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Villa Beatrice was constructed in the traditional Mediterranean style: thick stone walls and red terracotta tiled roof. It was designed, built and furnished by a career diplomat whose various posts and extensive travels enabled him to gather a delightfully eclectic collection of statues, tapestries, rugs, furniture, and ornamentals. The paintings are largely European, with a well-rounded collection of Mediterranean gouaches forming the nucleus. Many are of the mountain Vesuvius, destroyer and preserver of Pompeii and Herculeum. The villa combines the beauty of antiquity with modern convenience.
The villa is uniquely built into the side of a hill, so that all three floors have access to sun drenched terraces, shaded areas, and the surrounding land. The 4,500-square-meter gardens afford privacy, freedom of movement and views of the Mediterranean, including the island of Procida, (setting of the beautiful film Il Postino) the ancient island castle Argonese guarding the port of Ischia (as seen in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley), and the great volcano Vesuvius, dominating the bay of Naples.
The library of approximately 2800 volumes is on the third floor, and has an extensive assortment of books on art, history, exploration, literature, religion, and philosophy, as well as guides to Ischia, the sister islands of Capri and Procida, and such nearby mainland attractions as Pompeii, Herculeum, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Paestum. The library at Villa Beatrice is an excellent center from which to study Italian culture from north to south, in all its variety. Most volumes are in English, with many in Italian, German, and French. There is a study area at one end with a view of islands in the ever present Mediterranean.
The living room is the largest room, with antique tiles, two circles of chairs and couches, a desk at one end, other antiques dispersed throughout, and an open marble fireplace. There is also a CD stereo and a television. The living room exits onto the central terrace and outdoor dining area by way of a jasmine-covered loggia. The adjoining dining room also exits onto the central terrace where the temperate climate and garden enhance the pleasure of outdoor dining.
The kitchen, separated from the dining room by a service alcove, has been completely renovated, refurbished and enlarged in 2007. It is equipped with 2 modern refrigerator-freezers, five-burner grill, oven and broiler stove, microwave, dishwasher, and two sinks, all recessed in or arranged around a black granite countertop with wall tiles and cherry wood cabinets. Everything needed to prepare and serve sumptuous Italian repasts is provided in an efficient and pleasant environment.
The third floor bedroom, with adjoining bathroom and study has a private loggia with views of the garden below. There is also another small terrace outside an independent exterior door that leads directly to the gardens and then to the pool. The bed is queen-size. The en-suite bathroom has separate shower and two person tub. One of the second floor bedrooms has a queen-size bed, en-suite bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, and its own outdoor garden loggia. The other second floor bedroom has a queen bed, private arched porch overlooking gardens, and an en-suite bathroom with combined tub and shower.
The three ground floor bedrooms are configured as follows: one with two single joinable beds which has an en-suite bathroom with tub and shower, one with two single joinable beds that shares a shower bathroom with another smaller bedroom that has a single bed. All six bedrooms are elegantly decorated with tapestries, paintings, and furniture. All have bedside reading lights, ample closet space, and new orthopedic mattresses. The five bathrooms were all completely renovated and refurbished from 1998-2001.
In the gardens, a stone walkway meanders amidst secluded stone benches, flower beds, a shaded hammock area, four terraces conveniently dispersed at different altitudes, with sit-down and lie-down chairs, tables, and a large wood and canvas umbrella on the pool terrace. The swimming pool is one of the most beautiful ever made and has a fountain of Poseidon and three hydro-massage jets and is open from mid-May to mid-October. There is a large stone barbecue and countless plantings of beauty and variety - the pride of the villa. The sea, a five-minute car or short bus drive away, is visible from most parts of the property.
The rental fee includes all utilities except heating. DSL line, computer and sat TV is included in the price. There is a washing machine, and weekly change of linen is provided. Guests have full use of the library. Garden and pool maintenance and immaculate daily housekeeping are also provided at no additional charge. A cook, babysitter, and driver with or without car are made available for an additional charge on an as-needed basis. The villa is available year-round as it is equipped with central heating and three woodburning terracotta heaters along with the open central fireplace. The minimum stay is one week.
Some Additional Information:
-- Pietro is the custodian and he has been affiliated with the place since 1970. He is a delightful and completely responsible man, non intrusive yet maintaining the place in top notch condition. He also is the latest Agnese in many generations of wine makers responsible for the family vineyards. His delicious, light, dry, earthy wine is available for a song. He lives right down the road from the villa. Give him a call on his cellular and he will pick you up on the docks.
-- Should you wish, Pietro and the chef have arranged a selective, delicious, and reasonably priced menu for your enjoyment. There is also a vegetarian selection. |
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