Building began at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1927, to be exact on the wishes of Lady Lucylle (Lucy), the daughter of Ernest William Becket, Lord Grimthorpe (Lucy would go on to become the Countess Szecheney). Becket was the creator and owner of the Villa Cimbrone and the surrounding park land in which La Rondinaia was built. The idea of La Rondinaia was first conceived in 1915. The project and the supervision of the works were given to Nicola Mansi, who was from the village itself. Lord Grimthorpe had met Mansi in London and Mansi had already overseen the construction and development of the Villa Cimbrone. The job of actually building La Rondinaia was given to Francesco Amato, he too was from Ravello, a master craftsman and stonemason.
OVERLOOKING the SEA
The Villa Cimbrone is at the beginning of a tree-lined avenue, leading on to the much visited Belvedere of Infinity overlooking the cliff face, whereas La Rondinaia presents an exact opposite scenario: it is situated at the end of a park area, the house being perched on the cliff face. This permits visitors to enjoy the panorama from the windows, balconies and terraces of the house itself1. As Catherine Fairweather wrote in 2001: “These framed windows are frankly distracting. Is it possible to become immune to such beauty?”
The villa was also a place of refuge and privacy for over 33 years for the celebrated essayist, writer and dramatist Gore Vidal. He purchased La Rondinaia in 1972. Inspired by the stunning views, he wrote much of his work here, whilst giving splendid hospitality to great stars of the cinema, who on a visit to Ravello, could never miss out on a visit to this magical place.
LUCYLLE and LA RONDINAIA
With the passage of time, Lucylle separated La Rondinaia from the Villa Cimbrone and made it her own personal home. The house took on its own personality. The rooms became places of cultural discussion, concerts, theater and dance. It became the focal point for all English visitors to Ravello. A real “must go to place” for members of the elite “inner circle”. It is for this reason La Rondinaia became an irresistible destination for stars of the silver screen, artists, luminaries of society and dignitaries of every kind. Here, they could delight in the secluded location, the impressive architectural features and the splendor of the views over the Amalfi Coast and last but certainly not least the hospitality offered by the hosts.
THE PROPERTY
The Villa covers an area of about 950 meters and is surrounded by private grounds of 2.5 hectacres with serene paths leading through the trees. There are lemon trees, olive trees, pergolas with vines, a cobalt blue swimming pool, a pool house with sauna and panoramic views. The house has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The interiors have vaulted ceilings, arched windows and doors and long tiled corridors leading to spacious rooms with fireplaces, balconies and terraces.
Access to the La Rondinaia is by way of a series of arches and cliff side views which are so typical of the fortress like town of medieval Ravello. The main building isn’t even visible as you enter the grounds due to the luxuriant green vegetation. The arduous terrain led to the construction of terraces which today are a major characteristic of the area. Cypresses, lemon trees, pines and olive trees abound in the grounds. The park area is a concert of approving sighs created by the breeze through the trees. A statement of the relationship between man and nature, where man undoubtedly receives more than he gives.
ACCOMODATIONS
The interior rooms and exterior areas of the La Rondinaia represent the quintessence of elegance, offering guests every luxury during their stay here. The interior of the villa has recently been sympathetically restored with respect to the artistic and historical restrictions and the architectural elements which are typical of this area. The furnishings and furniture were all created by local craftsmen, using materials of the highest quality, in 2019, which are integrated with some original elements and furniture of the villa. The interior of the villa is fully air conditioned and is, therefore suitable even for longer stays, for family and friends, with rooms such as, suites, junior suites and deluxe rooms, sleeping up to 12 people.
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