La Rondinaia Featured

DESCRIPTION OF THE VILLA

Amalfi Coast ultimate luxury living – this elegant, historic villa is embedded in the rockface as a “swallow’s nest”, set on a majestic hillside with unobstructed views of the Amalfi coast, suspended on the breathtaking cliffside in a unique and fairy tail scenario. Built in 1930 by Lord Grimthorpe for his second daughter, this villa was once the private paradise of the American essayist and writer Gore Vidal. Inspired by the stunning views all around his house, he wrote much of his work here, whilst giving splendid hospitality to great stars of the cinema, dignitaries of every kind and international jet-set rock stars.

Thanks to its new lucky owners, during the last few years this private jewel has been carefully renovated respecting the architectural constraints of the traditional buildings of the Amalfi coast and luxury furnished in order to accommodate the most demanding customers worldwide and the world’s elite.

The internal and external set up of the estate provide an unique setting for an unforgettable stay. Barrel-vaulted ceilings, arched doorways and windows, and long, tiled hallways open to spacious rooms with fireplaces, balconies and patios. The interiors of the villa are a mix of traditional and contemporary art throughout, paired with wooden furniture, fine fabric sofas and precious antiques. Everything, from the Murano glass lamps to the marble statues, from the contemporary Italian masterpieces to the gold-plated door handles enriching the sumptuous walnut wooden doors, is characterized by the highest levels of elegance and luxury. The entire accommodation is fully air conditioned and can accommodate a large family or a gruop of friends with rooms such as, suites, junior suites and deluxe rooms, sleeping up to 12 people.

There are so many stories to tell about this place perched on the cliff face and its amphitryon Gore Vidal. It’s here in fact that along the years the world’s elite has been hosted, including Princess Margaret of England, Hillary Clinton, Andy Warhol, Mick and Bianca Jagger, Sting, Tennessee Williams, Giovanni and Marella Agnelli,  just to name a few.

An only few minutes scenic walk from Ravello’s central Piazza Duomo – the villa can be reached by foot only – brings you to the main entrance, through a private garden with swimming pool. There are 30 steps down from the walking path to reach the villa’s main entrance. The main building is spread over an area of 850 square meters, including terraces and balconies, and is surrounded by a park over 10.000 square meters large with serene paths leading through the trees. There are lemon trees, olive groves, cypresses, palms and pergolas. The view from the villa’s terraces and windows is a show that will leave you breathless and will remain for ever in your heart.

ACCOMMODATION

850m2, with internal and external stairs to all floors.

Ground floor:
Entrance hall, Gore Vidal’s former studio (now only used as a museum and visitable by the villa’s guests by prior arrangements), main living room/dining room, bar area, large sofas, fireplace, French doors to two terrace, stunning panoramic views.
Fully equipped kitchen with modern professional appliances (for staff use or staff-assisted use), WC.

Basement Floor:
Inspiration Suite (80m2): Double bedroom (1.90m), (TV), living room, (TV), fireplace, slightly raised ensuite bathroom, shower room, WC, panoramic veranda,  French doors to private balcony with ocean view.
Serenity Suite (80m2): Double bedroom (1.90m), (TV), ensuite bathroom with shower room, panoramic veranda with built-in Jacuzzi tub, WC, French doors to private balcony with ocean view.

First Floor:
100m2 panoramic terrace
Desire Junior Suite (44m2): Double bedroom (1.90m), (TV), ensuite bathroom with shower room, WC, French doors to large terrace with ocean view.
Curiosity Deluxe Bedroom (27m2): external access from the panoramic terrace, Double bedroom (1.90m), (TV), ensuite bathroom with shower room, WC.
Extasy Deluxe Bedroom (44m2): 11 steps up, Double bedroom (1.90m), (TV), large arched windows with view, few steps to ensuite bathroom with shower room and glorious sea view, WC.

External Unit on the lowest floor (room accessed via external flight of stairs):
Audacity Junior Suite (80m2): 33 steps down from ground floor, Double bedroom (1.90m), (TV), slightly raised ensuite bathroom with shower room, WC, arched windows with panoramic views.

Grounds:
10.000m2 of external grounds including several comfortably furnished terraces. Private park and garden. Breathtaking pool terrace with 15m x 5,5m swimming pool (depth 2.7m) set on a marble paved terrace, outdoor shower, sun beds, deck chairs, parasols. 30 steps up to the walking path to reach the villa main entrance. The expansive grounds are also perfect for hosting a variety of events from weddings and birthday celebrations to galas, exhibitions and corporate retreats.

SERVICES

Included: Daily continental breakfast. Reception h24 and concierge. Daily maid service. Daily change of bath linen, bed linen changed on alternate days. Bathrobes and slippers. Courtesy set and bathroom amenities. Air conditioning. Winter heating. WiFi internet. Pool towels.

Extras (advance notice might be required): Chef service. Butler. Additional maid service. Villa pre-stocking. Laundry service. Massages and beauty treatments. Cerimonies and parties.

ABOUT THE LOCATION

• TOWN/VILLAGE
• Ravello “Piazza Duomo” 10 minutes walk
• Amalfi 8km
• Minori 9km
• Maiori 11km
• Positano 25km
• Naples 40km
• AIRPORT
• Naples 40km
• RAILWAY
• Sorrento 38km
• HARBOUR / FERRY
• Amalfi – ferries to
• ~ Sorrento 1 hr
• ~ Capri 1 hr
• ~ Naples 1 hr and 20 min
• SHOP/RESTAURANT
• nearest restaurants within 500m
• BEACH
• Castiglione di Ravello 6km
• Atrani 7km
• ACTIVITY
• Golf Club Salerno 52km
• Tennis (Positano) 25km
• Scuba Diving in Praiano
• Boat hire | excursions
• Hiking along Sentiero degli Dei from Agerola
• ATTRACTIONS
• Amalfi Duomo | marina 8km
• Positano 25km |
• Sorrento 38km | Salerno 29km
• Acquafarm water park (Battipaglia) 56km
• Pompei archaeological site 32km | Mount Vesuvio 55km
• Ercolano 48km

YOU WILL LOVE

• One of the most spectacular villas worldwide
• The privacy of this luxury villa in Ravello hidden from view
• Amazing views from terraces and rooms
• Delicious daily breakfast
• Highest quality decor and furnishings
• Easy access to the Amalfi coast and Sorrento
• Upgrading with a chef at the villa
• The proximity to the legendary 5 stars hotel Villa Cimbrone

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Refundable security deposit of €15.000 must be paid by credit card upon arrival. This will be refunded at the end of your stay, less any accidental damage.
Tourist tax to be paid locally in cash. No third-party suppliers allowed: all services will be provided by the villa management and in-house staff. Pets not allowed.