Astor 20

The bay of Naples is undoubtedly the most spectacular bay in Italy. It is located on the southwest coast in the province of Naples on the Amalfi coast and opens to the west on the Tyrrhenian Sea. To the north are the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli, to the east lies Mount Vesuvius, and to south the town of Sorrento. The islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida are also situated in the bay and are connected to the mainland by a ferry service. In ancient Roman times, the wealthy citizens of the empire spent pleasure - filled days there as can be seen in the frescoes of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Vesuvius erupted in the year 79 AD.
Villa Astor is a magnificent edifice towering the Gulf of Naples.
Stunning views may be enjoyed from the large windows, or while dining on the spacious terrace facing Mount Vesuvius and overlooking the crystal-clear sea.

Inside, the layout benefits from high ceilings, six luxury bedrooms, designed and executed by Jacques Garcia, each with en-suite bathroom.
The spacious kitchen is well equipped and ideal for cooking anything from simple snacks to exquisite dinners. In addition to the rich historical background, the property is graced with an amazing internal pool in a natural grotto (known as the Bagno dei Frati) with direct access to the sea.
A private swimming pool in the idyllic garden setting complements the villa. Last but not least, the location combines beautiful scenery with practical appeal. Although nestled in the heart of a tranquil neighborhood, accessed by the typical, narrow roads of the old town, it is just five minutes walking to the lively town center where one can fully enjoy the charming atmosphere of local daily life.

For the more adventurous, the Sorrentine peninsula has become the hub for a variety of destinations on the Amalfi coast. Within reachable distance by car or by boat are Naples, Pompeii, Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, as well as the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia. One of the 20 most beautiful gardens in Europe on two hectares of land. Privacy combined with sophisticated security.
The Villa and the distinctive garden, one of the 20 most beautiful gardens in Europe on two hectares of land faces outwards Naples and the Vesuvio with a sheer drop to the sea. The three-story Villa has a large rooftop.
Moreover, the domain includes an annex, a garden with fountains, lily ponds and a small pool as well as two private accesses to the Mediterranean and several large caves.

The property measures 12.000 square feet and includes the remains of a Roman villa and a collection of 145 archeological pieces of great cultural and historical interest.


Features
- elevator
- build –in audio/visual system in each bedroom
- safe in each bedroom
- fully equipped kitchen
- roof terrace with 360°degree panoramic view
- gym area
- outdoor swimming pool (9mt x 3mt, not heated)
- natural grotto
- secure parking area for 3 cars
- fully integrated security system
- climate control system sqm


Location
Located on the Gulf of Naples, the Villa is in the town of Sorrento, 50 kms south of Naples. The major international airports around are Naples Capodichino (one-hour drive), and Rome Fiumicino (3.hour drive). For private aviation: Naples Municipal airport


Historical overview

Villa Astor is in Sorrento, the land of the Sirens, (the mythological creatures, the Sirens). Long before Wagner, Ibsen, and Byron discovered its delights, the Sorrento peninsula attracted powerful and perceptive visitors. On the 1st century A.D. Agrippa Postumus, grandson of Emperor Augustus built a fine villa on the very same place as the Villa Astor. Ovid was frequent visitor. On the same site, in the thirteenth century, a convent was built for cloistered nuns. Later, at the end of the sixteenth century, after a destructive invasion by the Saracens, the house was rebuilt by Dominicans, who began cultivating the garden, bringing the first citrus fruit trees from the Middle East. At that time, in 1577, Torquato Tasso, Sorrento's foremost poet, author of "Jerusalem Delivered", shared his torments with the prior of the monastery.

In 1888 Count Labonia, a distinguished antique collector and friend of Schliemann, who discovered the city of Troy, bought the land and began to build the present house which he named "Aux Roches Grises".
At the beginning of the twentieth century, William Waldorf Astor bought the house and in place of the convent, he designed the garden behind the villa and on either side, walls and balustrades were built to protect the palms, oranges, cycas, cypresses, eucalyptus, pines. Secret paths and alleys run through the lush vegetation revealing statues, urns, fountains and glimpses of sea and sky through the windows cut out in the high wall along the seaward side.


Activities
-Water skiing, Snorkeling, Windsurfing
- Golf
- Mount Vesuvius Climbing
- Helicopter tour above the Vesuvius volcano
- Boat Tours and cruises in the gulf of Naples, Capri, Procida & Ischia
- Sightseeing in Sorrento, Naples, Capri and the Amalfi coast
- Shopping in Capri, Positano and Naples
- A Visit to the ruins of Pompei and Herculanum
- Gastronomy & wine tasting
- Cooking Lessons


Services
- A/C, TV, WI-FI, INTERNET
- Limousine service
- Restaurant reservation
- Organization of cultural events and reservations
- Laundry & Dry Cleaning
- Concierge service
- Services provided by one of the top hotels in Europe

Interior Description

The Luxury Villa comprises a main building over three floors sleeps 14 people.

Ground floor
The main entrance is located on the ground floor. It has been enhanced with marble floors and columns. There is one large room, a library and a spectacular white salon, all with separate balconies and a view of the sea.

From the ground floor, a stairway leads to the lower floor with 2 salons, 2 dining rooms, a kitchen and utility room, all built around an area adjacent to the stairs.

Lower level
The lowest level, which can be reached through a staircase is composed of a terrace, a salon in a glass-covered portico, an ideal summertime area for dinners, parties and barbecues.

On the first and second floors 6 luxury suites designed and executed by Jacques Garcia, each with an ensuite bathroom.

On the first floor, two master suites one on the garden side and one with a view of the Gulf of Naples and the Vesuvio.

- Master suite with ensuite marble bathroom with shower and marble bathtub.

- Guest room with ensuite marble bathroom with shower and marble bathtub.

The second and top floors include 4 suites with their bathrooms and dressing room.

Two of the guest rooms have en suite bathroom with shower and marble bathtub.

The other two have en suite bathroom with shower.

Furthermore, the magnificent rooftop offers the viewer a panorama of Sorrento and the Gulf of Naples.

• SwimmingPool
• In Village
• Weddings
• Internet
• Near Water
• Near Sea
• Maid
• Sea View
• Chef
• Enclosed Property
• Garden
• Breakfast
• Parking
• Internet Wifi
• Air Conditioning
• SwimmingPool
• Heating
• Garden
• Garden Furniture
• Fridge
• Well-equipped Kitchen
• Dishwash
• Dryer
• Iron
• Patio
• Veranda
• Sea View
• Extra Bed
• Microwave
• Stereo Hifi
• Television
• Kitchen
• Independent Unit
• Panoramic View
• Freezer
• Toaster
• Coffee Machine
• Hairdryer
• Al Fresco