Torre Ovest, Campania - Italian Villa Vacations

Torre Ovest is a unique sea-side residence enjoying a splendid location at the edge of Positano, one of the most picturesque beach resorts on the Amalfi Coast. The Torre is doubtless one of the most prestigious homes in the whole Amalfi coast; this due to its unique position, architecture and history. A master piece framed by the charming village of Positano on one side and a breathtaking view east to west over the open sea on the other.
It sleeps 11 people in four double bedrooms, three single bedrooms and six ½ bathrooms. There is private access to public beach partially used by others. Torre Ovest is excellent for a large group requiring space.
 
HISTORY OF THE HOUSE
Its history dates back to the early 13th century when the Normans built over this stunning promontory a guardian tower, to protect the coast from the attack of the Saracens army. At the beginning of the last century (1909), the artistic sensibility of a futurist architect and writer, Gilbert Clavel, overwhelmed by the beauty of the site and its surroundings, encouraged him to begin the renewal. Under the guidance of his artistic taste which took form into a unique architectural structure and a specially designed interior as the wooden furniture built with the help of the artisan and friends Enrico Lietz. Gilbert Clavel entertained many famous guests in his house, such as Cocteau, Depero and Pablo Picasso who met his future wife Olga Kaklowa here.
DESCRIPTION OF TORRE OVEST
The result is Torre Ovest an awe-inspiring pentagonal residence of four levels, with a subterranean level built right into the rock. Torre Ovest's interiors are characterised by a fascinating variety of shapes and furnished with a delightful simplicity.
The structure in fact spreads over a number of levels and separated areas all connected by different pathways, passages, corridors and hallways in a perfect balance with the natural environment which hosts the house. This allows a large group of people to enjoy both secluded and shared spaces, leaving to its guests the choice to use their own private space (kitchen, lounge room etc) or gather to embrace together that typically Dolce Vita lifestyle perfectly incarnated by this sensational property.
The complete symbiosis between the architectural structure and its environment, which enhance each other, is not only expressed in the layout of this unique property, but as well in the choice of materials, colours and light where every detail is essential to this harmony. This results in interior and exterior being just a matter of definition! The appealing decor and unique layout, with its many corridors, stairs and terraces, is most suitable for those looking for an authentic Italian holiday without pretence or affectation.
The picture is completed by exceptional staff whose love and dedication to this property will make them an essential part to your perfect holiday.
You can arrive at the Torre by water taxi directly from the main beach, or by foot crossing the beach at Fornillo and taking the staircase to the private entrance gate and path. There are three principal terraces plus a private descent on a characteristic narrow staircase to the sunny beach.
Torre Ovest is one of the most particular and elegant residence in the whole Amalfi coast, as it truly represents the definition of class: Elegance without Ostentation.
Torre Ovest is set in three different parts.
LA TORRE
Lower level: Fully equipped modern kitchen (4-burner gas stove, oven, fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher).
First level: “The Blue bedroom”. Cosy double bedroom (beds can be separated) with charming window overlooking towards the sea. Beautiful new en suite bath (tub with hand-held shower) with a lovely window overlooking Positano.
Second level: Spacious living room, with views towards Positano, ocean and seacoast, with fireplace with antique glass tiles; there are also a small fridge for keeping cold drinks, TV, CD/Tape player. On this level there is a charming single bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower. This bedroom has the access to a little balcony overlooking the sea and the islands of I Galli.
Third level: “The Yellow bedroom”. Stairs lead up to a spacious double bedroom (queen size) finished in lemon yellow and turquoise blue tones with en suite bathroom with double sink and bathtub. Internal staircase leads on the top of the Torre, a roof terrace with a 360° view over the sea and the coast.
A balcony circles the tower on three sides, and includes a south-facing open terrace, with a painted tile floor by the famous ceramicist, Ernestine.
LE SIRENE
First level: “The Sirene Bedroom”. Bright and spacious double bedroom (beds can be separated) with all west-facing windows. Bookcases and desk designed by Clavel. A small corridor leads to en suite bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
Second level: “The Diamond bedroom”. In this part of the house there is also a single bedroom called Diamante so named for the diamond shape of the ceiling, designed by Clavel when he laid the parquet floor. A charming and distinctive room with a window onto Positano. TV with satellite, fan. Unique open space small bathroom with shower and only drapes for privacy.
Third level: Living - dining room with bamboo couches and chairs for five, round dining table for four. TV with VCR (PAL) and satellite. Portable CD/Tape player/Tuner. New corner kitchen (4-burner gas stove, microwave, fridge, separate freezer, small electric grill, double sink) with granite counter.
Le Sirene has also a fantastic, spacious, terrace with breathtaking views of the Isole dei Galli and the Amalfi Coast. Teak dining table with director chairs for eight, BBQ.
PORTICATO
Lower level: One finds long, tiled dining terrace furnished with large wood table large enough to accommodate everyone for long lunch or al fresco dinner. The view, stupendous through an open stone arch framing Positano, is comfortable and delightful by day and night. On this level one finds also a sitting room, furnished with red and white cushions on wicker couches, accommodates six comfortably. CD/Tape player. Double doors and windows open to the dining terrace. A small corridor leads to the main fully equipped kitchen. (5-burner gas stove, oven, large fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher), recently redone with ceramics of Vietri and a charming window facing Positano. This is also the kitchen where Angela, the wonderful chef, prepares delicious meals!! Spacious adjacent room, generally used by the staff for laundry, casual meals, etc. Arched glass doors lead to covered terrace and washing machine.
This floor also accommodates the custodian's apartment which has its own and independent access.
First level: “The Green Bedroom”. Lovely double bedroom (beds can be separated) screened, opening onto the principal terrace. Ceiling fan. Breathtaking view of Positano. This bedroom shares, with a single bedroom, a beautiful full bathroom (tub with hand held shower) with bright yellow tiles, double sink and small window facing Positano. The single bedroom is also called the “Library”, recently restored, but respecting the typical style of the house, antique parquet floor and original desk designed by Clavel. Window and double doors open to the principal terrace. On this floor there is also a new guest half bathroom.
NOTES
Monday and Saturday arrivals preferred, but other weekdays possible, please inquire. Arrival must be by 6 pm. Full staff includes caretaker, housekeeper, fantastic cook and server for meals. Some English spoken by caretaker and cook. Linens changed twice a week. There are numerous staircases, corridors and walkways linking the various rooms, making this hazardous for anyone unsteady on their feet. Unsuitable for precocious children that have to be under adults supervision; two cribs available for children up to 3 yrs old. Transfers and excursions available. Parking at public car-park in Positano. Boats available for hire with or without skipper.
The entire bathroom, except the half one are provided with hairdryer.
IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REACH THE HOUSE BY CAR.
You arrive at the Torre by water taxi directly from the main beach, or on foot, crossing the beach at Fornillo and taking the staircase to the private entrance gate and path.
The house is surrounded by the Mediterranean nature and for this reason it is possible to find some insects, ants, lizards etc…
The apartment of the housekeeper is located on a lower level, on the same property, and has an independent entrance. Therefore the privacy of the guests is guaranteed.
THE AREA
Torre Ovest sits on a rocky outcrop jutting into the turquoise sea-reachable only by boat or on a footpath from one of Positano's main beaches. From the terrace one can look seaward toward the isles of Capri and I Galli, or turn to Positano. Positano offers no shortage of cafés, shops and restaurants for whiling away an afternoon or evening. Visitors are also sure to enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road-the SS145-stopping at Praiano and Amalfi and then the renowned up-hill town of Ravello, with its incomparable view from the famous garden of Villa Rufolo. Excursions in the other direction might include a boat trip to the island of Capri, a visit to Napoli, or an exploration of Pompeii and Herculaneum-the fascinating ruins of ancient cities destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in the 1st century A.D.
Distances
Positano: 15 minutes on foot, 5 minutes by boat
Sorrento: 20 minutes by boat, 30 minutes by car
Amalfi/Ravello: 45 minutes - 1 hour by car, 40 minutes by boat Naples
Naples Airport: 1 hour Rome Airport: 3 hours

Pricing

* Prices are quoted in Euros and calculated according to the CBA selling rate. Prices are subject to change in AUD due to currency flucuations. (Currency converter)

Pricing Notes

Final cleaning included
Utilities included
Phone not included
Wireless internet connection included    Baby bed available and included    Security deposit to be wired to the owner together with the 30% deposit:
Euro 2000 for one week rental; plus 
Euro 1000 for each extra week.

Eventual damages or extra expenses  will be deducted from the Sec deposit. The difference will be returned in cash upon departure.

Another 2000 Euro for security deposit has to be kept by the agent.

NOTE: Generally, booking of ONE single week are NOT accepted before March 2010.  In any case, if you have a client interested in one week booking please inquire and we will contact immediately the owner and see if he is interested to accept it.

Services Included:
- CONCIERGE An English speaking local host will meet our guests on the arrival / departure day and help them to settle in. She will be available to be reached by phone during the stay. This service is included in the price.
Prior arrival she will be also available to arrange tours, excursions and other services. This is not included in the price.
- WELCOME DINNER We need to know arrival time at least 2 weeks prior arrival otherwise we cannot guarantee this service. The dinner is served, food and beverages are included.
- CHEF Angela 6 hour per day ( from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). She works 6/7 days per week.  Angela prepares lunch and she is also available to prepare a light dinner, but she will not serve dinner. Each Extra hour costs 20,00 €.
- BEDROOMS MAID SERVICE 6 hours per day ( from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) She works 6/7 days per week. Change of linens and towels twice a week. Each Extra hour costs 15,00 €. She is also available for laundry service at an extra cost of 15,00 € per hour. This service has to be agreed on site depending on the availability of the staff, preferably on Mon and Wed.
- PROPERTY MANAGER available during the day.
- TRANSFER SERVICE this service is included in the price only for transfer - with luggage – on the arrival day and departure day. Any other transfer from/to Positano is not included and will be charged.
- We suggest to the clients to provide us with the grocery shopping list at least 15 days prior arrival. This service is included, but the food of course is not included.
Services Not included:
Food, beverages, wine, telephone, advanced grocery shopping.
PRIVATE ACCESS TO PUBBLIC BEACH LITTLE USED BY OTHERS SINCE THE ONLY ACCESSES TO IT ARE FROM THE SEA OR FROM THE TOWER.
Arrival at house only possible via boat or on foot across stone beach. Parking at public car-park in Positano only, approximately 15 minutes from house. Taxi-boat service available 24/7 from main beach; please inquire.
Check in time: 4.00 PM – 6.00 PM
Check out time: Before 10.00 AM
OTHER FACILITIES:
Fans available for all the bedrooms.
Air Conditioning in the following rooms:
Torre: in the 2 bedrooms and in the living room.
Sirene: in the 2 bedrooms and in the living room.
Porticato is not Air conditioned. AC is included in the rental price. 
WIFI Internet connection included and available in the 75% of the property.

Payment conditions
In order to reserve the property is necessary a 30 % deposit.  Not refundable.
The security deposit has to be wired together with the 30% deposit.
70% Balance one month prior arrival.
CANCELLATION FEES
- 30% of the total amount from reservation to 150th day before arrival.
- 50% of the total amount from 149th to 60th day before arrival.
- 100 % of the total amount from 59th to the day of the arrival.

For further information and weekly rates please enquire.