Villa on Ischia - etia no.: 125

location & history:

This prestigious and luxurious villa belonged to a well-known Contessa, who was in a romantic relationship with the brother of the King of England and lived here until the end of the 70’ties. The property grounds, which are designed like a ring, covers the entire promontory descending directly down to the sea, with a semi-private access from the villa. 

The villa, lying below Mt Montaione, is set in a totally hidden position, surrounded by high trees and greenery and is therefore able to guaranty total privacy. Thanks to its position, it offers utmost incredible views over the sea extending from Capri to the northern part of the Bay of Naples and the charming island of Procida, overlooking the islands’ most exclusive areas and nearby private properties.  It’s an unusual property with a very interesting history – due to its prior owner, the villa has hosted VIP’s and people from all over the world for decades. The place is full of natural mysteries and wonders as the promontory is actually part of the gate to the islands oldest volcano – Monte Tuorone – and below the entrance of the villa you can still find the “fumaroles” appearing from the earth!  The interiors and the gardens are full of surprises too, like the golden door, the historical remaining from a church in Assisi, and its many rare plants.

description:

The property is divided into 6 different Units: 2 main villas (Villa 1 and Villa 2), 2 beautiful and comfortable suites (suite 1 and suite2) and two dependence rooms (dep. 1 and dep. 2).  All units are built and laid with beautiful natural stone, as well as some of the terraces and the walking paths. Other terraces and floors are terracotta or marble tiled.
The villa is immersed in a lush garden and greenery with compositions of century old maritime pine trees, palm trees, olive trees, and other pants from the Mediterranean vegetation – bringing shade and cool air to the outdoor areas. Different sorts of cactus plants, potted flowers, and potted lemon trees make the garden and outdoor dining areas a pleasure for the eye!!  The terraces are furnished with iron furniture and volcanic topped tables as well as lounge chairs. The pool area and walking paths and terraces are light up at night.

Garden area, terraces & pool:

Pool area:
Accessible from Villa 1by 6 steps: The pool (4.5 x 6 x 2,5 mt) is set on a terrace, offering stunning sea views, paved with natural stone and ornamented by decorative potted flowers, small potted lemon trees, palms, and cactus. The terrace is furnished with a table and 6 chairs as well as chaise lounges. The garden corner on same level comes with a patio with Bougainvillea, small tables, 8 lounge chairs and 2 sofas seating 7 people. 7 steps lead to a lower lying terrace level, with 2 white, built-in stone benches.  The entire area enjoys fantastic views overlooking the entire promontory and the busy port at the nearby Ischia Porto. 

Dining area and patio:
Outdoor dining area accessible from the villa, equipped with large table seating 10 pers.. A large terrace area, at the back of the villa gives access to Villa 2 (the second main villa) and is lined by a built-in stone bench and by high maritime pine trees with large crowns, ensuring privacy while enjoying the views towards the coastline. A large patio covered by cane sticks comes with 2 round tables, chairs and lounge chairs. A part of antique terracotta pavement as well as a ceramic Madonna bas relief derives from the Basilica San Francesco di Assisi and was bought for the villa by the Countess.  

Roof terraces:
23 steps lead up to a terracotta-paved terrace. 14 steps leads further up to a terrace area covered by bamboo sticks and lined by lush Bougainvillea. 7 steps lead up to the roof top terraces, overlooking the castle d’Aragona and Procida Island, and offers built-in benches for comfortable seating.  

Outdoor kitchen:
13 steps lead from the roof terrace down to a covered outdoor kitchen with many facilities: Large grill (wooden), pizza oven, 2 small sinks, barbeque, refrigerator, 2 freezers. The outdoor kitchen is also reachable by walking up 20 steps from Villa 1 and 33 steps from the parking area.

Sea access:
The villa enjoys a semi-private sea access, reachable on foot or by car. The descent is rapid and extends about 1.5 km from the villa. There is a parking space near the coastline from which 52 steps and 100 meters of walking path takes you down to the sea.  Two bathing establishments equipped with sun lounge chairs and umbrellas, a restaurant, bars and pool can be used payable locally at an extra fee. It is also possible to swim in the sea directly from the rocks or the small inlet.  

Main Villa 1:   (5 Pers.)
Reachable by 13 steps from the parking area. The villa boasts a very elegant living room about 180 sqm (1.900 sq. feet) with sophisticated furniture. Many pieces and art objects date back to the ‘700 century.

The lounge has a beautiful antique terracotta and marble tiled floor, plenty of potted flowers and plants, 2 stone fireplaces and a very invitable area for relaxing with 2 large sofas, a beautiful glass topped table and chairs. A piano, antique paintings in a Venetian style, and the small antique lamps adorn and refinish the style. 2 French doors opens onto the terrace. The living room also accesses the dining room with 2 large windows and a French door, which leads onto the terrace, furnished with a large round table seating 8 and pieces of charming antique furniture. To the left of the entrance is the kitchen and dining area with table and chairs and built-in bench with cushions. The kitchen facilities include a grill, 5-range stovetop, double sink, refrigerator/freezer, and double oven. 

Villa 1 has 3 bedrooms (1 double bedroom, 1 room with twin beds, and a single bedroom). The twin room has a terracotta tiled floor, TV, and window facing the terrace. The single bedroom with external wardrobe enjoys a French door that leads on the terrace. Shared bath with double shower, double sink and characteristic glass niche with greenery and plants. A second hall leads into the master bedroom (double bed) with terracotta-tiled floor, marble bedside tables, lounge chair, fireplace, TV and pieces of antique wooden furniture. The room has a window and French doors facing the terrace behind the house. One step up, an en-suite tiled bathroom with shower box, separate bathtub, large mirror and roof opens for daylight.

Main Villa 2:    (8 Pers.)
Villa 2 lies on same level as Villa 1 and is accessible 2 steps up from the patio-terrace.  It’s more simple and modern than Villa 1, but boasts whitewashed walls, white tiled floors, and all rooms have French doors leading onto different areas of the patio-terrace.

Double bedroom with external wardrobe, TV, and fireplace. Second bedroom with large wardrobe and en-suite bath with shower. Twin bedroom with ceiling fan and large window. Bathroom with shower box. Separate, simple living room with built-in sofas seating 5, small table and kitchenette with small refrigerator, oven, and 4-range stovetop. 18 steps from the villa leads onto a dependence, with a nice double bedroom and bath with shower.

Suite 1:     (2 Pers.)
Reachable by 26 steps and down a small path from the pool area, 32 steps from the main villa. Simply furnished and cosy with terracotta tiled floor throughout. Living area with 2 sofas, glass topped table and kitchenette with window, refrigerator/freezer, double sink, 5-range stovetop and oven. 7 steps lead up to a room with a double bed, bedside tables, dresser, and built-in wardrobe, featuring a large glass window facing a balcony. Bath with shower box.  

Suite 2:     (2 Pers.)
Located in a nice shaded area of the promontory, right above the coastline, lies Suite 2.  It’s reachable 16 steps from the pool area and 22 steps form the main villa. 1 step down leads to the spacious bedroom with terracotta tiled floor, double bed, dresser, and wardrobe. Window facing the garden and coastline. Bath with open shower box.

Dependance 1:    (4 Pers.)
6 steps down from pool area and 12 steps from the main villa. This independent apartment is furnished with a white tiled kitchenette with refrigerator/freezer, oven, 4-range stovetop, and dishwasher. Built-in bench with cushions, small TV, and air conditioning. Twin bedroom with ceiling fan and panoramic window facing the sea.  External bath with shower box. Double room with double bed.  2 steps lead up to the en-suite bath with shower box. The kitchen faces a semi circled terrace facing the coastline, equipped with a table, sun lounges, and chairs seating 8. The shaded terrace offers enchanting views out over the Med.

Dependance 2:   (4 Pers.)
Reachable by 12 steps from pool area and 18 steps from the main villa. An independent apartment with living room & kitchenette, 2 double bedrooms, and 2 baths with shower.

Access:  The villa is reachable through a gate leading onto a private road of approx. 150/200 meters and can be reached on foot or by car.
Parking: The villa has plenty of parking space in two areas each with room for 2 – 4 cars. 13 steps leads from the parking The property is also reachable by the public bus, which is very efficient on the island – just 3 stops from the main port, the nearest village. Bus stop is on the main road, close to the villa.area up to the main floor.

facilities:

• The facilities of the units vary (see each description for details)
  
• Pool (6 x 4,5 x 2,5 mt)
• 5 terraces
  
• Outdoor kitchen
  
• Large grill (wooden)
• Pizza oven
  
• Barbeque 
  
• Air conditioning in the bedrooms
  
• 5 kitchen/kitchenettes
• Permanent staff
• Independent unit for staff
• Car park
• Semi private sea acess

distances:

approx. kms

Ischia Porto

2km

prices 2008:

	29.4.-12.5.	12.5.-7.6. 13.9.-11.11.	7.6.-13.9.
13  pers.	18,600 Euro	19,100 Euro	19,800 Euro
24/25 pers.	23,500 Euro	24,300 Euro	25,000 Euro

service included:

• Gardener,  pool caretaker, housekeeper and a maid assistant
• Daily breakfast service
• Daily maid service 6 days/week, from 8am-1pm

extra services:

• Chef service
• Laundry service
• Concierge service

our suggestion:

This Villa is a superb property. Villa 1 and Villa 2 are the two villas rented when the property is rented as a base of 6 bedrooms. The other units can be added upon request. The villa, thanks to its great outdoor spaces and its kitchen facilities, is great for events, cocktail parties and weddings. A rental car is suggested to get around the island.  Car rental can be organized ahead at approximately 40 Euros per day.