Acquired in 1905 by one of the richest men at the time, Lord William Waldorf Astor, the villa became his passion project as he extended the territory and designed a lovely garden at the back of the house where a Dominican monastery once existed. His final addition to the property was the “Pompeiian” villa, which he adorned with Ionic columns and neo-classical frescoes by a Roman artist, Mario Spinetti.
After his death, the property went through a period of oblivion, though even during this time it still attracted outstanding people, such as Benedetto Croce, the celebrated Italian philosopher and politician, who lived there from 1943 to 1945. In the study of this exceptional, historical setting, decorated with marble columns, Greek and Roman statues, and many other works of art, the official declaration for the first post-World War II Italian government was signed.
In the 1970s, the property was purchased by an affluent family, Mariano Pane and his wife, who invited many distinguished guests including Princess Margaret, Rudolf Nureyev, Gregory Peck, Sofia Loren, Franco Zeffirelli, and Gianni Agnelli. Today, the villa is the epitome of chic accommodation on the Amalfi Coast and has been voted a dream holiday destination by many lifestyle and travel publications such as Town & Country, Quintessence, Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Telegraph.
Named one of the most fashionable wedding venues by Brides magazine, the villa is a unique and romantic location perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The stunning lush garden with panoramic views of the sea and Vesuvius Volcano is a heavenly setting for a romantic celebration. Dinner can be enjoyed al fresco under the stars or in one of the many lounges.
The main villa offers 6 fabulous suites, each designed individually by the famous interior decorator Jacques Garcia. All the rooms are furnished with refined period furniture and objects of art sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Another special feature – the lavish marble bathrooms that accompany each suite.
The mansion exudes a classic feel. The sophisticated interiors are adorned with a museum-worthy collection of Greek and Roman antiques, that once belonged to Lord Astor himself. In the lush gardens, you can admire numerous antique artifacts – columns, statues, fountains, urns, pottery shards, fragments of sarcophagi, and so on. Many of these objects were originally excavated from Pompeii.
Take in the iconic 270-degree views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius through the bedroom windows or from a generous terrace while enjoying a fantastic meal prepared by a private chef. Take a walk through the huge 20,000 sqm botanical garden that boasts a fabulous collection of over 1000 species of plants and is considered one of the 20 most beautiful gardens in Europe. Swim inside the natural grotto carved into the cliff or plunge directly into the sea. Take a boat ride from a private dock and head to Capri or Ischia. For a cultural experience, visit Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum or visit local towns.
The four-level villa boasts generous terraces. Moreover, the property includes an annex with a fitness area and a lounge, a garden with fountains, lily ponds, and a small pool as well as two private accesses to the Mediterranean and several large Roman caves. The territory keeps the remains of a Roman villa and a collection of 145 archaeological pieces of great cultural and historical value.
The main entrance on the ground level is adorned with marble floors and columns. There you will find one large room, a study, and a stunning white salon, all with separate balconies and a sea view. From the ground level, a staircase leads to the lower floor with 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms, a kitchen, and a utility room, all set around an area adjacent to the stairs. The lowest level, which can be accessed from an outside staircase features a terrace, and a lounge in a glass-covered portico, a perfect summertime space for dinners, parties, and barbecues.
On the first and second levels, there are 6 amazing bedrooms, designed and executed by Jacques Garcia, each with an en-suite bathroom. Bedrooms 1 and 2 are on the first level and offer king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms with bathtub and shower. One of them has a TV, decorative fireplace, fridge, safe, and balcony, while the other boasts sea views. Bedrooms 3-6 are found on the second level and have double beds, TVs, and bathrooms (2 with bath and shower and 2 with shower cabins). 2 bedrooms offer sea views.
Nestled near the historical center of Sorrento, walking distance to the charming streets, shops, and trattorias as well as to the ferries, the villa boasts a breathtaking setting the top of a promontory, with a sheer drop off into the sea. The mansion with its own private access to the sea and swimming platform, is designed in an exquisite neoclassical style. A walk through the property — its garden, outdoor spaces, and interiors is a real emotional experience: elegance and classicism, all with a very strong connection to local southern Italian traditions, can be enjoyed in the property’s décor, paintings, and various artifacts gracefully complemented by marble columns and archaeological fragments.
The Bay of Naples is arguably the most eye-catching bay in Italy. To the north are the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli, to the East lies Mount Vesuvius, and to the South is the town of Sorrento. The islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida are also located in the bay and are connected to the mainland by a ferry service. In ancient Roman times, the affluent citizens of the empire spent blissful days there as can be seen in the frescoes of the archaeological site of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Privacy is combined with exceptional security.
Last but not least, the location marries picturesque scenery with practical appeal. Although perched in the heart of a quiet neighborhood, accessed by the typical, narrow roads of the old town, it is just a five-minute walk to the vibrant town center of Sorrento where one can admire the enchanting flair of the local life. For the more adventurous, the Sorrentine Peninsula has become the focal point for various destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Naples, Pompeii, Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are within reachable distance by car or by boat, as well as the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
