Villa Aragona. The villa.
Standing proudly on the rugged hillside, midway between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, Villa Aragona has occupied this glorious landscape since 1600. The buildings are still surrounded by around two acres of land, rich with citrus and fruit trees; and a large olive grove, which yields a crop of extra virgin oil to this day. Although the building itself has undergone several transformations, the atmosphere of peace and the sense of belonging to the land remains. The Annex From the garden, you can explore the enchanting annexe, accessed via the olive grove. On the ground floor, there is a double bedroom and bathroom with a shower, wash basin, bidet and toilet. Moving upstairs, there is a double bedroom with wonderful views and an en suite shower room. The annexe is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that there is also a further separate building, with a private entrance. This is used on occasion by the owners as a private property. Outside space The Mediterranean garden is simply beautiful, encircling and protecting the house as it has done for centuries. Each season offers something to admire, from the flowers of the magnolia tree in spring to the scent of jasmine and ripening fruits in summer; from the acorns and falling leaves of the oak trees in autumn, to the structured boughs of the cypress and pine trees in winter. Guests are welcome to help themselves to organically grown produce, including many fresh herbs. The huge variety of fruit trees within the gardens include passion fruit, kiwi, apple, pear, cherry, apricots, plums, mulberries, cherries, elderberries, pomegranates, oranges, tangerines, lemons and figs – and there is a pergola of grapes, delicious in the autumn! There are so many places to sit and admire the glorious views that you need not visit the same spot twice. Favourites include the upstairs corner terrace where there is room to eat and enjoy the sunset over the bay; the shady forecourt, enclosed in trees and vines and the relaxed benches outside the living rooms. Surrounded by wooden decking, the 7 by 3 metre swimming pool is a blissful place to relax in the sunshine, with the views stretching out before you. Next to the pool is a loo and shower for your convenience. The heated Jacuzzi is for up to eight people. It is filled with spring water from a well in the grounds and purified with chlorine-free products. Measuring approximately 2 metres square, it is the perfect place to unwind. Afterwards, soak up the sunshine on a sun lounger, or chill out beneath the shade of one of the ancient trees.
The living space
The property itself comprises a substantial main villa over three floors and cellar, and a separate annexe in the gardens. Renovated throughout, the villa retains the atmosphere of the past, with wooden-beamed ceilings, tall shuttered windows, antique fireplaces and fine furnishings, carefully selected to complement each room. Air conditioning is available in the annexe and the main house, although the thick, ancient walls keep the air cool throughout the year in the main villa. Three ground-floor living rooms give you a choice where to sit, relax and chat over a cup of tea; each is individually decorated and offers a different view of the villa’s sumptuous gardens. The splendid ‘cigar room’ has a mobile bar, well stocked with a selection of rums and liqueurs. Of the other living rooms, one has two single sofa beds that can be made double on request, and one has a double sofa bed. There is access to a patio area outside, with tables, chairs and parasols; just one of many charming places to eat al fresco within the extensive gardens (ideal for Pizza party). The two sitting rooms on the first floor have comfortable sofas, satellite TV and panoramic views of the hillsides sweeping down to the blue sea beyond. There is a small kitchen downstairs which is charmingly equipped with an authentic bread oven – perfect for making pizzas. Off of the kitchen, is a small cellar, where wines and liqueurs are stored. The kitchen on the second floor is very well equipped with oven, hob, fridge-freezer and the smaller appliances you would expect. Tucked away on a balcony is the washing machine, and the terrace off of this kitchen has a gorgeous view over the Gulf of Naples dotted with the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia. It is hard to conceive a more amazing spot for breakfast or for delighting in the sunset with an Aperol Spritz or a glass of prosecco. Why not enjoy a dinner here cooked by the villa’s local chef?
The bedrooms and bathrooms
Of the seven bedrooms, one double is downstairs in the main building. There is also a ground floor bathroom. On the first floor: There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms are en suite with a third off the corridor. Each comfortable bedroom is unique, but all have white walls, antique furniture and charming, clever details. The bathrooms are gorgeously done out with spa-style modern fittings. All have bidets, and spacious showers – three in total – and some with double sinks. On the second floor is the beautiful master bedroom with en suite shower room. With exposed wood beams and breathtaking views on two sides, this is a truly special place to wake up in the morning. All the double beds in Villa Aragona can be split into singles to suit your needs.
