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In the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a maritime power equal to Genoa, Pisa and Venice. Her magnificent cathedral attests to that, as do a very few buildings that have survived 800 years of invasions and earthquakes. This stone fortress-cum-vacation-retreat, set high on a hill surrounded by its own vast, manicured gardens, is among them. As can be expected of any ancient watchtower, this property offers amazing views of the endless blue sea, the whitewashed houses of Amalfi, the acres and acres of terraced lemon groves, and the famed coastal road. After your fascinating day of sightseeing, you will want to enjoy an aperitif while you watch the blazing sunset, then retire beneath the ancient portico to dine in blessed peace and quiet as the town begins to glitter and the lights of traffic trace the outline of the shore far below. Thanks to its unique combination of historical value and modern amenities (such as air conditioning and flat-screen satellite TVs), this is bound to be a vacation home you will remember for years to come.
There are three floors in this 2700-square-foot house, and you will see evidence of the centuries on each level. From the original barrel-vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors, to the lunette windows from which arrows could be aimed at invaders trying to climb the hill, to the many different types of stone and mortar and limestone (added at different periods through the ages), to the tower, which now forms a separate mini-apartment that can be rented with the villa or left unoccupied if there are eight or fewer people in your party. This was already an ancient landmark when it was acquired by local nobility in the 16th century. Today it is simply one of a kind.
There is one small price to pay for this heavenly location: to reach it you must climb 116 steps from the parking lot. Before you throw up your hands in dismay, let us remind you that the entire Amalfi Coast is more or less perpendicular, so you will be going up and down hills no matter where you are. Luggage porterage is included in the price of your stay, so while the locals carry your bags, you can take your time and enjoy the views. Then, when you step over the threshold into the big, sunny and immaculate rooms of the house, with their soaring vaulted ceilings and gleaming terracotta or hand-painted ceramic floors, their quality antiques and comfy modern pieces, their luxurious upholsteries and accessories, you will find that those few minutes of exertion were more than worth it! Outdoors, there are almost 6500 square feet of lawns and terraces and gardens, each with its own version of the famed Amalfi postcard view to enchant you. The first of these, shaded by a pergola and equipped with deck chairs and garden furniture, awaits you at the top of the steps.
From here, you enter the ground floor of the villa. Awaiting you are small sitting area, a spacious living/dining room, and two large double bedrooms, each offering an en suite bathroom with stall shower. One of the bedrooms can have two twin beds or one queen bed and faces the hillside behind the villa; the other has a queen bed and a large picture window overlooking the coast.
From this level, a staircase of 30 steps leads up to a large garden shaded by olive trees and awnings. There is a barbecue here, as well as a dining table for 12, numerous deck chairs and an outdoor shower. Off one side of this terrace is a superb modern eat-in kitchen with two small fridges, a separate freezer, electric oven, five burners, oversized dishwasher, an open fireplace, and all the small appliances, dishware and cookware you could ever desire. This room does not have a view, but its integral original architecture and its ultra-modern amenities make up for that!
Off the hallway from the kitchen, lined with big wardrobes, are a bathroom with whirlpool tub; a large double bedroom with two twin beds or one queen bed; and the main living room with sofas, armchairs, and many antiques. The living room and bedroom both open onto another terrace with coastal views. From here, another hallway leads to a double bedroom with picture windows and a smaller double bedroom facing the hillside. These rooms share a hall bathroom with stall shower and picture window. At the end of the hall, a door opens onto the garden terrace.
The top floor of the villa is reached by an external staircase of 25 steps. Here you find yourself perched atop Amalfi, standing on a large solarium with unobstructed views on all sides. It is furnished and has an outdoor shower for hard core sunbathers. Inside the tower, seven steps lead down to a romantic attic apartment for two people. In the living/dining room there are a pair of sofas, a table, and a kitchenette with two electric burners, a sink and mini-fridge. Completing the apartment are a bedroom with two twin beds or one queen bed, a wardrobe and window on the garden, and a bathroom with stall shower.
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| Weekly Rates for 2008 (for the villa) | ||
| 1-8 People | 9-12 People | |
| Jan. 5-March 22 Oct. 25-Dec. 20 |
3939.00 EURO | 4565.00 EURO |
| March 22-May 24 Sept. 27-Oct. 25 Dec. 20-Jan. 3, 2009 |
3939.00 EURO | 4565.00 EURO |
| May 24-June 28 Aug. 30-Sept. 27 |
4773.00 EURO | 5295.00 EURO |
| June 28-Aug. 30 | 5816.00 EURO | 5816.00 EURO |
Prices include: all taxes, services, 150 KWH of electricity, one set of
linens per person, luggage porterage at arrival and departure, 30 hours of cleaning
(5 hours/day Monday-Saturday)
Mandatory extras: weekly or final cleaning (150 Euro/week for 1-8 people, 200 Euro/week for 9-12
people), metered air conditioning or heating (if used)
Optional extras: food delivery, meal preparation and service, babysitting, high chair, 52 Euro/week
for baby cot and linens
Access to the property is up 116 steps from the parking area for three cars.
Amalfi (bars, shops, banks, and post office) is 3 km, Ravello 8 km, Sorrento 32 km, Salerno 30 km, Positano 20 km, Naples airport 60 km. Two well-known typical restaurants are next to the parking area, along with the bus stop for Amalfi (10 minutes) or Positano (30 minutes). Ferries and hydrofoils ply daily during summer months from Amalfi to Capri (1 1/2 h.), Positano (20 min.), Ischia (2 1/2 h) and Salerno (1 h.).
Check-in: 3-8pmClick here for information about regular boat service between Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Agropoli and Cilento.
Click here for information about private transfers to the property.
Please note that you need a car to stay here.
