Villa Portofino

Heaven on earth

The steep and narrow rocky ledge near Portofino harbor is one of the jewels in Europe's crown and is among the most exclusive residential areas throughout Italy. On this grassy rock, we find the Villa Portofino (see photo on the left, white arrow). Despite the breathtaking location, our Portofino villa is affordable and sleeps 11 people in 6 bedrooms (the price is referred to an occupancy of 10 people). Both the location and house are first class, through and through. Everything contained in the offer is worth every cent and more.

A walk brings you to the famous harbor of Portofino (20 minutes on foot, 10 minutes with a lift) - this fine harbor, where grand yachts lie at anchor, where VIPs stroll along the promenade, where exquisite fish restaurants and elegant designer shops decorate the picturesque bay (the panoramic picture of the bay of Portofino below is NOT the view from the house). Despite the proximity of the colorful and lively harbor, the villa is tucked away and protected from the crowds: the house has private access to the sea and can hardly be seen from the road.

This gigantic rock, towering up from the water, is shared with a couple of other villas, the Castello Brown, a lighthouse and the famous church above Portofino. A private lift connects the harbor below with the upper footpath, leading to the lighthouse. This path is flanked by highly exclusive villas - including our house, which is about 300 m from the lift and is reached along a narrow path with archway and shady greenery (see photos of the exterior in vertical format).

Portofino has a small grocery store; the Santa Margherita grocery store can deliver goods to the villa (service at a charge). Although the house is situated high above the sea (20 m), the water is within walking distance: a private flight of 112 steep stone and wood steps leads down to a rocky platform. Just the place for sliding into the water to cool off after a sunbathe.

Designed on two levels (both ground floor, since the terrain is on a slope), the villa offers a large patio, hung with a shady, century-old wisteria. A sunny spot provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The whole property is about 2000 m2.

Main floor: 1 living room with large glass sliding doors leading to the pergola, 1 formal dining room, 1 kitchen (stove with oven, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine), 1 study, 1 double room (beds cannot be seperated) with one en suite bathroom with shower, 2 twin-bed rooms, 1 single room, 2 bathrooms (one with bath, the other with shower), cloakroom. All bedrooms on this floor have sea view. The furnished pergola is a wonderful place for enjoying an outdoor meal.

Lower floor: 2 twin-bed rooms wirh en suite bathroom with shower each and the bedroom + bathroom belonging to the housemaid, 1 utility room.

Prices include use of the lift and 8 hours cleaning per day. A cook can be organised.

Please bear in mind: This villa is accessible only on foot, so this accommodation is not suitable for persons who have difficulty walking (112 steps from the house to the sea level, 39 steps from the entrance gate to the house, 23 steps from the house to the solarium). Do not bring a car with you, there is no parking at or near the house (there is a public parking due to a charge in the small square of Portofino). It is about 10 minutes walking to Portofino if you use the lift, and 20 without the lift.

The house maid will prepare breakfast and perhaps one meal a day for groups smaller than 5. The groceries are not included. Upon arrival guests have to pay a mandatory advance payment for the first grocery shopping done by the house maid (please see price list below). Before the household budget will be finished guests have to stock this amount if they wish further grocery shoppings done.

As always with Portofino, it is best to arrive with a large yacht. If this is not possible, take the train to Santa Margherita and then a taxi to Portofino. There is also a bus service between Santa Margherita and Portofino (travels in both directions, which runs every 20 minutes, depending on the season): Portofino can be reached from S. Margherita by bus in 10 minutes. There is a ferry from Portofino to S. Margherita/Rapallo/5 Terre/Camogli/S. Fruttuoso. Water taxis are 100 Euros per hour. Pick up service at Genova airport can be arranged (about 100 Euros, reservation at least 10 days before arrival is required).

This area is a fascinating natural attraction and a protected nature and marine reserve. The countryside is lush and full of tropical flora; the seaside climate is mild. Silvery-gray rocks rise up magnificently from the cobalt blue water. Narrow paths wind their way along the coast, up hills and down into valleys - this is really an outstanding area which has hardly changed over the centuries. The houses are painted in warm, faded colors with red or green shutters to contrast. The local towns include Santa Margherita Ligure, Paraggi, Rapallo and Portofino. The coastline is dotted with former fishing villages which have long changed to suit the times and clientele.

French sailors once discovered these tiny, picturesque bays - in the fifties and sixties this was the meeting place for Hollywood divas - which are now known as a gathering point for the noblesse: you will find a range of very smart restaurants, boutiques, a public shingle beach in Paraggi (15 minutes on foot), a railway station in Santa Maria Ligure (with connections to Milan, Genoa and La Spezia) and busses which shuttle from Portofino to Rapallo, via S. Maria Ligure.

Water taxis will also take you in the direction of Rapallo or westwards to the other coastal towns along the Cinque Terre - and these water trips are much more fun. Also ferry boats are available and connect Portofino with S. Margherita and Paraggi and it is possible to reach S. Fruttuoso, Camogli and also the Cinque Terre. Informations per il diving can be found at: www.europeandc.com. Reservations can be made one week in advance at: miles@europeandc.com. Mr. Miles, the manager, is english.

The picturesque promenade, the graceful piazzetta and the villas hidden behind olive trees make Portofino a successful mix of both private and sophisticated abodes. Villa Portofino is a wonderful place to relax, walk, enjoy water sports and to visit the romantic Cinque Terre, all near enough for a day excursion.