Capri in the 1950s was a hot spot for glitterati in search of la dolce vita. The small island off Italy’s Amalfi Coast drew jet-setters, royals and Hollywood stars with its turquoise waters, steep sea cliffs and exclusivity.
Considered one of the world’s first resorts―Emperor Augustus made the isle his private retreat in 29 B.C.―the luxurious playground for the wealthy was frequented by such midcentury icons as Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth and Clark Gable.
Set in the heart of Silvania Park in the town of Anacapri is a villa built in the early 1950s that offers a glimpse into that glamorous past while being removed from the frenetic pace of modern life. Whitewashed homes and narrow winding streets occupy Anacapri’s historic core.
“The villa has maintained the Capri style of the international upper class that populated the island in the past and which is very rare to find today,” says Alexanna Ambrosetti of the real estate firm Building Heritage.
Clad in stone and white lime, the house centers on an internal patio. Exposed stone walls, terraces and low walls continue in the manicured garden. Inside, terra cotta floors, arch-topped windows, high vaulted ceilings and solid wood doors reflect the area’s signature style further.
The 250 square meters (nearly 2,700 square feet) of interior space is spread over three levels. An ocean-facing window in the living room overlooks Cala del Rio, a scenic bay on the slopes of Mount Solaro―the highest peak on the island.
Other rooms look out on expansive terraces. There are two fireplaces and a wine cellar.
The primary suite takes up one entire floor. Including the two guest quarters, there are a total of seven bedrooms, each with access to a terrace, and six bathrooms. Two outdoor dining areas add overflow space for large-scale entertaining.
The 2,000-square-meter (half-acre) terraced garden includes olive trees, citrus trees and an orchard. Parking can accommodate three vehicles.
The asking price is €3.55 million or about USD 3.89 million. Ambrosetti and Chiara Gennarelli, also with Building Heritage, are representing the property.
Set on a lush hillside, the villa in Anacapri is only a few kilometers from the town of Capri. A 10-minute chairlift ride or half-hour ferry jaunt connects the two towns as well as surface streets and hiking paths.
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