Villa Turchese, Liguria
Property # 8512

Sleeping six people in three ensuite double bedrooms, this cosy little farmer’s cottage, meticulously restored with an eye for stylish detail, enjoys a truly exceptional location, with absolutely stunning views which embrace the entire Gulf of La Spezia. The idyllic infinity-edge pool makes the ideal spot from which to marvel at this incredible seascape, viewed from a bird’s-eye perspective!

This simple stone building, which still preserves its original 19th century terracotta-tiled floors throughout, is furnished in an authentically rustic style, in keeping with the traditional architectural context. At the same time, great care has been taken to ensure that all modern comforts are provided.

The house is perched amid abundant vegetation high up on a steep hillside, just below the pretty fishing village of Montemarcello and looking down on to the rooftops, castle and harbour of historic Lerici on the Ligurian coast far below. This privileged elevated situation opens up breathtaking panoramic views which encompass the nearby villages tucked away among wooded hills and inlets, the curved outline of the Gulf of Poets with Portovenere on its far headland, the two little islands that lie opposite, as well as part of the Cinque Terre nature reserve beyond. As the property and grounds face westwards, they regularly witness the exquisite radiance of magnificent sunsets over the sea, rounding off a perfect day!

ACCOMMODATION:

Built split-level into the steep hillside like most traditional Ligurian houses in this area, the cottage has two floors, each giving easy access to the lovingly tended surrounding garden. Every room, both upstairs and downstairs, affords wonderfully relaxing views of the garden itself and the vast sweep of the bay in the background.

The upper floor comprises a spacious, comfortably furnished, light-filled living/dining room, with a working fireplace and French doors to the garden; a separate small but fully equipped kitchen, with elegant marble fittings; a separate toilet with washbasin; and a laundry.

An internal staircase leads down to the three bright double bedrooms, each with its own independent entrance, French doors accessing the garden and ensuite bathroom with shower. Every bedroom and bathroom features its own distinctive decor and colour-scheme, making each original and unique! The master bedroom forms a suite, as it has a small adjoining sitting room with fireplace.

THE GROUNDS:

The property entrance-gates lead to an informal outdoor parking area and then onwards to a stone pathway that first discloses the lovely pool and its spectacular scenic backdrop and finally the cottage itself. The front lawns are securely fenced-in where they meet the steep outer edge of the hillside, while shady, lush, Mediterranean woodland extends uphill behind the house. Flowerbeds adorn the paved patio to one side of the front door, brightly planted with seasonal scented flowers, as well as the perfumed lavender and rosemary bushes so typical of this region.

The ‘star-attraction’, organically curvaceous infinity-pool lies in a suntrap position on the perimeter of the garden, so that its intense turquoise waters seem to blend magically and merge seamlessly with those of the sparkling Mediterranean directly behind. The pool is set in an attractive raised stonework surround and is lined with blue mosaic tiles, which lend its waters a brilliantly vibrant hue. Lawns and shade-giving pine, Cypress and olive trees border it on one side, where a furnished open-air barbecue (also with sink) invites you to unwind and dine al fresco, while taking in unforgettable sunsets over the bay and the twinkling lights of the harbour, villages, islands and boats in the near and far distance below.

LOCATION:

This property’s extraordinarily peaceful, secluded setting, where utmost privacy is guaranteed, will probably make you reluctant to venture far afield! However, if you do wish to explore the natural and historic attractions of this scenically outstanding area, this location makes an ideally strategic base.

A pathway brings you directly from the grounds downhill to the seashore, which is at about 20 minutes’ walking distance. The charming old fishing villages of Tellaro, Fiascherino and Lerici, now sophisticated luxury resorts, with fine beaches and excellent restaurants, are about 5 kms away.

The panoramic coastal road leading to the villa winds its way uphill through luxuriant, seductively aromatic Mediterranean ‘maquis’ vegetation and takes you through a string of picturesque little villages hugging the coastline.

Regular ferry services run from the nearby port of Lerici to connect with such enticing seaside destinations as Portovenere and the Cinque Terre villages; while further inland you can enjoy cultural sightseeing in the ancient Roman town of Luni, with its fascinating museum.

The world-famous Carrara quarries, source of all Michelangelo’s superb white marble, are also situated in the near vicinity.

The splendid historic cities of Genoa, Lucca and Pisa are all about an hour’s drive away, while Florence is approximately 1 hour and half away by car.

Accomodation
The house in on two floors. / Ground floor: entrance, dinig /living room, fully equipped kitchen with electric oven, fridge/freeze, toaster, espresso maker, American coffee maker, dishwasher, 1 service bathroom. / Second floor: 3 double bedrooms, 3 en suite bathrooms / Outside: private patio and garden, swimming pool / Rental Conditions / Rentals are Saturday to Saturday / Arrival between 4 and 8 p.m. / Departure by 10:00 a.m. / Car essential
Services
All linen and utilities / Linen, towels, pool towels, Internet access, Sat. TV, CD player, dishwasher, washing machine, oven, American coffee maker, 2 fireplaces, barbecue, swimming pool, private parking. / Maid service 2 times a week
Extra Services
Breakfast prepared around the swimmig pool on request / Extra maid service on request
Distances
Closest village:Montemarcello 7 minutes / Closest restaurant:La Brace 5 minutes by car / Nearest beaches:10 minutes / Nearest Airport: Pisa - Galileo Galilei
Airports
International aiports: / Milano Linate: 2 hours and 30 minutes / Milano Malpensa: 3 hours / Roma Fiumicino: 3 hours and 30 minutes / InterEuropean and National airports / Pisa: 30 minutes / Firenze: 1 hour and 30 minutes / Genova: 1 ho

Ocean View
Pool View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Stereo
Hi-Speed Internet
Cable TV
DVD
Fax
BBQ
Bath Tub
Additional Outdoor Shower

From Villa Ortensia you can easily reache places of great turist interest like Cinque Terre, the Golfo dei Poeti, Portovenere and Portofino, the Apuan Alps and white marble caves in Carrara (20 minutes away by car) or the beaches of Versilia (30 minutes away) the medieval town of Sarzana (10 minutes), the North of Tuscany town of Pisa(40 minutes by car), Lucca (30 minutes), Firenze (1 hour).

There are ferry companies that will take you to visit the beautiful Cinque Terre, Golfo dei Poeti, Portovenere and Portofino.
Boats depart also from Marina di Carrara (10 km away).