Along the Path of the Gods

Along the Path of the Gods: Campania

How about waking up every morning of your holiday on the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast to the vast expanse of blue that is the Tyrrhenian Sea blending seamlessly with the periwinkle hue of the sky above it? Spending your days lounging on the coastline's classically glamorous beaches, where the hardest decision is which of the authentic trattorias to try for lunch today. And when evening rolls around? Slipping into something elegant for a pre-dinner Aperol Spritz on the balcony as the sun dips below the horizon, casting everything in a deep golden light that is unmistakably Italian. Then ambling into the picturesque town of Praiano for a dinner of freshly made pasta in unctuous sauces, freshly grilled fish and vegetables, or mouth-watering meat dishes. Sound good? Well, if it does, then this timeless holiday villa compiling two separate self-contained apartments within it might just be the perfect place to make those dreams a reality.

Recently renovated to an exceptionally high standard without compromising any of its original charm, this home enjoys a privileged location in the hills overlooking Praiano – just above the famous San Genarro Church and offering panoramic vistas that take in both Positano and the island of Capri bobbing in the distance.

The home itself is understated in the best possible way. Devoid of any over-the-top or flashy fixtures and fittings, it exudes an easy charm that's perfectly in keeping with its surroundings and the archetypal aesthetics of this part of Italy. Think terracotta tiles, majolica bathrooms, exposed stone and wood beam detailing, and expert placement of fine antiques alongside simpler modern pieces that fulfil a function, and ornate wrought iron balustrades.

The first of the two apartments, sleeping up to four people in the double bed and on the sofabed in the living area, a fully-equipped kitchen with a spellbinding sea view, and two bathrooms (one en-suite and one separate). The second of the two, accessible only via external stairs, comprises a slightly larger kitchen – again with sea view – a living room, two double bedrooms and bathrooms.

The thing that really sets this home apart though, is that mesmerising view. Open your eyes each morning and be greeted by a sight that is sure to stay with you forever as the soft sounds of waves hitting the rocks below provide an atmospheric soundtrack.

Home truths:
*The two apartments are only connected by means of an external staircase, and the home's hilly location means more stairs in order to reach most parts of the town – so this might not be the ideal choice for guests with mobility issues
*At full occupancy, two guests will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the living area
*There's no free parking at this home, but you can pay to use the public car park 650 metres away.
*On check-in and check-out days, your host can store your luggage for an additional fee
*Your host asks that you please contact them at least one week prior to arrival to arrange check-in details
*If you're staying longer than a week, your linens and towels will be changed every seven days at no extra cost