Location and Surrounding Area. This amazing property was lovingly created by the artist Renato Balsamo and sits in an exclusive area outside Sorrento that is generally populated by the rich and famous. Sorrento is a magnificent destination, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and overlooking the twinkling lights of the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius can be seen towering over the city of Naples on the other side of the water. The town itself is a full of fun and offers a labyrinth of pretty streets selling speciality lace, leatherwork, inlaid wood and delicious local limoncello.
Among the countless enchanting places to visit in the area, perhaps Ravello, Positano and Amalfi stand out for the first time visitor. Ravello, at 350 metres above sea level, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers both unforgettable architecture and scenic beauty. The 11th century Cathedral and Villa Cimbrone are magnificent and a summer music festival is held each in the year in the gardens of the 13th century Villa Rufolo. D.H. Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley's Lover here and the town has been frequented over the years by the likes of Greta Garbo and Winston Churchill.
Positano has been home to intellectuals, artists and the international elite, who have wandered up and down the picturesque stone steps and pastel-coloured houses for centuries. The town today offers sophisticated shopping, charming restaurants, breathtaking views, several glamorous beaches and juicy lemons in every shape and form! Meandering through the arches and passageways, you'll find local shoemakers who will make you a pair of customized sandals and the majolica tiled dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta can be seen from almost every corner of the town.
Villa del Portico is about 60 km from Naples international airport and a frequent train service connects with Sorrento. Positano is about 15 km away on the other side of the peninsular and Amalfi and Ravello can be reached via a picturesque drive along the famous Amalfi Coastline.
The Property. The original property was once a simple country house and over 40 years, the artist stylishly redesigned both the house and gardens. The result is simply stunning and spread out over 300 m2, it sleeps up to ten guests in five, elegantly decorated, double bedrooms. There are four luxurious bathrooms; one on the ground floor, two on the first floor and another on the second floor.
The views from the house, terrace and gardens are breathtaking and overlook the whole of the Bay of Naples. There is a marvellous outdoor dining area with an enormous table made of chestnut that can comfortably seat 12 guests. This gorgeous al fresco dining area is accompanied by a second, outdoor kitchen complete with handy barbecue and sink. The main kitchen has Venetian terracotta tiles on the floor and offers all the comforts of modern living.
The idyllic swimming pool is set among immaculate lawns and sun-drenched flower beds and has far-reaching views across to Mount Vesuvius. The poolside area is fully furnished with sun loungers and umbrellas. If all the beauty gets to be too much, you can always kick back on the sofas in the shade of the veranda and let the cool breezes soothe your soul.
