This is Porta Donica: a charming villa overlooking one of the most exquisite views in Italy. It is situated at the ancient gateway to Ravello, on the side of the lofty hill which slopes steeply away from the town towards the shimmering, navy blue Bay of Salerno. From the villa you can see the cliffs and coastline dotted with towns and villages that date back to the Romans, interspersed with chestnut, olive and lemon trees, vines and rambling roses. The oldest part of the villa is a 12th-century watchtower, built when Ravello was part of the Republic of Amalfi.

Porta Donica is like a lovely, relaxed family home, and is ideal for private parties: it accommodates up to 10 people in five bedrooms (two of them are in the old tower) and also has five bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and dining and living space. The best way to eat during summer, however, is alfresco in the garden, surrounded by rampaging, vibrant bougainvillaea and other flowers and shrubs. Beside the swimming pool there is an outside kitchen and traditional Neapolitan barbecue, to make this even easier. Modern amenities include satellite TV and internet access