Breathtaking English countryside gardens, impressively transplanted to the Amalfi Coast, and a tale of their unusual origin.
Gardens of Divine Desire: A Siren's Call from Ravello to Ischia
A sparkling Mediterranean coastline, a playground of the ancient and the modern, and a haven for those yearning for creativity... Welcome to the sun-kissed haven of Campania, where poets, painters, and gardeners alike have found sanctuary amidst the shimmering azure of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In the cliffside nest of Ravello, a place of timeless beauty that calls to the soul, stand two garden oases that have captivated visitors for centuries - Villa Rufolo and the divine terrain of Villa Cimbrone. This magical, enchanted domain has bewitched renowned artists such as Richard Wagner and the Bloomsbury Group, igniting their imaginations and shaping their masterpieces.
Once a neglected relic discarded to ruin, Villa Cimbrone was resurrected in the early 20th century by Ernest Beckett, a Cornish nobleman seeking solace after the tragic loss of his American wife. Upon finding the promise of endless beauty amongst Ravello's rolling terraces and verdant wilderness, he set forth to transform the decrepit ruins into a haven fit for a king and a playground for an ilk of artists and intellectuals who sought refuge in its embrace.
The symphony of horticultural wonders that is Villa Cimbrone is orchestrated by the Vuilleumier family, who have devoted themselves to honoring and maintaining its grandeur since 1960. Today, the villa beckons as a luxurious retreat for the weary spirit, offering an unrivaled experience of paradise suspended in time. Among its many marvels, the Terrace of Infinity - a breathtaking clifftop vantage point boasting sweeping vistas of the Gulf of Salerno - stands as a testament to the enchantment laid in the heart of this Eden-like abode.
Fast forward half a century to the Neapolitan island of Ischia, where the illustrious composer Sir William Walton and his wife Susana sought refuge from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. In 1956, they bought a plot of land overgrown by pines and brambles, and with the keen eye of renowned landscape designer Russell Page, they created the legendary gardens of La Mortella.
Page masterfully crafted a garden that melded seamlessly with the island's rugged, volcanic landscape, all the while catering to the Walton's international tastes and evoking memories of their adventures across the globe. As the years passed, the garden continued to evolve under the tender care of Lady Walton, after both Page and her husband had moved on, culminating in an imagination-stirring sanctuary that welcomes visitors to explore its winding paths, cascading waterfalls, enigmatic statues, and exotic flora.
For those seeking a captivating journey through the gardens that inspired the great artists and writers of our time, join us on our platform tour of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples. Together with our horticultural expert Nick Dakin-Elliot, we'll traverse the iconic La Mortella gardens, the sublime heights of Villa Cimbrone, and the legendary lemon groves of Amalfi, immersing ourselves in a symphony of beauty and culture that lingers long after the last petal has fallen.
Embark on a magical journey through Campania's home-and-garden wonders, where the lifestyles of poets, painters, and gardeners have been transformed by enchanting landscapes. Travel from the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, a haven once resurrected from ruin, to the exotic and adventuresome gardens of La Mortella on Ischia, a sanctuary created by the visionary landscape designer Russell Page. Immerse yourself in this captivating travel itinerary, exploring the horticultural masterpieces that inspired the art and literature of our time.
