This beautifully-maintained villa is without doubt one of the most stunning on the island. It sits on a peninsula above the town of Lipari, along a road leading to a volcanological observatory, with spectacular views of the active volcanic islands of Vulcano and Stromboli. A world away from the bustle of Lipari town, the villa is an oasis of calm, surrounded by a four hectare park of Mediterranean maquis, pines and olives and fringed by the sea. There is also a beautiful formal Italian garden, known as the Garden of Artemide, at its most enchanting in the light of the full moon.
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and home to the only true town in the archipelago. It is also at the hub of the ferry and hydrofoil services, and so has the best connections of any of the islands. The main town, Lipari, is dominated by a rocky acropolis which retains the remains of a castle (used as a prison for political exiles under Mussolini) and the Museo Archeologico, with an astonishing collection of archeological finds from the islands and the coast of nearby Sicily. Highlights are the unique ancient Greek vases painted in an array of delicate pastels by an artist known simply as the Lipari Painter, and a collection of miniature ancient Greek theatre masks discovered in tombs. Although Lipari is no longer an active volcano, there are still plenty of relics of its volcanic origins to be seen: cliffs seamed with shiny obsidian, mountainsides and beaches of pumice and hot springs. Lipari has some lovely walks – one of the finest runs from the kaolin quarry to the Terme di San Calogero, a thermal bath with Roman origins. The beaches on Lipari have white sand, unlike the other Aeolian islands. It is quite a large island so a car is essential for getting around, although some of the nicest beaches are only accessible by boat. There is car parking at the property and boat rental can be arranged.
The interiors of the villa are furnished with impeccable taste and flair. It is ideal for those looking for a private villa of utter charm, peace and elegance surrounded by nature and the beauty of the Aeolian seas. The accommodation is on two levels with terraces at both levels as well as a superb rooftop sun terrace, to take full advantage of the magnificent views. The covered ground floor terraces are furnished for dining (with barbecue) and relaxing outdoors. There are four bedrooms, of which three can be made up as double or twin beds. Further amenities include central heating and a music system.
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Large living room with a fireplace and stunning panoramic views. Dining room with adjoining and very well-equipped kitchen, including dishwasher and microwave. 4 bedrooms (3 can be made up as twins or doubles). 4 bathrooms (3 of which are en-suite, and one which is at some distance from the bedroom).
Upper floor living room. |
Milazzo, on the north coast of Sicily, is the nearest port to the Aeolian islands, and Lipari is served by several hydrofoils and ferries daily.
From Reggio Calabria and Messina: there are several daily hydrofoils in the summer.
From Naples : by ferry, with Siremar, twice a week in the winter and up to 6 weekly in the summer; by hydrofoil, Ustica Lines, once or twice a day, only in the summer (10 June/20 Sept.).
From Palermo : Ustica Lines hydrofoil, once daily in summer.
Private helicopter transfers can also be arranged from Palermo.
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