VILLA SAN GIACOMO Positano, Amalfi & Environs Consiglia is a superb cook and welcomes you in her kitchen to try your hand at local specialties. So much space! Lawn and separate pool terrace plus three terraces running the length of the house. Villa San Giacomo is dramatic in scale, a playground and palace all in one. Step through the stone portal and you are transported to an expansive aerie of graceful indoor-outdoor living with the world at your feet; the village of Positano tumbling below, the emphatic line of plunging mountainsides to Capri, and the undulating hypnotic expanse of ocean to the horizon.
OVERVIEW Well before Villa San Giacomo was fortunate enough to be purchased and restored by the same local entrepreneurs who brought us Palazzo Santa Croce, the Villa was last owned by an important merchant who was cared for throughout his life by a woman named Angelina who came to be his secret lover and eventually heir to the house she cared for as a maid. It was here she lived out her life, absorbed in the memory of a great love that gave her life purpose and meaning. Travel can bring purpose and meaning to life with those we love and there is something in the atmosphere of Villa San Giacomo that brings forward a sweet and romantic perspective from which to enjoy a holiday on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The very special atmosphere at Villa San Giacomo brings together various styles and influences in an exceptional harmony distinct among private homes for rent in Positano. The layout and amenities of Villa San Giacomo accommodate up to 16 with grace, plus additional beds for children so groups up to 20 are welcome. The spaces indoors and out are generous and well-furnished for use by intimate groups of two or large parties dining together by candlelight with the suggestive panorama of the Amalfi Coast spreading before you. The central level is for common use, the bedrooms and baths divided on the upper and lower levels. While there are some differences in configuration from the upper four to the lower four bedrooms, all are equally well furnished with antiques, hand-painted antique Neapolitan tiles from the 18th century and brand new upholstery and linens. The amenities include separate air conditioning units for the bathrooms and the bedrooms. The terraces are spacious, with shady and sunny spots depending on the time of day. Among the handful of private pools in Positano, Villa San Giacomo's provides a gracious setting between the main terrace and an upper garden dotted with mandarin and lemon fruit trees and bordered by bougainvillea and jasmine. The landscaping of every terrace and garden area is thoughtful and beautifully maintained to add to the lushness of the environment. The fruit from the garden finds its way to the breakfast table in the form of fresh squeezed juice and marmalade. What could be more local? Beyond the exceptional amenities, what makes a villa vacation an exceptional experience is the staff looking after you day to day. At Villa San Giacomo they are smiling and attentive without being overbearing, as well as flexible and accommodating to changes of plan. The waiter speaks English, and the entire team is utterly discreet in the way they deliver their own special brand of hospitality. In particular, the fabulous Consiglia is in the kitchen eight hours a day, preparing up to two meals as you prefer. This format for services is ideal as you can choose to sleep in and take a slow morning with a large cooked brunch then dinner, or come back from a day excursion to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri or the like for a refreshing swim and shower before coming to the terrace amid the scents of an abundant and delicious meal to be served alfresco. Consiglia is a gem and a superb cook, happy to welcome guests to the kitchen to watch her work. Hands-on cooking classes -- using the Villa's antique forno for bread and pizza or learning how to put together any of the regional specialties -- can be arranged as well. Our Concierge remains in constant contact with you as well as the staff to be sure your preferences are accommodated gracefully.
500 SQ METERS INDOORS 1350 SQUARE FEET OUTDOORS GARDEN LEVEL Outdoors GARDEN LEVEL GARDEN LEVEL Indoors- Common Areas Characteristic neighborhood staircase leads to principal entrance on Garden level. Lower level also accessible directly from neighborhood stairs. Expansive main terrace runs the length of the Villa and is set with both dining and living areas, seating 16 at each. Grapevine pergola for shade. Panoramic view of Positano looking west towards Capri. Multiple double doors open to dining/kitchen area and principal living room. Adjacent terrace with infinity-edge pool (7 x 3.5 meters, 1.70 meters deep, ladder only) with sun beds, outdoor hot/cold shower. Guest bath on adjacent Main Terrace for convenience of those enjoying the pool. Stairs lead to upper garden, lawn planted with almond, olive, lemon and mandarin trees, independent access to gate and 100 meter walk to Palazzo Santa Croce. Double doors from main terrace lead to doublesize, vaulted dining area (open to kitchen) with antique wood tables and sideboards. Seats up to 16 in various configurations for family-style dining with comfortable upholstered chairs. Well equipped open kitchen with professional appliances. Forno a legno for pizza nights and baking bread. Double living room reached directly from dining room or main terrace. Entertainment center with plasma TV (55 cm); three seating areas with seating for 16+; two double doors open to front terrace for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Library with books in multiple languages. Desk with integrated office services. ipad for guests' use for e-mail, taking/sending photos. ipod with Bluetooth enabled portable Bose stereo. Guest bathrooms.
500 SQ METERS INDOORS 1350 SQUARE FEET OUTDOORS UPPER LEVEL MANSARDA LOWER LEVEL Main stairwell and landing opens to common terrace running the length of the house and giving direct access to all bedrooms. Large seating area juts out in front of Ravello. Guest W.C. off Praiano. Capri: Double bedroom (king/twins). Double doors to balcony shared with all upper level bedrooms; cafe table and chairs for relaxing alfresco. Day bed opens to full size bed for child. Ensuite bath (stall shower, enclosed). Ravello: Double bedroom (king/twins) reached via double doors from shared terrace. West-facing standing balcony overlooks Positano. Daybed converts to full size bed for child. Ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall). Positano: Double bedroom (king/twins). Day bed opens to full size bed for child. Double doors lead to shared terrace, ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall). Praiano: Double bedroom (king/twins) reached via French doors from shared terrace. Daybed converts to full-size single for child on request. Ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall). Liparlati Suite: two bedrooms, each with ensuite bath (stall shower, enclosed). Sponda Suite: two bedrooms, each with ensuite bath (stall shower, enclosed). Laundry room (washing machine). Main stairwell to landing with guest bath. Opens to common terrace running the length of the house and giving direct access to all bedrooms. Upper sitting area in front of Napoli and Pompeii bedrooms. Stairs lead to pool area above. Lower sitting area in front of Amalfi and Sorrento bedrooms. Entrance from the staircase to Positano allows for direct entry/exit to the village. Napoli: Double bedroom (king/twins) with double doors to shared straw-shaded terrace furnished for 5-6. Ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall) Pompeii: Double bedroom (king/twins) reached through double doors from shared terrace. Ensuite bath (enclosed stall shower). Sorrento: Double bedroom (king/twins) with double doors to terrace. Ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall). Amalfi: Double bedroom (king/twins) reached from shared terrace via double doors. Ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall).
WHAT'S NEARBY Positano (beach, shopping, ferries) 5-15 minutes on foot Sorrento (beach, ferries, shopping, restaurants), Praiano (disco, restaurants) 30 minutes Capri 30-40 minutes by boat Amalfi, Ravello, Nerano, Marina del Cantone (concerts, restaurants, cultural attractions) 1 hour by boat or car Naples (Pompeii, Herculaneum, historic center, airport) 1 1.5 hours Vietri, Salerno, Paestum 2-3 hours (car or boat) Rome (historic center, airport) 4 hours ITINERARY RECOMMENDATIONS Make Positano your oyster for a beach day at Fornillo, taking coffee with the locals at Bar Internazionale or contemplating the pastry at La Zagara. Eat your way through Naples with our engaging guides, learning and appreciating this exceptional city as you go. Discover the hidden beauty of the Amalfi Coast by land and sea; Guided morning on Walk of the Gods, day-long Private Boat Charters under sail, powerboat tour of the coves around Capri. Head to the hills for an afternoon with a family in Nocelle, sharing in the preparation of a meal and leaving with a bellyful of local culture. Enjoy the beaches of Marina del Cantone in Nerano -especially with a side trip to the Baia di Ieranto and a waterfront meal at Lo Scoglio. Take to the coast in a kayak or stand up paddleboard for a slower-paced, more intimate view from the water. Change your perspective on the Coast with a wine-tasting tour in Tramonti and then a step back into Ravello's long cultural history with Angela as your guide. Bring your imagination to a guided tour of Herculaneum, Paestum or Pompeii.
WHAT TO KNOW Complimentary WiFi provided. Please note there is not consistent coverage throughout the property. Please discuss your particular connectivity needs before booking. Some hazards for young children. Please discuss the specifics with our staff before booking. Guests are solely responsible for the safety of all members of their party. Double doors on bedrooms will have retractable sun shades. There are no window screens. Parking in Positano at extra cost. Includes valet service to/from the Amalfi Drive below the house. Extra bed can be added in each of the double rooms on Upper Level at additional cost; please inquire. Villa San Giacomo is only accessible on foot by a series of characteristic staircases with approximately 200 steps to reach the house. Please discuss any physical constraints with our office before booking. Guests are free to use the laundry room for their personal laundry or can ask the staff to take care of personal laundry as an Extra. TRAVELING WITH HOMEBASE ABROAD Homebase Abroad rates include our professional guidance and comprehensive travel planning - including preparation of your itinerary - for your time at your chosen villa. All arrangements are customized to the specific interests, needs and preferences of you and your guests. We draw from our extensive network of direct contacts as well as our personal travel experiences in Italy. Saturday- Saturday rentals. Arrival time is 4 pm- 5 pm; departure time is 10 am. Arrivals before 4 pm will incur an additional charge. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Homebase Abroad Concierge who is available to you throughout your villa stay, and will be your first point of contact for any questions and additional requests regarding both your villa and itinerary. We are delighted to assist with travel planning for pre- or postvilla stays in Italy for you and your guests. Please contact us directly to discuss the applicable fees.
INCLUDED: HEAT GAS ELECTRICITY WATER AIR CONDITIONING INTERNET WiFi CLEANING daily cleaning 7 days per week (8 hours per day, 8am-4pm) LINEN CHANGE daily change of sheets and towels; pool towels are provided WELCOME DINNER Compliments of the owner BREAKFAST Continental breakfast included 7 days per week LUNCH service from 8:30-1:30. 8 hours per day for 2 meals (guests select which meals: cooked b'fst, brunch, lunch or dinner) DINNER service from 5:00-8:00 pm. 8 hours per day for 2 meals (guests select which meals: cooked b'fst, brunch, lunch or dinner) SHOPPING SERVICE FIREWOOD PORTERS from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Mon-Sat COOKING CLASSES One Culinary Experience to cook your favorite recipe with the chef. AVAILABLE: TELEPHONE/FAX Phone and faxed charged based on usage at cost CLEANING Additional staff time available at 25 per hour per person. For events exceeding 16 pax, there will be an addl fee according to type of event. PERSONAL LAUNDRY 25 per load; staff will take items to dry clean as needed LUNCH additional service (for third meal, etc) 25 per hour DINNER additional service (for third meal, etc) 25 per hour CHEF/COOK Professional chef available on request, 300 per meal PROVISIONS Food & bev not incl; paid on receipt. PORTERS Sundays or out of regular hours, cost is 10-15 per suitcase PARKING available on request at 20 per car, 30 per van per day including valet service ADDITIONAL BEDS 4 beds available 50 per day per bed PARKING 20 per day for a car, 30 per day for a van or bigger car, valet service included SPA Use of Spa at PSC 5500 per week (available if PSC is not rented) PRINTED: 2/17/2017