Location: Val di Vara, Cinque Terre Area, Liguria, Italy, Europe (La Spezia 10 Kms, Pisa 60 Kms, Genova 60 Kms)
Accommodations: Villa, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Villa Chiara is a comfortable family summer home located just above the village of Ricco' del Golfo in Liguria. The villa is on a 15 acre estate of vineyards and forests, in easy walking distance to the village where there are local shops and restaurants. The village is a 15 minute drive from La Spezia and about a 30 minute drive into the Cinque Terre towns.
The Autostrada is a 10 minute drive from the villa, which makes it a convenient base for visiting towns like Pisa, Lucca, Florence and Portofino. Set up on the top of a hill the villa also offers wonderful views of the surrounding hillside and the village below.
Villa Chiara dates to the early 1900's, and the there are many antique furnishings, paintings, and memorabilia. It has the authentic feel of an Italian country farmhouse yet it is just behind the hills and sea of the CinqueTerre. For expert hikers, some of the famous hiking trails of the CinqueTerre park start about a mile away from the villa and reach what is know as the High Path that leads down to the village of Vernazza. Otherwise, the CinqueTerre may be reached by car or by train from La Spezia.
On the villa's first floor is a comfortable living room with original ceiling frescoes from the early 1900's and a fireplace. Adjacent is a generous dining room that is connected to the kitchen, newly remodeled in 2005, with a gas oven, dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator/freezer, microwave oven and American coffee maker. From the kitchen window is a lovely view of the garden and vineyards. Exiting the kitchen door is a lovely furnished patio area in the garden for al fresco dining.
The bedrooms and bathrooms are all on the second floor. All of the beds have new mattresses. One large double bedroom has furniture dating back to the Napoleonic era, and a small balcony facing the village and hills beyond. There are four other double bedrooms with lovely traditional furniture.
One bedroom has bunk beds and is ideal for children. One of the bathrooms was redone in 2006.. One bathroom has a shower and the other has a bathtub with a hand shower and a window overlooking the vineyards.
Guests who come in September can participate in the grape harvest on the property. Villa Chiara is well located for touring Liguria and enjoying the Italian countryside. The owner is American so she can help you lots of local information. Upon request baby equipment can be arranged such as stroller, portable bed, car seat, etc. Cook and maid are also available. The villa also has wireless internet.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Covered Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Bunk Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Sightseeing
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Vineyard Tours
Rate Details (In Euros)
May-Oct .. €2200/week
Nov-Apr .. €1600/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1900
My name is Sarah Ferrari and I have been living in Italy for 18 years. I met Franco, my husband in Portofino over 15 years ago. That is what brought me to the beautiful area of La Spezia which offers so many alternatives for an outdoorsy like myself. This property belonged to my husband's grandfather and was their summer estate. For over 12 years now I have had the opportunity to share the villa with many guests who have truly enjoyed the authentic atmosphere, the peaceful setting amongst the vineyards and the vicinity to so many places of interest.
The Unique Benefits of this Villa
From the villa you will enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding hillside and the village below. A unique characteristic of Villa Chiara is that guests can actually walk down the little road that leads down to the village and do their daily shopping at the local bread store, vegetable store etc and enjoy a coffee down at the local bar. For avid hikers there is even a trail that leads over the hills and into the CinqueTerre town of Vernazza. We have been promised that in the near future there will even be a funicular shorten the distance between Ricco' del Golfo and the CinqueTerre. In Italy though.....time runs very slowly!!! Let's keep our fingers crossed!!
Property Photos
- Villa Chiara - Val di Vara, Italy Vacation Villa Near Shops and Restaurants
- Villa Chiara outdoor living area - Val di Vara, Italy Vacation Villa Near Shops and Restaurants
- Living room Villa Chiara - Val di Vara, Italy Vacation Villa Near Shops and Restaurants
- Master bedroom Villa Chiara
- Dining room
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #261564
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - October 28, 2009
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