La Macina Campania - Amalfi Coast - Praiano

La Macina is a delightfully renovated villa divided into two apartments (rented together) on four terraced levels, each of the levels offering panoramic terraces and magnificent views over the village of Praiano, the sea and the coastline towards Positano. Situated below the entrance road, the first two terraced levels are taken up by the accommodation, each level with grassy terraces and alfresco dining facilities. The third level down has a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the sea below and coastline to Positano. A further level down finds a fragrant and shady limonaia (lemon grove) with a peaceful pergola.

Features:

• Amazing views over Positano, the Faraglioni of Capri and the sea
• Infinity pool and three levels of grassy terraces
• Combination of historic features with modern comforts

Description

Overlooking the town's landmark, the Moresque dome of the church, La Macina started out in the 16th century as a mill, extracting olive oil from the locally grown olives. In 2003, the owners commenced a three year project to renovate the property into comfortable accommodation and have achieved a delightful compromise between preserving the mills classic features and combining modern facilities including an infinity swimming pool, electronically controlled devices, high speed Internet access, a diffused stereo system and split unit air conditioning system.

The house, like most properties in the area, develops over a series of steps and terraces, so it will not be suitable for people with limited mobility or children under 10.

From the pedestrian street, a staircase leads down 22 steps to the largest unit on the first level and a large terracotta paved panoramic terrace, decorated with potted flowers and plants and furnished with smart wicker furniture and canvas deckchairs. This outdoor living area is shaded by large linen market umbrella and a Spanish-style canvas canopy during the day, while at night it is softly lit by in-ground lighting and Moroccan style lanterns hanging above an outdoor table (for 8) made from a patchwork of Vietri tiles.

From the terrace, two large arched doors lead into the living area, featuring original domed ceilings, a picture window looking out to the sea and an open fireplace. The kitchen with a large single glass panel door facing the sea is off to one side and contains a wooden table that sits 6-8, an extra-spacious travertine sink, large refrigerator, gas range with an electric oven and dishwasher.

The master bedroom also with a glass panel door facing the sea and furnished with a 19^th century cast iron queen-size canopy bed has built in closets and a desk equipped with a pc, connected to Internet, a printer and a fax machine. The en-suite bathroom has walls painted in the Venetian spatula style and handmade Vietri tiles on the floor. It has a shower, bidet and travertine vanity unit.

The second bedroom is a small, but lovely, internal bedroom with two twin size beds that can be joined to form a king sized bed. The wall opposite the bed has built-in closets with drawers. To compensate for its size, the bedroom opens into a spacious second bathroom.

Approximately 22 external steps lead down to the smaller one bedroom apartment with exquisite views of Positano and the Mediterranean Sea. Under a bougainvillea pergola, shaded by canvas and cotton curtains, is a large handmade outdoor table and further out is a grassy area. The master bedroom of the smaller apartment looks out at the sea through an all glass arched wall. There is a queen size bed, a built-in closet with drawers and an adjoining bathroom with tub and shower.

Next to the master bedroom (with its own access to the terrace and a magical view of the sea through a glass wall), the living room is furnished with two white sofas. A large wood dining table separates the living area from the kitchen area which is equipped with dishwasher, refrigerator and full cooking facilities.

Position

Villa La Macina is situated approximately 80m from the road down a pedestrian only walkway. The villa entrance leads down from the road to the first of four levels. In Praiano there are shops, restaurants, markets, a post office and a bus that connects all the villages of the Amalfi Coast. The bus stop is 1500 meters from the La Macina.

• Nearest general store - 600m
• Positano - 9km
• Amalfi - 13km
• Sorrento - 21km
• Naples - 65km

This locality

Praiano

Praiano is set in an enchanting location among the beautiful inlets of the Amalfi coast at 4 km from Positano and 9 km from Amalfi. Once an ancient fishing village and today a prestigious seaside resort, Praiano is know for its fine climate and authentic atmosphere. Praiano's beach, the enchanting Marina di Praia, is below the town at the end of the untamed Praia valley. In Praiano you will not find tourist crowds, nor colourful streets full of shops and boutiques, but only authentic locals with friendly faces, old cottages and white churches looking out to the sea. > more

Seasons and prices

* Prices in other currencies are quoted at current daily exchange rates. An exact quotation will be provided on receipt of a query or request.

Special Notes for rental villa La Macina, Praiano, Italy

2011 prices are provisional and may be revised, however most owners will accept bookings at 2010 prices until the new prices are confirmed. Please send an enquiry and we'll respond with a firm quote.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in respect to additional charges and extras applicable to rental villas and apartment accommodation.

Refundable security deposit

A refundable security deposit of €1,500 is payable on arrival at the property (cash only). The deposit will be refunded on final inspection excepting in the event of damage or for the deduction of extras.

General Information:

Normal arrival times are between 15:30 (3:30pm) and 19:00 (7pm). Departure is by 9:30 on the day of departure.

The season for pool opening is April 26 - October 25

Services included and extras:

Utilities are included as follows:

• Electricity : 200 Kw are included in the rental price. Excess use is payable locally at 0.45 Eur per Kwh
• An internet connection is included

Extras:

• A mandatory cleaning fee, of €180.00 per week is payable locally. It includes 3 hours of daily maid service from Monday to Friday; mid-week change of towels and end of week or final cleaning with change of linen and towels on departure.
• Car parking will include an additional cost of Euro 85.00 per week payable locally
  
• Telephone calls will be charged according to metered units (at 30 cents per unit)
• Heating, if required, is payable on the basis of use of gas
• High chairs and cots are available at an additional cost of €50 per week
• Late arrival fees - we will endeavour to accommodate, but cannot guarantee to satisfy requests for late arrival. The cost of pre-arranged late arrival (if available) will be advised at the time of booking. Unforeseen delays resulting in out of hours arrivals (if available) will incur a charge of € 50.00 payable to the local manager;
• Baby sitting services can usually be organised locally by the area manager;

Nearby localities

Amalfi

Landlocked until the last century, Amalfi was once a major trading port and has a very strong sense of Italian culture and the history of its great past. Based in a valley at the foot of towering mountains the terrain and views are captivating and due to frequent ferry services, provide a perfect base for an Italian villa rental holiday.> more

Positano

Positano is one of the most elegant and well known villages on the Amalfi coast. It is located in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Amalfi Coast, and the valley opens up to an equally magnificent stretch of coastline. The town is built on steep hills descending to the sea and has been resembled to a wedding cake in terms of its layout and terraces flowing with bougainville vines.> more