VILLA IMPERO - ANACAPRI

7 Bedrooms

Location and Surrounding Area
Located on the most beautiful island in the bay of Naples, this exclusive seven-bedroom villa is ideally situated to offer complete privacy and tranquility to its guests, providing a perfect seaside retreat for the sweet idleness the Italians refer to as “dolce far niente”. A popular tourist destination since the 19th century, Capri is extremely notable for its stunning residences, gardens and Roman ruins. With its whitewashed stone buildings and car-free streets, Capri Town exudes a cinematic air. Traditionally Capri Town’s most subdued neighbor, Anacapri is no stranger to tourism. The focus is largely limited to Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe and the souvenir shops on the main streets, but delve further and you will discover that Anacapri is still, at heart, the laid-back rural village that it has always been.

The former home of Swedish doctor, psychiatrist and animal-rights advocate Axel Munthe, San Michele di Axel Munthe should be included on every visitor’s itinerary. Built on the site of the ruins of a Roman villa, the gardens make a beautiful setting for a tranquil stroll, with pathways flanked by immaculate flowerbeds. If you are in Anacapri between June and August, you may be able to catch one of the classical concerts that take place in the gardens. The Chiesa di San Michele, Anacapri’s chief building, is famous for its handsome floor, a veritable work of art depicting the Adam and Eve story in multicolored tiles. For the best vista, head up a coiled spiral staircase to a tiny viewing gallery.

The striking Moroccan-style Casa Rossa was built by American colonel John Clay Mackown in 1876. Constructed around a 16th-century defensive tower, the building houses an eclectic collection of 19th-century paintings, including some evocative scenes of Capri by Gonsalvo Carelli and by French painter Eduard Alexandre Sain, who has captured the island’s spirit in works such as “Wedding in Capri”. Also here is a colossal 1st-century Roman statue discovered during the 19th-century excavations of the Grotta Azzurra. Accessible by boat from Anacapri, Capri’s most famous tourist attraction the Grotta Azzurra is an unusual sea cave illuminated by an incredible blue light.

Though the villa is exclusive and private, it is just a 3-minute walk to a tennis court and grocery store, a 5-minute walk to a restaurant and a 7-minute walk to a church if you’d like to explore. By car, it is 10 minutes to a clinic, hospital and the beach and a 2-hour drive to Naples Capodichino International Airport. Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe is 180 m from the villa, Casa Rossa is 400 m, Chiesa di San Michele is 600 m, while the Grotta Azzura and Marina Grande are 8 km.

The Property
With a superb setting on Monte Solaro overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Villa Impero is the result of a perfect balance between Mediterranean tradition and contemporary style, providing a unique retreat for those seeking complete privacy and pure relaxation in one of the most appreciated areas in Italy. Nestled in a peaceful and lush garden, this recently-restored villa can accommodate up to fourteen guests featuring seven bedrooms with en-suite bathroom spread across the main villa and the dépendance.

When you sweep through the gates of the villa, you will enter two acres of beautiful tiered gardens. Ascend the marble staircase to the front door or stroll past groves of ancient pines, a goldfish pond, bronze and marble sculptures, vine-covered gazebos and even a water-therapy course. At the back of the house, a sun-dappled terrace dotted with chaise lounges and an outdoor dining area lead to an exclusive heated pool. Rinse off after swims in the outdoor shower.

The villa’s stately white exterior reflects its original incarnation as the summer home for a noble family. It was recently restored and redecorated, and its interiors feature iconic modern pieces alongside carefully collected antiques. In the bright living room, gorgeous tile forms the backdrop for velvety tuxedo sofas and mod lounge chairs. A stunning relief and artwork are focal points in the dining room, while silver chairs add a touch of glam. Though Chef service is included, the villa does have a fully-equipped kitchen.

There are five bedrooms (four double bedrooms and one twin room) in the main house and two double bedrooms in the dépendance. In the main house there is a bedroom with a king-size bed, three bedrooms with queen-size beds and one twin room. Each room has an en-suite bathroom: all bathrooms have shower except the bedroom with king-size bed, which also has tub. Both bedrooms in the dépendance have queen-size beds and en-suite bathroom with shower. Baby equipment is available on request for the youngest visitors.