When I arrived in Sicily in August, I had the idea of finding a place and building something there. I brought my questions, the experience I had gathered through my work, and a dream whose shape I couldn't yet fully see.
Then I came across this property at Monte Adrone, in Sambuca.
The stone buildings, the trees, the contours of the land, and the view stretching toward the water… As an architect, I could see the possibilities. As a person, I found myself imagining the life that could unfold here.
I think Zabut began where those two thoughts met.
What would a morning here feel like?
For years, I have worked on timber buildings and tiny house projects in Istanbul. Whenever I design a living space, I also imagine the everyday life it will hold: where will the morning light enter? Where will someone want to drink their coffee? Which corner will draw them outside, and which will invite them to spend a little time alone?
In Sambuca, I found myself asking the same questions.
I began imagining timber guest houses sitting comfortably within the landscape. Winding stone paths, shared spaces shaped around the trees, and corners that could serve different purposes throughout the day…
A place used for yoga in the morning could become someone's reading spot in the afternoon. People meeting over breakfast at a long table could find themselves sitting together again that evening. Someone might bring freshly picked produce into the kitchen, while someone else could spend the whole day quietly on their own, without joining a single activity.
These were things I wanted to make more room for in my own life, too: creating, sharing, slowing down, and truly getting to know the place around me.
Two kitchens, one table
As the idea of Zabut developed, I realized that the table would be at its heart.
I am imagining two distinct dining experiences inspired by Sicily's local cuisine and Sambuca's Arab heritage. Tables where we know where the ingredients come from, where we can meet the people who grow them, and where chefs can share their own interpretations.
Sometimes a tasting menu, sometimes a meal prepared together, sometimes a simple dinner we never quite want to leave…
To make this possible, I want to build relationships with local growers, artisans and businesses. It matters to me that Zabut grows alongside the life around it. I hope our guests will come to know Sambuca through its streets, its people and its food.
A place to celebrate, and to find time for yourself
Looking out at this landscape, I also imagined the people who might get married here. A ceremony setting made with timber, natural stone and light fabrics moving in the breeze; a wedding weekend where loved ones stay in the same place for a few days, sharing meals and time together…
At other times, I hope these spaces will welcome creative gatherings, small groups and retreats. Yoga, ceramics, cooking experiences, walks in nature, and the familiar closeness that comes from making something together.
Throughout the design process, there is a balance I want to protect: creating a place that brings people together while giving them room to be on their own.
Where are we today?
Zabut is still in the planning stage. We are working toward discussing the property's purchase terms, confirming how the project could take shape on this land, refining the budget and bringing the right partners together.
For the first phase, we are exploring twelve timber guest houses, two distinct dining spaces, and areas for weddings and private events. The designs are evolving through research, conversations and a deeper understanding of what the site can offer.
That is exactly why I am starting this journal. I want to share the decisions, changing ideas, materials, people and lessons that shape Zabut along the way.
One day, when we are sitting around that long table, we will have a record of how we got there.
For now, we have a view, plans we are working on, and the willingness to put the work into this dream.
Welcome to the first page of Zabut.
Ayşe Zülal, Alba in Sicily
Founder of Zabut the Splendid
