The Isole dei Galli, once owned by the great dancer Rudolf Nureyev, float in the water below. To the east, the mountain of Vico Alvano rises sharply, a wonderful counterpoint to the wavy softness of the surrounding garden and deep sea stretching all around. It is an oasis of loveliness.

The setting of Villa Il Campo is particularly special and one reason for the popularity of this home. For those travelling with children and/or anyone feeling somewhat less agile and energetic, Villa Il Campo facilitates full enjoyment of the Amalfi Coast from a homebase blissfully free of stairs on arrival and departure.

This home sits in a verdant garden, with one of the most beguiling entrance drives you can imagine and a parking area just above the garden and lawn. The close proximity of the house to the road, 300 metres along a quiet street, is another convenient feature, allowing easy coming and going. Traffic noise is minimal, with the home protected by virtue of the sloping landscape and the owning family's 150 hectare agricultural estate which surrounds the private garden and olive grove in which the house is settled. You can enjoy the sounds of birds and the panoramic ocean view undisturbed.

There is much to be said for not being situated right in either the village of Positano or Sorrento. This is one home suited to those who prefer to rent their own vehicle and independently explore both the north and south coasts of the Penisola Sorrentina. You can drop down when needed – for shopping, catching a boat, enjoying a meal – but you are not obligated to the traffic constraints of village life. That said, there is a good local restaurant a pleasant stroll away. At the end of the street is a large public park with tennis courts and a truly huge pool with fun slides (a sure attraction for the 12 and under set).

The park is a wonderful public resource and a nice way to give children of all ages a chance to socialise with Italians on holiday. Anyone wanting to experience the original tranquility of this dramatic and historic coastline can pick up the beginning of the 'Walk of the Gods' from within the park, and continue as long as desired, enjoying the bright light and fresh breezes that run north to south across the mountains. Walkers and runners will find this trail an ideal destination, especially in early morning, to enjoy the rush of endorphins and prepare for their next plate of pasta.

Villa Il Campo is constructed of square grey stones, similar to limestone. It is simply built in the local style with bright blue window trim and doors, open terraces and loggias. The position of the main house allows you to enjoy cooling breezes from Ischia almost every afternoon, making the property comfortable even in summer.

The garden is characteristic of this semi-arid climate, with palm trees, cacti and agave, persimmon and pomegranates (fruiting in the fall), fig trees (ripe with fruit from mid-August to the end of September), lavender and roses. A wide, west-facing pergola, criss-crossed with climbing, April-blooming wisteria and jasmine, is set with a dining table and chairs for relaxing. To the south, a covered loggia, shaded with ivy, is also set for dining.

A private pool (12x7m) is set down below the house – perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of touring, or to enjoy cocktails al fresco as the sun sets over the shimmering sea. The owner has impeccable taste in a classic style, and takes care coordinating fabrics and the numerous prints, engravings and etchings which fill the walls. It is a private home, with many personal items and family heirlooms adding character and a luxurious feel, without being off-putting.

Grounds

• Private hilltop setting with stunning views to sea
• Two covered pergolas for al fesco dining or relaxing
• Vegetable garden may be used by guests
• Separate Dependence for up to three additional guests
• Private pool (12x7m)
• Expansive lawn, perfect for children and outdoor activities

Ground floor

• Casual living room with fireplace, plasma TV with satellite, DVD player, CD player, fax machine, WiFi internet access
• Formal dining room comfortably seats 12 guests. Opens directly to garden
• Guest bath
• Large country kitchen with loggia
• Master bedroom (king) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower)

First floor

• Single bedroom (twin) with ensuite bath (open shower stall with curtain)
• Double bedroom (king can separate) with dressing room and ensuite bath (shower stall with curtain)
• Shared terrace with broad views of the garden and sea. Built in bench and swing chairs for relaxing in the sun

Second floor

• Reached by external staircase
• Two double bedrooms (twin beds that can combine to form king) 
• AC and ensuite baths for both bedrooms (open shower stall with curtain)

Dependence

• On request with additional payment
• Simple suite set just below the house in vegetable garden
• Sitting room (single bed) with small fridge
• Double bedroom (king/twin) with AC and ensuite bath (shower stall with curtain)

Points of interest

• Antico Parco dei Principe (tennis): 300-metre walk
• Piano di Sorrento (full shopping): seven minutes
• Sorrento, Positano: 15 - 20 minutes
• Naples/Naples Airport: one hour
• Rome/Rome Airport: four and a half hours

Notes