Casa Alto

A Bold Statement in the Rocky Mediterranean Scrub

A newly minted masterwork by renowned Naples architect Cherubino Gambardella, this jaw-dropping reincarnation of one of southern Italy’s cementi armati, the stark concrete building frameworks abandoned by real estate speculators, has us seeing red... but in a good way!

Gambardella’s residential revival sits above olive, fig and lemon groves in constant sight of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Clad in lustrous lipstick-red tiles on its lower level, its gabled roof leveled to hold a 12-meter swimming pool and roof terrace, the home creates a bold statement in the rocky Mediterranean scrub, topped by sculptural bamboo shade structures. 

Scarlet was selected for the exterior walls by the home’s owners, in tribute to their architect’s native Naples where Pompeian red prevails. Indoors, the look is more botanical, revealing a color palette that mimics the surrounding nature—olive and pine green walls, citrus yellows, and sand-toned terrazzo floors. 

Built-in furnishings were custom-designed by Gambardella, and artworks in the villa are by Tuulikki Jaeger and Richard Vogl. Part of the original, abandoned concrete framing remains visible in the three-sided living area as a reminder of the villa’s origins, while floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass doors frame Mount Vesuvius, Ischia and the Pontine islands on the horizon.

AROUND

Set in the lesser-known Lazio region of Italy’s coastline between Rome and Naples, the villa’s closest community is the small medieval city of Itri. Crossed by the Pontone River, Itri is primarily agricultural, a valley community with the Monti Aurunci as a backdrop. Named for the Latin word iter, or “way,” the city of 11,000 inhabitants sits directly on the ancient Appian Way connecting Naples and Rome. A fortified castle dominates Itria and olive groves engulf the town, creating the region’s livelihood. The old olive grove at Casa Alto has been revived by the homeowners, in keeping with the local entrepreneurial spirit. 

A quick drive towards the Tyrrhenian takes you to Sperlonga, a mesmerizing seaside community that could be mistaken for an Amalfi coastal village. Verdant cliffs spill into the sea and onto the white sandy beaches, and the town is best known for its ancient Roman sea grotto, a surprising ancient waterway located inside Tiberius Caesar’s villa, an archeological site comprised of 2,000-year-old ruins. Sperlonga Beach offers a long stretch of sand backed by cliffs pocked with caves. Swimming in the caverns is possible, and paddleboat rentals are also available for exploring the sea grottos. 

The Roman port town of Gaeta is also nearby, with a 6th-century castle, a medieval old town, and (surprisingly) a US Naval Base operated by NATO. Split Mountain and Grotto del Turco are two of the town’s draws, one a striking viewpoint to the Mediterranean, the other a sea-level cave. The beaches at Gaeta offer watersports, sun loungers, and plenty of room to roam, jog, and wander. Day trips nearby include the easygoing isle of Ponza with its famed blue grottos plus waterside cafes and cocktail spots.

LOCATION

Itri, Province of Latina, Lazio, Italy. Nearest airport: Naples (50 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October