Overlooking lemon groves and the Mediterranean coast toward Capri, one would scarcely expect to find such serenity and calm just minutes beyond the bustle of Sorrento upon which cruise ships disgorge thousands of tourists for day excursions. In fact, as one wends along the coast beyond Sorrento, the pace of life slows dramatically and the villages seem wonderfully unspoiled.

The villa itself provides a natural flow between inside and out as each room open to balconies or terraces, all with wide views of the sea. The décor mixes clean, white walls and red tiled floors with lovely antiques, and the most up-to-date equipment and air conditioning. The resident house staff maintains the villa in spotless condition and is available to prepare meals and serve on request. It's an ideal base for 6 people, be it a family or three couples.

Exploring the Amalfi peninsula, Capri, Ischia and even Pompeii or Naples is made easy by the many ferries that flit along the coast, or by the train which connects Sorrento with the interior. The more adventuresome might even want to explore by Vespa - an icon which practically defines the meaning of "Italian". It's the most ideally designed vehicle for the Amalfi's dramatic, twisting roads!

Sleeps up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 (Queen 63"/160cm) with en suite bathroom (tub, WC, sink and bidet) opens to a generous, private rooftop terrace with views to Capri; Bedroom 2 (Double, 59"/150cm) and Bedroom 3 (Twins, each 35"/90cm, can be combined as King) share a bathroom in the hall (shower, WC, double sink and bidet), and both open to the wrap-around balcony through French doors.

Open plan living room with fireplace and two sofas flows into the dining room with seating for 8 at a large antique table. The loggia has a very large outdoor dining table on the first garden level, where shade and the cooling sea breeze provides comfortable al fresco dining even in the summer heat.

Very well equipped kitchen, large gas cooker, microwave, N.Am. standard refrigerator & freezer, dishwasher, expresso and drip coffee makers. Flat screen TV, DVD, satellite (English stations including Sky, CNBC, CNN, Discovery), CD/stereo, internet access. Air conditioning, central heating. Clothes washer, and drying line (laundry service available on request). Hair dryers.

Pool (30'x 15') in lower level garden with outdoor shower, change house, and plenty of loungers. Middle garden level provides lawns and colourful flower beds with more seating under the shade of over-sized parasols. Outdoor dining beneath the loggia , or on the rooftop terrace with a vine-covered pergula. Kitchen garden and outdoor BBQ area.

• Superb location on Amalfi peninsula with views to Capri, only minutes from Sorrento.
• Serenity, exquisitely private garden with swimming pool.
• Furnishings and amenities of the highest standard with attentive, resident house staff.
• Ideal for families or 3 couples.

Café & newspaper shop (5 min), lots of restaurants, Sorrento (2 km), Massa Lubrense (4 km), ferries to Capri (35min), Amalfi, Positano (30-40km), Naples from Sorrento port; trains to Naples (30 min, or 1h15min by ferry) or Rome from Sorrento station. Roman excavations at Pompeii (30km.

Good walking on national footpath trails. Sailing, windsurfing, beaches and swimming in sea, boating, snorkeling. Extremely hilly terrain makes cycling an option for only the most serious riders.