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Positano Point
Sleeps 11

Positano Point 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.  This is one of the most storied homes in Positano.  It sleeps eleven in four double bedrooms and three single bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms.  There is a private descent to public beach little used by others.   Positano Point is and excellent choice for a group that wants privacy and also the chance to be together in a magnificent seaside location.

History
Positano Point began as a fortress during the occupation of the Saracens in the 1200's.  It was in a state of destruction when the renowned futurist artist Gilbert Clavel set out to restore the old Norman tower in 1927 and made it his home.  Fashioning the building to his taste, he designed and created the wood furniture with the help of artisan Enrico Lietz.  The custom-designed furniture conforms to his vision in a simple and uncluttered style, and much of it remains on the property today.  Gilbert Clavel had many famous guests in his house, including Jean Cocteau, Fortunato Depero and Pablo Picasso, who met his future wife Olga Koklova here.

The inspired result of Clavel's work is Positano Point, an awe-inspiring pentagonal residence of four levels, with a subterranean level built right into the rock.  The interiors are characterized by a fascinating variety of shapes and furnished with a delightful simplicity.

This is not a conventional home, as it has been built on a promontory.  The house spreads over multiple levels, connected by open-air paths and hallways hewn from stone.  Surrounded on three sides by water, the glinting light diving in through every window, the house is as much about being outside as in.  The sprawling layout is ideal for a larger group that seeks both shared and private spaces.  This is supported by an exceptional staff with long personal connections to this particular property, who are happy to share their love of this dramatic and unique home.

The design of the house is such that three groups can each enjoy their own kitchen, sitting room and sleeping accommodation, or gather together to dine and relax as a group.  Positano Point is designed to be a carefree and comfortable home, ideal for casual seaside living.  The appealing decor and inherently interesting layout, with its many corridors, stairs and terraces, is most suitable for those looking for an authentic Italian holiday in the most genuine environment possible.

You can arrive at the villa 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.  There are three principal terraces plus a private descent to the sunny beach by way of a characteristic narrow staircase.

Positano Point is set in three different parts.

La Torre

Here the walkway circles the tower on three sides, and includes a south-facing open terrace with a striking painted tile floor by the noted ceramicist Ernestine.

La Torre has a large living room with views towards the village, ocean and seacoast, with working fireplace with antique glass tiles.  There are also a small fridge for keeping cold drinks, a TV and 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.  Stairs lead up to a spacious double bedroom with queen bed, finished in lemon yellow and turquoise blue tones with en suite bathroom with double sink and bathtub.  An internal staircase leads to the top of La Torre, to a roof terrace with a great view.  On a lower level there is a fully equipped modern kitchen (4-burner gas stove, oven, fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher).  Finally there is a charming, intimate double bedroom (twins can combine to form king) with charming west-facing, high-placed window.  This room remains cool as it is tucked into the hillside and protected from the direct sun.  Here there is also a delightful new en suite bathroom (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) with boat-like window overlooking Positano.

Le Sirene

Le Sirene has a beautiful spacious terrace with dramatic west-facing views of the Isole dei Galli and the Amalfi Coast.  The apartment features a teak dining table with captain chairs for eight and a barbecue.  There is a living/dining room with bamboo couches and chairs for five and a round dining table for four.  Also included are a satellite TV with VCR (PAL) and a portable CD/tape player/tuner.  The new corner kitchen features a four burner gas stove, microwave, fridge, separate freezer, small electric grill, double sink, granite counter and stools for casual meals at the bar.  The light-filled double bedroom (twins can combine to form king) has a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling. 

Le Sirene has all west-facing windows.  Its bookcases, desk and built-ins were made by Clavel.  There a vestibule to the en suite bathroom, which has a bathtub and separate shower and a peephole window facing the tower and the sea.  In this part of the house there is also a single bedroom called
Diamante, so named for the diamond pattern of light from the ceiling fixture, mimicked by Clavel when he laid the parquet floor.  This is a charming and distinctive room with a window onto Positano, satellite TV with satellite and a fan.  The unique en suite bath (open stall, no curtain) has been made with a charming tile design, with drapes for privacy.
 

Porticato

On the lower level one finds a long, tiled dining portico furnished with an expansive wood table large enough to accommodate everyone for a long lunch or dinner by candlelight.  The view, stupendous through an open stone arch framing Positano, is lively and delightful by day and night.  

This level also includes a sitting room, furnished with ivory cotton cushions on wicker couches, and a CD/tape player.  It accommodates six comfortably.  Double doors and windows open to the dining portico.

The principal kitchen (5-burner gas stove, oven, large fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher) is newly refinished with Carrara counters and a charming window facing Positano.  There is a spacious adjacent pantry, 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.

On the upper level there is a library/bedroom recently renovated which retains the typical barrel vaulted ceiling, original parquet floor and handsome antique desk.  A comfortable sleeping alcove has been created with a single bed.  The built-in fixtures were designed and built by Clavel. Window and double doors open to the principal terrace and striking east-facing view.  This level has a new guest half-bathroom.  The lovely double bedroom (twins can combine to form king) has a ceiling fan and a screen.  From here it opens onto the principal terrace, which has a dramatic view of Positano.  

The full bathroom on this level has a tub with hand held shower (no curtain) and double sink and is decorated with bright yellow tiles.  There is a small window facing Positano.

Note

Monday and Saturday arrivals are preferred but other weekdays are possible--please inquire.  Arrival must be by 6 pm.  Full staff includes caretaker, housekeeper (6 hrs/day, 7 days/wk), excellent cook and server for meals.  Some English is spoken by the caretaker and cook.  Linens are changed twice weekly.  There are numerous staircases, corridors and walkways linking the various rooms, making this hazardous for anyone unsteady on their feet or likely to be disoriented. 

Positano Point is unsuitable for precocious children.  Two cribs are available for children up to 3 yrs old.  Transfers and excursions are available.  Parking is at public car-park in Positano.   Boats are available for hire with or without skipper.

About the area

Positano Point 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.  The city of 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.


2006 rental prices, inclusions and supplemental costs are upon request

Rental prices 2005

First week:     US$
18,400
Second week: US$ 16,000
Third week:    US$ 16,000
One month (30 or 31 days): US$ 64,000


Inclusions:

All taxes, booking fees, bed/bath/kitchen linens (changed twice per week), final cleaning, electricity, gas and water. 

Maid service six hours per day (9am to 3pm), six days per week. 

Chef six hours per day (10am to 4pm)--she works seven days per week except for rentals longer than one week, when Saturday is her day off.

The caretaker is available during the day for general services.

Transfer/pick up service is included in the price for arrival and departure--not during the week.

Supplemental costs paid onsite:

Security deposit: 1000 Euros for a one week rental, otherwise 2000 Euros

Extra hours for chef or maid: 13 Euros per hour

Laundry service: 13 Euros per hour

Telephone is charged according to usage.

Boat rental: There is an Aprea Mare available for your use, with a skipper. 
The boat is 8.5 meters long, 120hp, speed 20 knots.  Gas for the boat is charged according to usage.

Food, beverages and wine are charged separately.
 




















Gira!, Inc. || 1003 South Madison Street || Denver, Colorado 80209 USA || phone 800-362-3818 || 303-733-6030 || fax 303-733-2060
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