Villa Treville was originally purchased in the 1920s by Mikhail Semenov, the Russian writer, who was the first to gather around him the cultural ferment that has always characterised Positano. With Franco Zeffirelli, the property was often visited by dancers, singers, writers, musicians, painters, actors and intellectuals from all over the globe.
The estate was lovingly refurbished and further developed under the artistic direction of Zeffirelli during his 35 years in residence with the inclusion of new gardens, terraces and hidden pools. He hired his friend Renzo Mongiardino, who collaborated on many of his theatre and opera projects, to design the exquisitely crafted interiors.
The work was subsequently continued with meticulous attention to detail as Villa Treville was converted into a boutique hotel under new ownership advised by architect Fausta Gaetani, a friend and frequent guest of Mr Zeffirelli.