THE VILLA GAMBERAIA, NEAR FLORENCE 
PLATES 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 
AMBERAIA stands upon a long, narrow strip of land, by no means of large 
extent, but so cleverly planned as to give to the mind all that can be 
desired of variety and sense of spaciousness. It is situated upon a hillside 
near Settignano, and from its terrace a glorious view of Florence and the 
valley beyond lies before you, with the ‘podere’ and farm lands extending 
to the boundary wall of the garden. A short carriage drive, enclosed within 
fine hedges of box, leads past the chapel to the gravel forecourt, and to the 
low cream-washed casino, of simple and noble proportions, with a homelike air of comfort about 
its broad overhanging eaves. It was probably constructed in the late sixteenth century, and 
there is an inscription over one of the doors—‘Zenobius Lapius fundavit MDCX’—indicating very 
probably about the date it was built. In later years it belonged to the Capponi family, and in 
1895 became the property of Princess Ghyka, who has shown great skill and knowledge in dealing 
with the old Tuscan villa, so that its old-world charm has been considerably enhanced by her 
taste and artistic judgment. It would be difficult to find in Italy a more interesting garden of 
its class. 
A long grass alley extends from end to end of the site, a distance of more than two 
hundred yards dividing the upper from the lower garden. This is quite an unusual feature in 
Italian gardens; but, nevertheless, a very delightful one. The alley is terminated at one end by a 
charming and characteristic group of cypresses, and at the other end by a balustrade, com¬ 
manding a picturesque and diversified view of gently undulating woodland, olive groves, and 
vineyards. Upon the west side of the casino is a broad terrace, with an expansive view towards 
Florence, bounded by a broad and low parapet, rising here and there in curves to form pedestals, 
upon which are vases and seated lions. The casino is surrounded by turf and flagged pathways 
leading to the water garden, illustrated on Plates 49 and 50. This garden is slightly sunk 
from the level of the long alley, with grass steps upon one side, and terminates in a semicircular 
pool. A circular fountain forms the centre of the design, from which gravel pathways diverge 
in the shape of a cross, dividing the plan into four oblong basins, edged with stone rims and 
flower borders, narrow beds filled with irises, lilies, standard roses, and other flowers reflecting 
their bright colours in the calm, clear pools. 
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