)
Live like a king and queen in your retirement! Thanks to this Sicilian palace, you can enjoy the splendour of Italian architecture.
The palace was originally built in the 18th century, and two centuries later, was renovated and boosted by some superb frescoes from Catanese painter, Alessandro Abate.
It's worth pointing out the caveat that although the property is overall, in very good condition, it does require the odd bit of renovation and restoration here and there. However, if you're prepared to put a bit of work in, then this superb palace is a real find.
You even get your own gates which lead to the property, which contains its share of bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, kitchen, utility room, attic, and even janitor's quarters! Special touches here and there, including mullioned windows and lava stone stairs add to the big picture of a palace that's definitely worth snapping up.
House to be restored, Santa Croce Camerina, Val di Noto
€ 75.000 ($85,515; £66,353)
Another restoration project, this is another great value property that, once completed, will make a first class base for you. It's only two kilometres away from the heart of Santa Croce Camerina and also two kilometres away from popular resort, Punta Secca.
The property is available for a bargain price, but does need the work. However, there is a good selection of rooms. The building comprises a lounge, a kitchen, a bathroom, an attic and three bedrooms. The outside space also features a water tank, two carob trees, and various other ornamental plants.
