Villa Ortensia
Property # 8275

VILLA ORTENSIA
sleeps 5 to 7


Comfortably sleeping 5 to 7 persons, this old, converted farmhouse, lies on the border between eastern Liguria and northern Tuscany, just a stone’s throw from the Cinque Terre. It has been carefully restored and renovated, to offer all the comforts, including a wonderful outdoor pool. The interior design is characterized by antique furnishings and decorative paintings, lovingly chosen by the owner, to remain in stylish keeping with the traditional architectural context.

Set in a privileged position on a hillside, surrounded by chestnut, cherry and olive trees, the villa affords superb views, which embrace both the Apuan Alps inland and the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean sea from the islands of La Spezia gulf to the lighthouse of Livorno port.

This whole area enjoys a pleasant temperate micro-climate, while the villa itself boasts a suntrap location, basking in sunshine throughout the day. Its idyllically quiet seclusion will ensure that your stay really is out-of-this-world!

ACCOMMODATION

Entrance to this unique property is at ground-floor level from the brickwork porch with wooden beamed ceiling, perfectly equipped to eat outside with wooden table and benches. It has its own barbecue/wood burning oven ideal to prepare wonderful dinners. From the porch you enter the fitted kitchen with its original Carrara white marble worktops and sink of attractive rustic design and completed by all the modern appliances (dishwasher; fridge; American coffee-maker). The living/dining room features an ancient slate fireplace and comfortable sofas, whose colour-scheme harmoniously complements the traditional Tuscan stone and terracotta floors. 17th century-style table with benches and chairs grace the dining area.

Proceeding to the right the former lemon house has been transformed into a comfortable guest bedroom with double wrought iron sofa bed. The room is incredibly luminous and bright thanks to the large window which extends across one wall and offers breathtaking views over the gulf of la Spezia and the Tuscan coast with Forte dei marmi and even further south.
The hallway is completely covered with books and it leads to the two bedrooms and bathrooms.

From the hallway you can access the separate two bedroom suite which includes one luminous double bedroom furnished with antiques and completed by the ancient wooden parquet floor which makes it even warmer and welcoming, one single bedroom with original cotto floors and a glass door to the balcony offering spectacular views. The suite is completed by a small but delicious private bathroom with shower which wasn’t changed to maintain the original characteristics of the house.
A cosy paintings exposition corner introduce you to the Ardesia (local stone) stairways decorated with a wooden library which accompany you upstairs where the last romantic isolated double bedroom and bathroom with bathtub await you.

The villa offers TVsat, CD-player and Internet access, high-quality Flanders’ linen sheets and bedcovers, as well as embroidered towels and bathrobes are likewise all provided.

THE GROUNDS

Encircled by shady olive trees and fully appointed with sunshades, lounges and other garden furniture, the private huge parc makes an ideal venue for sunbathing or al fresco dining. A second, more intimate terrace, furnished with table and chairs and oriental style sofas , forms another perfect spot for outdoor relaxation. In addition to these, the warm waters of the enticing outdoor pool invite you to bathe at leisure amid beautiful natural surroundings, bordered by orchards and aromatic plants.

The owner Francesca lives in another villa restored from an old barn only about 100 metres away with her mother Letizia who spends part of the year in Egypt and part of the year in Liguria. They are always happy to help out with advice and assistance, if required, while also fully respecting your privacy.

Villa Old Ortensia is located within easy reach of the area’s main sights of outstanding natural beauty or historic and artistic interest, such as the following: the medieval town of Sarzana (10 mins); the Cinque Terre villages; the Gulf of Poets; Portovenere; Portofino; the Apuan Alps and the white-marble quarries of Carrara (20 mins by car); the beaches of Versilia (30 mins by car); the famous Tuscan towns of Pisa (40 mins by car), Lucca (30 mins by car) and Florence (1 hour).

Many other unspoilt beaches dotted along the nearby coast can be accessed by car in about 15 mins.

Regular daily ferry services operate from the local ports of Lerici, La Spezia and Marina di Carrara (15 kms away) to the Gulf of Poets; Portovenere; the Cinque Terre villages; Portofino; and Genoa.