Villa la Barchetta Welcome to Villa la Barchetta. The villa is situated at the marvelous “Costiera Amalfitana” close to the little village of Praiano – one of the few villages along the coast, which kept its charme as fishing village and at the same time has some exclusivity because of its closeness to Positano and the artists who always have lived here. The Amalfi Coast is named also the “divina” which means divine, because it is not only one of the most beautiful coast of the world ,but probably the only coastal area in the Mediterranean which combines the beauty of nature with the beauty of architecture. The “Amalfitana” has been declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and has been protected from the building boom by its very strict building regulations.
	Villa la Barchetta | the building The Villa, a “cottage”, was the “dependance” of a big estate and was used for years by its current owners, an interior designer and an artist, as their Studio. The house the terraces and the gardens are situated on a separated plot with private entrance. The approximately 100sqm provide room for four guests. The Villa has been built practically around the old olive trees on three garden levels. It is so much integrated into the surrounding nature, that it is one of the few buildings along the coast which could almost not be seen from the sea nor from the road. Villa la Barchetta | living Down the private stairs from the street (approx. 20 steps) you will reach the first garden level with the sundeck, a roof terrace with full sun until approx. 2:30 pm and than half shadow. Over 7/8 more steps you will reach the living area with its spacious living room, a narrow balcony, which gives you the feeling to look from a railing onto the deep blue sea, a small bathroom and a nice but small kitchen, organized just to make light summer meals. On the same level you will find a stone terrace with a shaded wisteria “pergola“- the open air dining room with its antique table and chairs and the adjacent little “blue veranda”. Down a few more old stone steps you will reach the lowest garden terrace with the bedrooms: one bedroom with a queen sized bed and adjacent bathroom, a second bedroom with two single beds which can also be converted to a comfortable double bed, a bathroom with shower and a small breakfast kitchen, which enables the early birds to have breakfast without disturbing those who want to get up later. The bedrooms open onto a garden terrace. The living area and the upper terraces have an enchanting view of the open sea. Villa la Barchetta | the garden The owners describe the garden as an “esoteric garden”, because the plants are growing  undisturbed, no plant will be exchanged, until they  live there natural live, even if they are old and do not produce so many flowers or fruits anymore. The 600 sqm of gardens overlooking the blue sea create an almost subtropical impression with the sunlight filtering through the silvery leaves of the old olive trees, the  small plants with green leaves blooming  in white-pink, violet-red and blue colors in the vibrating hot and humid air.
	Villa la Barchetta | friends of the house The Villa welcomes guests who will enjoy nature and appreciate certain esthetic values. Many very different guests have already enjoyed staying in the house. For example designers, writers, academics, or young couples. Also two couples who wanted to be on vacation together, four friends, who – after a rich brunch under the sun which filters through the pergola with its old wisteria – want to spend the day at the nearby beach, la Praia (15 minutes walk) or on the sundeck, reading or “thinking” finally in peace and undisturbed enjoying  the “dolce far niente”.  Others may go sight seeing  to one of the famous places like Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Sorrento, Pompei, Hercolaneum or discover some not so well known walks such as the “sentiero degli dei”- the walk of the gods. In the evening it is possible to prepare a simple cosy candle light-dinner with the many good specialties of Italian food, cheese, salads vegetables, delicious “prosciutto” and local figs and melons – or have dinner in  a family owned trattoria –ristorante “Open Gate” after a walk of only three minutes, where the kind owners will give you all the information you need. Maybe on another night you will go out for dinner at some of the many very luxurious restaurants in Poisitano or along the coast. Unfortunately we cannot accept children and people, who have problems to walk because the type of architecture of the villa is not suitable and can be dangerous for them. Villa la Barchetta | price and service The rent of the villa is between 1550 and 1950  Euro per week, depending on the period. Special arrangements can be made. The villa is furnished in part with antiques, naturally it is equipped with terrace furniture, plates, linens and towels (change weekly, another change of linens and towels is possible on request but must be paid separately). The car can be parked on the street near the house. The villa has a little laundry room with washing machine and iron. A nice lady will receive our guests and will take care of the house in the middle of the week (for three hours). This is included in the price. Final cleaning must be extra paid. In the village (15 minute walk) there is a Bank and Postoffice, Doctor and pharmacy as well as shops for the daily needs. Busstop near the villa. If you wish we can organize a driver from and to the airport, a maid for more hours, fill the fridge with what you need, advise you about a boat service, shops which deliver the food to the Villa, a Garage near to the house, catering for a party or give you tips for trips or restaurants. We will try to fulfill your wishes. Villa la Barchetta | contact the owners If you plan a vacation on the Amalfi Coast or have more questions, please contact us. We will be delighted to give you more information.