Perched eyrie-like on the edge of sleepy little Castiglione Chiavarese, only 10km from the Ligurian coast, this smart lemon-yellow villa was rescued from ruin by Milan-based architect Monika, who had long searched for a weekend escape. She cleverly modernised the interiors without losing any of the original character, moving walls, adding a sleek new staircase, and transforming the ground floor into a vast open-plan living space with a gleaming kitchen and a 2-way fireplace. On the floors above she created 5 light-flooded bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, along with a lounge and a snug tucked into the eaves.
The whole place is filled with an eye-catching blend of contemporary art and vintage Scandinavian furniture that contrasts beautifully with the old beams and exposed-stone walls, but it’s the outside space that will really take your breath away. There are flower-filled gardens, orchards, and views which plunge down wooded valleys to the Med shimmering far below. A rim-flow pool sits in a converted cistern, and terraces face in every direction so you can chase the sun (or shade). In short, it’s spacious, stylish and extremely spoiling - the perfect spot for special celebrations or extended gatherings with family and friends.
Highs
- A stunning setting with panoramic views over mountains and sea
- Ideally placed for exploring Liguria - Portofino, Camogli, Genoa and the famous Cinque Terre are all within easy reach
- Swish interiors with design classics by the likes of Hans Wegner, Kaare Klint and Patricia Urquoia
- A top-spec kitchen, plus a daily maid service. Shops and trattorias are a short walk away, and Monika can arrange a chef
- Great for older kids and teenagers, who can find space to themselves. They’ll love the attic snug with its TV and DVD player
Lows
- Unprotected drops and open-sided stairs mean children under 8 aren't allowed
- A 7-night minimum stay, with Saturday changeovers only
- Full payment required in advance, plus a fairly strict cancellation policy
- Approached via a narrow, single-track lane, with a tight turn from the main road - don’t bring a large car
- It can be tricky to find, so bring your detailed directions (provided when you book through i-escape)
Best time to go
Spring and autumn are beautiful in Liguria, with sunny days, balmy evenings and verdant countryside. The nearby coast is packed with tourists during July and August, but the villa is a tranquil retreat away from the crowds. It also makes a wonderful winter escape, with plenty of indoor space plus a fireplace to lounge by.
Our top tips
Take the boat (or hike) from Camogli or Portofino to the magnificent 13th-century abbey at San Fruttuoso, sandwiched between forest and sea. The beach next to it is a wonderful spot for picnics and swimming.
- Boutique Villa
- 5 bedrooms
- Self-catering (chef on request)
- Ages 8+ welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
You’ll spend most of your time on the ground floor - an airy flagstoned space with doors opening onto the terraces. A contemporary 2-way fireplace divides the kitchen-diner from a sitting area with comfy low-slung sofas, mid-century modern chairs and shelves of glossy art books; there’s also a loo off the hallway.
The bedrooms - 4 doubles and a twin - are spread over the 2 floors above, along with a further lounge and a loft-like snug. All are decked out with designer lamps, colourful rugs and throws (lime-green in one, cherry-red in another) and modern art; one also has a sofabed that can be made up for an additional guest. The bedrooms share 3 bathrooms with walk-in rainshowers; one has a tub, too.
Dotted throughout the house are quirky pieces, including salvaged farmhouse cupboards and Monika’s father’s old typewriter; we particularly liked the antique sewing machine set in a nook in the kitchen. You’ll also find a washer, dryer, PC and printer in the basement.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Iron
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The house is designed for feasting, with a huge dining table hewn from a single chunk of wood, plus further tables on the terraces outside. One faces east, so you can soak up the sun as you sip your morning coffee; another looks west - perfect for alfresco dinners as the sun sets.
The glossy white kitchen is kitted out with everything you need to cook up a treat: oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, huge fridge-freezer, and all manner of cutlery, crockery and utensils. There’s also further fridge and freezer space in the basement, and a BBQ outside.
There are grocery stores and bakeries a short walk away in the village, together with a couple of simple trattorias. Monika can also arrange for supplies to be waiting for you on arrival, and can book a visiting chef if you’re celebrating something special (or just fancy a night off).
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Microwave
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
- Toaster
Activities
- Hit the beach - it’s only a 10km drive to the coast. Monika recommends the beach clubs at Piscina dei Castelli in Sestri Levante, Bagno Jolando in Moneglia and Bagno Arsella near Forte dei Marmi
- Rub shoulders with the glitterati in Portofino (don’t miss aperitivi and people-watching on the terrace of Hotel Splendido), or visit the pretty town of Camogli with its seafront promenade, bobbing fishing boats and lovely crescent of sand
- Head along the coast to the famous Cinque Terre, a Unesco-listed string of 5 pastel-coloured villages which cling precariously to the cliffs; our favourite is Vernazza, though all are beautiful. You can take the train or boat from Sestri Levante and then hop between them by rail, boat or footpath
- Or catch a train in the opposite direction and spend a day exploring Genoa, a gloriously gritty city with ornate palazzi, a revamped waterfront and a warren of atmospheric medieval alleyways
- Spend an afternoon perusing the shops in Chiavari, a pretty little town 20km from the villa. Market day is Friday, and there's also an antiques market on the second weekend of every month
- Walk in the hills. Footpaths lead out in all directions from Castiglione Chiavarese
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Mountain biking
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Well being
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
Kids
Although the open stairs and unfenced terraces mean the villa isn’t suitable for children under 8, it’s a great place to bring older kids. There’s enough space for everyone to spread out, and the snug with its TV and DVD player makes a wonderful hideaway for teenagers. The washer and dryer in the basement will also come in handy for families.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
One of the rooms is a twin, and another has a sofabed that can be made up for an extra guest without any additional charge.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool
- Satellite TV and DVD player
- WiFi, plus computer with internet access
Kids Activities nearby:
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Aquarium in Genoa
Distances:
- Airport: 1-hour drive (Genoa)
- Hospital: 45-minute drive (Lavagna)
- Shops: 5-minute walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villa sits on the edge of the village of Castiglione Chiavarese, high above the Ligurian coast. It’s 10km from the nearest beach, and 15km from the town of Sestri Levante.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Genoa, which is 50km (an hour’s drive) away. You can also fly into Pisa (110km away), which has a wider range of international flights. Click on the links below to see a list of airlines serving both these airports.
From the Airport
We recommend hiring a car so that you can explore the area while you’re here - see our car-rental recommendations. The villa has a private driveway, though bear in mind it’s accessed by a narrow single-track road - if you’re coming in a group, it’s best to bring 2 or 3 smaller cars rather than one large one (there's parking for 4 on site). If you plan on staying put once you arrive, Monika can arrange transfers from the airport or from the train station in Sestri Levante.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape. 
More on getting to Liguria and getting around
Airports:
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo 50.0 km GOA
- Pisa Galileo Galilei 110.0 km PSA
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km