Villa dei Glicini

The wisteria that gives the villa its name was planted by the grandmother of the family who still own it, and for three weeks in April it turns the whole front terrace into a lilac roof. Under it sits a long chestnut table that seats ten, a pizza oven built from local stone and a view over terraced lemon groves down to the sea off Minori. This is the Amalfi Coast from the quiet side: ten minutes’ walk along a lane of lemon trees from Ravello’s square, and well away from the coach routes.

The main house has four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, cool tiled floors and thick walls that stay fresh without much air conditioning. Downstairs the farmhouse kitchen has a six-ring range, a proper oven and enough pots for a proper family dinner; the living room has a fireplace for cooler evenings in spring and autumn. Outside, a 10-metre pool, heated from April to October, sits on its own terrace with sunbeds and shade from a pergola.

Behind the house, the Casetta del Giardiniere is a one-bedroom stone cottage with its own entrance and terrace, which you can book on its own for two or add on for a larger group. A housekeeper, Anna, comes every other morning, and her tomato sauce, left in the fridge on arrival day, has become a minor legend among past guests.

We handle the practical side with care. We will stock the fridge before you arrive, arrange a transfer or a chef, and tell you honestly which of the village trattorias are worth the walk. The lane up is narrow and the final stretch is steep, so a small car is best, and many guests simply arrive by transfer and walk into the village for dinner. Come for a week if you can; the villa rewards slow time.