Well, hasn’t it been a while? No, the luxury property market hasn’t quietly withered away during our absence — quite the opposite, in fact. Just as the world’s most covetable homes continue to change hands at pace, we thought it was about time our property column got a little refresh, too.
Property of the Week is now The Listing – a weekly deep-dive into the luxury homes, extravagant villas and exclusive pied-a-terres that we’re genuinely excited about. It’s the same eagle eye for best-in-class real estate, but with more time to explore what really makes these places stand out: the story behind the location, the design details, the lifestyle they offer.
So, for the first iteration of this new series, we’re heading to Sicily. Because what better way to kick things off than with a debut of our own and one for the island, too? The Private Villas at Verdura Resort mark the launch of Rocco Forte Hotels’ first branded residences, and Sicily’s first ever foray into the category.
Long beloved for its quiet luxury and clifftop views, Rocco Forte Verdura Resort has already earned its stripes among discerning travelers. But now, the coastal retreat is extending the invitation permanently with the debut of these design-led villas for private ownership – and a new chapter for Rocco Forte’s quietly confident expansion into lifestyle-led real estate.
Set on a 570-acre estate of olive groves and citrus trees, with the Mediterranean glittering beyond, these newly released homes offer a rare chance to own a slice of island life, complete with the five-star polish Rocco Forte is known for.
Buyers can choose from two distinct options. There are eight move-in-ready turnkey villas available, each with three to four bedrooms, natural finishes, private pools and landscaped gardens; and 15 off-plan villas – expansive four- to seven-bedroom homes set on generous plots overlooking the golf course, with customizable layouts and infinity-edge pools. Prices start at €3.01m (approx. $3.415m) for turnkey homes, rising to €5.21m ($5.9m) for off-plan villas.
“It’s the perfect balance between private homeownership and five-star resort living,” says Verdura’s retail estate sales manager, Cameron Avery. “Owners can retreat to the comfort and privacy of their own villas while also enjoying seamless access to the resort’s world-class amenities — all just moments from their doorstep.”
The private villas are dotted across the western side of the estate, each offering panoramic Mediterranean views and a contemporary interpretation of classic Sicilian architecture. Exteriors are softened with earth-toned render and low-slung tiled roofs; interiors are crisp and modern, with polished stone floors, sliding glass walls and natural timber accents. While the floor plans range from three to seven bedrooms, every villa comes with its own private pool, landscaped garden and shaded al fresco dining area.
For those buying off-plan, the villas offer an unusually high degree of flexibility. Buyers can choose from a series of core layouts — from single-story to multi-level — and then personalize key elements such as interior finishes, furniture packages and even room configurations.
“Our off-plan villas provide buyers with the opportunity to tailor spaces to meet their specific needs,” explains Avery. “One of our early owners, for example, fully customized their home to accommodate an extended family, with multiple gathering areas and additional guest rooms. This level of personalization is exactly what many buyers are looking for — a home that reflects how they live, not just a luxury product.”
Because the villas are built around an already thriving resort, owners don’t have to buy into a dream that’s still under construction. “With many projects of this nature, buyers are not only purchasing their homes off-plan, but they’re also investing in a resort that’s still in its early stages of development,” Avery notes. “At Verdura, the experience is entirely different — the resort is already fully developed and operational, offering prospective owners a clear, tangible sense of what they’re joining. That level of visibility provides a significant sense of reassurance and confidence.”
Because, for all its polish, Rocco Forte Verdura’s charm lies in its authenticity. “While resort destinations in southern Spain and Portugal are undeniably beautiful, they’ve become so shaped by international tourism that, in some ways, they’ve lost touch with their identity,” Avery reflects. “Sicily, on the other hand, holds on fiercely to its roots — from the food and wine to the traditions and design. That depth of identity is real. Guests experience it, but owners live it — and that’s what makes these residences genuinely unique.”
He adds: “Authenticity is what I believe truly sets this project apart. From the food and wine to the architecture and design, everything at the resort is unmistakably and unapologetically Sicilian. That depth of identity is real — guests experience it, but owners live it.”
That resort experience is central to the lifestyle on offer here. Villa owners benefit from full access to Verdura’s acclaimed facilities, including two 18-hole Kyle Phillips-designed golf courses, a 43,000-sq-ft Irene Forte Spa, tennis courts, four restaurants, curated cultural programming and a pristine private beach. Add in concierge services, in-villa dining and housekeeping, and the experience is one of total ease.
Verdura’s Private Villas may be a first for Rocco Forte, but their promise is timeless: the freedom to live (and not just vacation) in one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating corners.
There are eight move-in-ready turnkey villas available, each with three to four bedrooms, natural finishes, private pools and landscaped gardens; or 15 off-plan villas – expansive four- to seven-bedroom homes set on generous plots overlooking the golf course, with customizable layouts and infinity-edge pools.
Exteriors are softened with earth-toned render and low-slung tiled roofs; interiors are crisp and modern, with polished stone floors, sliding glass walls and natural timber accents.
Each villa is designed to maximise indoor-outdoor living, with expansive terraces, shaded loggias and infinity pools that offer seamless transitions from sun-soaked days to starlit evenings.
The private villas are dotted across the western side of the resort’s 570-acre estate, each offering panoramic Mediterranean views and a contemporary interpretation of classic Sicilian architecture.
Villa owners benefit from full access to Verdura’s acclaimed facilities, including two 18-hole Kyle Phillips-designed golf courses, a 43,000-sq-ft Irene Forte Spa, tennis courts, four restaurants, curated cultural programming and a pristine private beach.
Prices start from €3.01m (approx. $3.415m) for turnkey homes, and from €5.21m ($5.9m) for off-plan villas.
Contact: Cameron Avery, real estate sales manager. +39 347 513 9534, cavery@roccofortehotels.com. roccofortehotels.com/villas-to-own