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8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
5 Bathrooms
480 square meters indoor
130 square meters outdoor
FeaturesSuper-luxury private palazzo in high Baroque style
All modern amenities including AC, WiFi
Indulgent private spa with heated, Jetstream pool, Turkish Bath, Private sunning deck
Private garden
Full staff
Extraordinary appointments throughout, every amenity considered
Professional chef and professional masseur available
Two magnificent master bedroom suites
Services of a Homebase Abroad Concierge available for the duration of your stay
Customized transportation, excursions and events arranged on request
OverviewPalazzo Santa Croce is a new entrant into the select class of super-luxury villas in Italy, situated along the alluring Amalfi Coast in Positano. A painstaking seven year restoration combines ultra-luxury accommodation with the highest possible standard for art and objects d'art of significant cultural interest. In a region best known for the sybaritic pleasures of sun and sea, Palazzo Santa Croce gives you this and more, an opportunity to step into a lifestyle rich with beauty and refined high culture as well as pure indulgent relaxation.
The property was developed over 35 years, finishing with the High Baroque of the late 17th century. The result is a sumptuous and highly detailed architecture that has been fully restored and embellished to an exacting standard and with an eye to welcoming the most discerning guests. The villa is visible from the approach of the Amalfi Drive, sitting as it does above the village of Positano and blessed with a position that ensures it is bathed by the first as well as the last light of the day. This is one of the many qualities that attracted the Vescovi to this exact setting when they constructed this palazzo for the church. A handsome and elegantly formal facade faces the receding landscape of the Amalfi coast to the west. The vista is of successive hills in ever diminishing shades green, blue and grey punctuated on the horizon with the clearly visible Tre Faraglioni of Capri. All three of the villa's expansive front terraces afford the romantic and ever-changing panorama of this dramatic coastline.
The Palazzo Santa Croce is reached off a series of walkways and characteristic shallow stairs walking distance from the center of town. Protected by its ample terraces and gardens from the bustle and tumult of the village below, Palazzo Santa Croce is a world unto itself. The villa is exceptional in many ways, among them its position with gardens behind and to the side, with terraces in front. This structure permits light and air to penetrate the villa from all sides. This is a very unusual feature for villas of the Amalfi Coast.
An imposing architectural achievement in its own right, the Palazzo enjoys an equal distinction with its full restoration. Each wall and ceiling is painted with the utmost care and attention to amplifying the considerable architectural refinements of the building. The interiors are sumptuous and each work of art and each painting was carefully selected for its appropriateness to the style and period of such a significant villa. Many of the artifacts remain from the original owners, including a substantial tabernacle in the private chapel below. The grand central staircase is embellished with fabulous statues. The symmetry and careful proportion of the interior is amplified by the restoration of each set of original painted double doors. More than fifty original four- and five-foot high cotta vases, originally for storing wine, oil and grain, were reclaimed from the interior during the restoration and have been reused in this thoroughly modern vacation villa.
The well-traveled owners have drawn from their own exacting standards in preparing their house for guests. The staff is well-trained and managed discreetly to ensure a seamless experience of service. The systems of the house were designed for much larger property. Sophisticated lighting enables careful control of the ambiance. You and your guests can bathe for dinner at the same time without risking a lack of water or water pressure. There is central air conditioning as well as central heating to ensure absolute comfort in every room, regardless of the season. The kitchen is a paradise for cooks wanting to tinker or observe the palazzo's private chef. A cantina is available for guests' convenience as well. Exceptional among most all private villa rentals, Palazzo Santa Croce has its own spa comprised a heated pool (8 x 3.5 meters) with Jetstream, Turkish bath, sauna, showers and weight training. There are two spacious terraces opening to the inspiring and ever-changing view, plus a quiet and shady garden. This is a haven you never have to leave.
No matter the beauty and desirability of this exceptional villa, sooner or later it is time to explore and experience the rich local culture beyond your private aerie. The Amalfi Coast is blessed with lovely weather. Spring is in full flower by April, Easter marking the beginning of the season here and an ideal time for enjoying the freshness of the air and the landscape. The atmosphere is buoyant owing to the effect of the quiet winter months on the sociable nature of the neighbors. Among our experienced guests, it is the long, warm fall season which feels also especially welcome. The summer crowd gone home, the local residents more relaxed and the refreshing ocean currents leaving the water warm and appealing. Excursions from Positano can be simply delightful and culturally stimulating. Private excursions by motor or sail boat give you a chance to take in the coastline from the water. Nerano and Capri make easy destinations for swimming and sunning or shopping and dining. The limpid waters of this region are comfortable for swimming from April into November, depending on weather patterns and your personal tastes.
Rising awareness of the healthful, fresh and natural cuisine of southern Italy has brought with it renewed interest and opportunities to enjoy the rich harvests of local produce, either the bounty of land or sea. Local wineries, cheese manufacturers and farms can be visited, depending on your interests. Cooking classes and tastings at the villa will enable you to enjoy such specialties in the most relaxed and refined atmosphere possible. Palazzo Santa Croce is itself a garden of earthy delights set in a landscape of nearly otherworldly beauty. This is a home for those with a refined appreciation for such an extraordinary realization of luxury.
LayoutGROUNDS
Gate from village opens to private terrace furnished as living/dining room
Upper terrace with expansive views of the village and sea
Private spa terrace tiled pool for hydro massage al fresco
Shaded private garden with trees and flower beds
ENTRANCE LEVEL
Central entrance hall with double staircase
Formal living room and dining room, double doors to front terrace
Casual dining room open to professional kitchen (8 gas burners, grill, oven, double size fridge, washing machine, microwave, dishwasher) with fireplace and two traditional fornos
UPPER LEVEL
Master bedroom suite (queen) with sitting area for four, opens to private balcony and shared terrace; ensuite bath (shower stall)
Master bedroom suite (queen) with sitting area for four, opens to private balcony and shared terrace; ensuite bath (shower stall)
GARDEN LEVEL
Double bedroom suite (queen) with ensuite bath (shower)
Double bedroom suite (queen)
Private bath (shower stall)
Direct access to garden and gate to village
Laundry room
SPA
Waterfall from wall into hydro-massage pool lined with antique tiles and with stairs and shelves for sitting
Turkish steam bath
Sauna
Three distinct showers for cold, tepid and hot water
Weight training equipment
Sitting area for eight with plasma TV, Satellite, sound system
Private chapel
Rental NotesRentals can begin on any day, Monday - Saturday. Additional days are prorated, for stays of more than one week.
Cleaning included 7 days/week.
Welcome Dinner with wine and champagne aperitivo included.
Cooking services for continental breakfast, lunch and dinner included 7 days/week.
Professional chef with butler available on request with additional payment (E. 250.00 per dinner).
Bed and bath linens changed daily.
Personal laundry services included.
Additional staff hours available on request with separate charge.
Heat, electricity and air conditioning are included.
Use of the spa facilities is expressly at the guests' own risk.
Professional masseur available on request.
Well-behaved and well-supervised children welcome with additional Security Deposit of $3,000.
Points of InterestPositano (stores, restaurants, beach): 5-20 mins.
Sorrento: 30 mins.
Capri: 30-40 mins. by boat
Ravello, Amalfi, Naples (airport), Pompeii: 1 hr.
Vietri: 2 hrs.
Rome airport: 4 hrs.
PricePrice information available upon request.
ExtrasTelephone/fax/internet are paid on consumption
Refundable security deposit ($10,000)
Extras deposit (E.3,000.00 paid in advance)
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