| |
 |
|
UP THE MAGICAL STEPS
Villa Le Scale or "The Villa of the Steps", which dates back
to the early 19th Century, can be found set between splendid residences
of the late 1800s and of the 1900s , in Anacapri, in the area of the historical
Viale Axel Munthe. Thanks to a careful restoration, which has revealed
the superb architectural details of the original building, the property
succeeds in capturing traces of much of the history of the island.
One enters via an impressive set of steps, lined with an antique colonnade,
almost entirely covered with climbing plants. The Villa greets visitors
with an impressive display of plants and flowers, and with century old
trees, especially pines, which create a stark contrast amongst the delightfully
colourful flower beds. A literary garden has been created according to
the taste of the antiquarian and interior decorator, Anna Maria Coronato,
who alternates periods spent on the island with working trips all over
the world. This lady is quintessentially Caprese, and her refined aesthetic
sensibility is reflected in the objects to be found in her antiques shop
'Il Portico' in Via Camerelle in Capri - an obligatory port of call for
the elegant tourists who favour the island.
Anna Maria Coronato has been responsible for the entire refurbishment of
the house, adding value to the building with pieces of furniture linked
to the history of the island, whilst her husband, an engineer, personally
supervised the restoration and renovation work, so ensuring that
the 19th century character of the house remained intact.
Not surprisingly, the villa reflects the character of the owner, who synthesises,
in a few words the essence of her home:
"I love soft colours, gentle tones which do not clash with the soave natural
harmonies of the island, where the white faced houses surrounded by wisteria
appear as if etched on the rough edges of the Faraglioni. I did not want
this villa to become a museum house, and have preferred to subtly
introduce the art works, placing them amidst the greenery, hiding them
amongst a cascade of various tones of lilac and pastel colours."
|
Welcome 
History 
