Now, this distinctive and idiosyncratic home is available for rental to families and friends who will appreciate its exceptional character and the memorable experiences it will engender.

This is not a conventional home, built as it has been on a promontory. The house spreads over multiple levels, connected by open-air paths and hallways hewn from stone.

Surrounded on three sides by water, the glinting light diving in through every window, the house is as much about being outside as in. The sprawling layout is ideal for a larger group that seeks both shared and private spaces.

Your stay is enhanced by an exceptional staff with long personal connections to this particular home and who are happy to share their love of this dramatic and unique property.

The owners have concentrated on upgrading and modernizing this ancestral home. Bathrooms were all re-furbished, new kitchens fitted, floors re-tiled. The design of the house is such that three groups can each enjoy their own kitchen, sitting room and sleeping accommodation, or gather together to dine and relax together.

The Torre is designed to be a carefree and comfortable home, for casual seaside living. The appealing decor and inherently interesting layout, with its many corridors, stairs and terraces, is most suitable for those looking for an authentic Italian holiday without pretense or affectation.

You arrive at the Torre by water taxi directly from the main beach or on foot, crossing the beach at Fornillo and taking the staircase to the private entrance gate and path.

Edged with roses, impatiens and geraniums overflowing their built-in planters, the walkways are an essential means of moving from room to room throughout the property.

Open to the sky and hewn from the rough limestone hillside, the outdoors presents a relaxed, somewhat rugged style entirely suitable to this distinctive home.

There are three principal terraces plus a private descent on a characteristic narrow staircase, to the sunny beach. While all beaches along the Amalfi Coast are public beaches, this beach can only be reached by others via boat, and when it is occupied by guests of the house, people tend to move on to the next, likely deserted, cove.

An outdoor shower (hot and cold water) and WC are most conveniently placed alongside the east facade of the house before you descend the stairs.

Above the house, on an upper terrace, the owners have constructed a straw-shaded platform with simple weight-training equipment.

No matter where you find yourself on the grounds, the views are truly breathtaking, encompassing the full sweep from east to west, and including an animating view of Positano with its colorful harbor and the characteristic tiled dome of its principal church.

THE TORRE

Walkway circles the tower on three sides, and includes a south-facing covered terrace, with a striking, painted tile floor by the noted ceramicist, Ernestine.

The spacious and light-filled principal living room has windows facing three directions with views towards the village, ocean and seacoast. There are three seating areas, couches and chairs plus two built-in alcoves, which accommodate 12 people for games or conversation. The working fireplace features antique glass tiles. The dining table seats six and is suitable for a simple meal or makes an excellent work station. There's a small fridge for keeping cold drinks. The bright yellow walls and decorative touches amplify the luminous quality of the room and the stairs lead down to a double bedroom and the kitchen.

The charming and small single bedroom (twin) has the bed tucked into an alcove, with double doors opening to a small, private terrace facing directly out to sea. It is simply furnished and features antique hexagonal cotta tiles on the floor. The newly re-done ensuite bath (open shower stall, curtain) in tourquoise has a west-facing view of the coast.

The stairs lead up to a spacious double bedroom (queen) finished in lemon yellow and turquoise blue tones. The head of the bed tucks into an alcove which is gaily frescoed with a madonna and child in tile. Pen and ink drawings of the Torre adorn the walls. A refreshing breeze enters through three windows which are east- and west-facing. The room features built-in benches and a large ensuite bath (tub with wall-mounted and hand-held shower, curtain). An internal staircase leads to the roof of Torre and exceptional 360 degree view of the coast and Positano.

The charming and intimate double bedroom (queen) with ivory linen headboard and mosquito-netting adding romance to the Laura Ashley-inspired quilt. The room fills with the sound of the ocean meeting the beach below. Built-in desk under small west-facing window. This room remains cool as it is tucked into the hillside and protected from direct sun. Delightful new ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) with boat-like window overlooking Positano.

The all new kitchen (4-burner gas stove, oven, fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher) is reached by crossing an open walkway, and tucked into the cool stone hillside. A window overlooks the beach below.There's an intimate marble-topped table for a simple meal or break from the sun. Stairs lead up to entrance terrace.

THE PORTICATO

The broad tiled terrace, with retractable white striped awnings to offer shade, faces due east with open views of the village, Arienzo coastline and beyond. Large potted oleanders in pink and white thrive in the open air. there's Ian iron table and chairs for six alongside the house provide an ideal spot for savoring a morning capuccino.

Long, tiled dining portico is furnished with long wood table (or two as needed) large enough to accommodate everyone for lunch or dinner by candlelight. The view, stupendous through an open stone arch framing Positano, is lively and delightful by day and night.

The intimate sitting room is furnished with ivory cotton cushions on wicker couches and accommodates six comfortably. A nautical theme predominates, with the most commanding element a striking black and white photograph of a major storm 10 years ago, capturing waves as they crash onto the Torre. Double doors and windows open to the dining portico.

The Main kitchen offers a 5-burner gas stove, oven, large fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher, newly refinished with Carrara counters and a charming window facing Positano. (Washing machine in adjacent staff pantry and laundry room.)

The library/bedroom recently renovated but retaining the typical barrel-vaulted ceiling, original parquet floor and handsome antique desk. Comfortable sleeping alcove (single bed) makes complete bedroom if preferred. Built-in fixtures. Window and double doors open to the principal terrace and striking east-facing view.

There is also a new guest bathroom.

Lovely double bedroom (twins can combine to form king) with original handmade wood furniture and a high barrel-vaulted ceiling with fan. Screened double doors open onto the principal terrace which offers a dramatic view of Positano and ample early-morning light. Low-clearance arched passage leads to adjacent shared bath.

Full bathroom (tub with hand-held shower and wall-mounted shower, curtain) with bright yellow tiles, double sink and small window facing Positano.

LES SIRENE

Fantastic, spacious, straw-covered terrace with dramatic west-facing views of the Isole dei Galli and the Amalfi Coast. Teak dining table with captain chairs for eight.

Entrance from principal walkway into bright and breezy living/dining room with cool, white-tiled floor and an exposed rock wall. Three large windows face west plus one door opens to tiny west terrace. Sitting area with bamboo couches and chairs for five. Round dining table for four. TV with VCR (PAL) and satellite. Portable CD/Tape player/Tuner. New corner kitchen (4-burner gas stove, microwave, fridge, separate freezer, small electric grill, double sink) with granite counter.

Enter through the vestibule which is trimmed with handsome handmade arched wooden doors. Light-filled spacious double bedroom (twins can combine to form king) under barrel-vaulted ceiling. With three, large west-facing windows, this room is the best choice for those wanting to sleep late. Bookcases, desk and built-ins. Vestibule to ensuite bath (shower stall and tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) and peephole window facing the Torre and ocean.

'Diamante' single bedroom (twin) so named for the diamond pattern of light from the ceiling fixture. A charming and distinctive room with a window onto Positano. TV with satellite. Fan. Unique ensuite bath (open stall shower, no curtain) with charming tile design, and only drapes for privacy.

Full staff includes caretaker, housekeeper (6 hrs/day, 7 days/wk), fantastic cook and server for meals. Some English spoken by caretaker and cook.

There are numerous staircases, corridors and walkways linking the various rooms, making this hazardous for anyone unsteady on their feet or likely to be disoriented. Unsuitable for adventuresome children.

Arrival at house only possible via boat or on foot across stone beach. Parking at public car-park in Positano only, approximately 15 mins from house. Taxi-boat service available 24/7 from main beach; please inquire.

Skippered boats available for excursions; please inquire.