HISTORICAL NOTES
VILLA ROMANTICA is a historic Amalfitan house that originated in medieval times when the Maritime Republic of Amalfi dominated the waves. The vast blue sea and high peaks of the Lattari Mountains are visible from its big terraces, as well as the Village of Amalfi, a poetic sight just 3 kms away.
The original medieval structure was constructed on two upper floors above a ground floor. The barrel vaults and cross vaults of that ancient period are clearly visible. This three-story complex is the oldest part of the structure, dating back to the early 12th century.
The property originally belonged to a small landowner of Vettica Minore, a locality that extended along the western border of the city of Amalfi. Vettica was later extended further during the Renaissance, especially after the construction of the tower of Cape Vettica built in 1568. The tower was protection against the repeated invasions of the Barbary pirates.
The "baglio" consisting of a thick wall facing the entrance is notable for its arches, and also for its castle-like battlements from which the villa's 15th century occupants fended off attackers coming by sea and rampaging through the village. (The term “Baglio” now refers to the whole public stairway)
This villa, as a private fortified post, is included in the list of Amalfitan “tower-houses” dating back to the 11th century. It represents one of the remaining examples of architectural self-defense for the families in high positions. It had a fundamental role in the protection and communication between the tower of Cape Vettica and those of nearby municipalities..
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
Villa Romantica, a fine, elegant house, is magnificently situated overlooking a beautiful stretch of coastline in the Bay of Salerno. It has a wide view of the sea in one of the most picturesque parts of the Coast, along the road leading from Amalfi to Positano, it is suitable for those who are looking for peace and tranquillity without being 'off the beaten track'. The Village of Amalfi and all that it offers is reachable in less than 10 minutes, a short 3km drive away.
The recent renovations, made with meticulous care, have transformed Villa Romantica into an exceptional holiday house offering an unbelievable, evocative atmosphere, as well as serene privacy.
The interior is airy, bright and immaculate. The choice of interior colors, terracotta floors, the blend of antique and modern furnishings, the high quality drapery, and valuable decorative objects all create a refined and elegant atmosphere yet warm and welcoming. Great care has been taken to provide guests with every comfort.
The amenities include all modern conveniences such as satellite TV, washing-machine, dishwasher, air-conditioning, central heating, pay telephone for incoming and outgoing calls, WI-FI internet connection, and CD player.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The total area of the villa, spread out over three levels is 250 sqm of indoor and 600 sqm of outdoor space consisting of panoramic terraces and gardens.
Access to the villa is by means of a staircase which ascends from the parking area along the Amalfi Drive. There are 110 steps leading up to the main gate which opens onto a well-kept garden with extensive view of the sea. This garden is equipped with deck chairs and garden furniture and is shaded by a pergola.
From the garden twelve steps ascend to the ground floor of the villa, composed of
• a sitting area with wicker table and armchairs
• a spacious dining/living room with solid wood table 4 seats and window offering a truly fascinating view of Amalfi
• two large double bedrooms
Both bedrooms have TV, independent air-conditioning/ heating units and en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms have elegant appointments, majolica tile floors, large shower cubicle with attractive blue and green ceramics, washbasin , WC.
One of the bedrooms, behind the living/dining room, can be made into a twin bedded room. It is furnished with a wrought iron head-board, antique bedside table and wardrobe, solid wood desk and French window which faces onto the back of the villa ( no views). The other bedroom with double bed and built-in wardrobe has a window with lovely views.
From the main gate, passing through a private stairway of about 30 steps, one comes into a garden terrace suitable both for sun-bathing and for dining outside. A part of the terrace is paved and shaded by olive trees and large awnings. It is furnished with an outdoor shower, dining table seating 12 people, chairs, deck-chairs and a barbecue.
The pool, situated on this level, enjoys an extensive view of the sea.
Entrance to the middle floor of the house is straight from the garden. Once inside, a small hallway leads to a superb kitchen, ultra modern and fully outfitted with marble countertop, built-in solid wood drawers, electric oven, 3 small fridges, espresso coffee maker, dishwasher, antique dining table seating 12 people, marble fireplace, window looking onto the rear of the villa, precious lamps and chandeliers. It maintains the architectural beauty and character of the original structure with its high vaulted ceilings.
From the kitchen, a small corridor with 2 antique wardrobes leads onto
• an elegant bathroom equipped with a Jacuzzi tub and majolica tile floor, WC, large basin on a wood counter, etc.
• a living room furnished with antique furniture and ceramic lamps, sofa of 3 seats, 2 leather armchairs, small wrought iron table
• a roomy double bedroom - can be made as a twin – furnished with an antique chest of drawers, bedside tables and TV .
Both the living room and the double room have access to the terrace in front of them overlooking the expanse of the Mediterranean.
On the left side of the hallway, a small corridor leads to
• a roomy double bedroom with window and lovely sea views,
• a smaller double bedroom with window opening onto the rear of the house.
Both bedrooms have TV and share the same bathroom in the corridor. It features a shower cubicle, attractive floor with majolica blue printed tiles, WC, wash basin and window with views.
At the end of this corridor, a door opens directly onto the garden terrace.
The top floor of the building is reached directly from the garden by means of an external stairway (25 steps) . Entrance is onto a huge solarium terrace enjoying a wide view of the sea . It is furnished with wrought iron tables and chairs for four people, built-in seating, outdoor shower and deck chairs.
Seven steps lead down into a romantic attic accommodation for two people, composed of:
• Dining room with sloping ceiling, a solid wood round table of 4 seats, antique sofa 2 seats , wood corner kitchen with sink , 2 electric hotplates and small fridge
• Bathroom with shower cubicle, wash basin, WC, etc.
• Master bedroom - can be made as a twin – with sloping ceiling. It is furnished with a large wrought iron head-board, antique furniture and window looking onto the garden .
ACCESS
Access is from the parking area along the Amalfi Drive.
110 steps lead up to the main entrance of the villa. A car is suggested but not essential.
FACILITIES
Outdoor showers, washing machine, dishwasher, hairdryers in each bathroom, satellite TV, heating and air conditioning throughout, pay telephone for incoming and outgoing calls,
WI-FI internet connection, CD player, barbecue, 3 small fridge/freezers, four-burner cooker, microwave, toaster, electric oven, private parking suitable for 2 cars, safe box.
SERVICES
English speaking manager on call. Luggage carrying service both on arrival and on departure is included in the rental price. Local cook, food delivery, babysitter, extra maid service, cot and high chair available on request for an additional fee.
Mandatory weekly cleaning fee, 200,00 euros per week payable locally in cash on arrival
Maid service included: 5 hours per day (Monday-Friday) and one change of linen midweek.
Distances: Amalfi 3 km, Ravello 8 Km, Sorrento 32 Km, Salerno 30 Km, Positano 20 Km, Naples airport 60 Km, Rome Fiumicino 320Km.
NEARBY
Two well-known restaurants offering delicious local cuisine are situated just down the steps, as well as the SITA bus stop to Amalfi (10 min) and Positano (30 min). All essentials (bars, shops, banks, and post office) are situated in Amalfi town centre.
A communal staircase (approx. 400 steps), 400 meters away, descends to the Santa Croce public beach which has 2 restaurants, as well as umbrellas and chairs for hire. (At this time the stairs down to Santa Croce are NOT accessible. One must go to the Amalfi dock to get the small boats that go to both the Duoglio beach and to the Santa Croce beach.)
PUBLIC BOATS
Ferries and hydrofoils ply daily from Amalfi to Capri (1½ h.), Positano (20 min.), Sorrento (1 h.), Naples (2 h.) Ischia (2½ h) and Salerno (1 h.).
ELECTRICITY USAGE
300 Kwh are included in the rental price. Excess of the included kwh will be charged locally at Euro 0,42 per kwh
Refundable DAMAGE DEPOSIT of Euro 1.500, is due upon arrival in cash (euro) . No other form of payment will be accepted.
POOL opening: April 19- October 25. Swimming pool (6 m x 8 m x 1.10/1.60 m)
Swimming pool water can be HEATED for an extra cost of 300 Euros/week
Two single beds are available at the extra cost of 300 Euros/week per each bed
