Casa del Pittore - Montemarcello/Cinque Terre Area

Accommodates 4 - 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

Casa del Pittore is a sophisticated, stylish, upscale home located right in the fortified medieval village of Montemarcello, at the southern end of the Italian Riviera and a short distance from the famed Cinque Terre.

For once, let’s talk the house first, then the location. From the moment you walk in, you know that Casa del Pittore was furnished for its owner and not for rental. There is a unique personality to the house which is full of modern art with some antique pieces thrown in.

Casa del Pittore enjoys wonderful views of the surrounding village, the Gulf of La Spezia, and the islands beyond. On a clear day, you can see as far as Corsica.

Why do we say that Casa del Pittore has got 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and yet it’s only for 4 persons? One of the bedrooms is definitely a single. The second is a small but comfortable bedroom with a bed no wider, and perhaps a little narrower, than an American double bed; so it’s great for a couple deeply in love: no snits allowed here, or one of you is going to the single. The third bedroom is really the master, with a true matrimonial bed. But each bedroom has its own full bathroom, so that two couples can definitely consider the place. If you’re three adult friends traveling together, or a couple and two singles, it really works. You’ve all just got to realize that bedrooms are unequal.

What about the layout of Casa del Pittore? From the street, you actually walk down 3 steps to the first level, containing a small living area, eat-in kitchen with everything, and, off the living area, a single bedroom with its own very good bath attached. Outside, to the rear of the house, you’ll find a delightful little patio/garden ideal for alfresco dining. Upstairs, on the middle level, lies the smaller double bedroom, good bathroom with shower, and a small study with phone and internet connection. Finally, at the top of the house, you’ll find the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom (shower), plus spacious, urbane living room with fireplace. Up an awkward spiral staircase you come to a terrace with views overlooking the village and the sea. Casa del Pittore has a washing machine, dishwasher, TV, stereo, two fireplaces, tons of artwork and walls of books.

Casa del Pittore is just not a house for children, and none are allowed who are over 5 months or under 17 years old.

So what about the location? Montemarcello is a coastal jewel. We never heard of it ourselves until this year, and we’ve been coming to Italy since 1971. As stated above, it’s a fortified medieval village located above and overlooking the sea, not at water’s edge (though you can actually walk down to a little beach if you’re willing to negotiate the 700-plus steps down and back up). The current population hovers around 250 permanent residents and 500 seasonal. Two grocers, a couple of little trattorie, and the post office complete the commercial scene. Of course, there are also little galleries and specialty artisan shops as well, but we’re not talking a tourist mecca here by any means. You really do get to immerse yourself in the life of a real Italian coastal hilltop village.

Activities? Well, there are hiking trails running right through Montemarcello itself, not to mention the renowned trail connecting the five cliff-hugging villages comprising the Cinque Terre. Drive down to Bocca di Magra, and there are boats to take you to little unspoiled coves for a day of swimming and picnicking. From nearby Portovenere, boats ply the coast from Genoa via Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Rapallo, calling at each of the Cinque Terre. It’s also an easy ride to the sandy beaches of Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore, and Marina di Carrara. And speaking of Carrara, a stay in Montemarcello would not be complete without a visit to the fabled marble quarries. This is a must, as is a follow-up visit to the little art village of Pietrasanta where many famous modern sculptors summer and sell their art. And speaking of art, from Montemarcello you’re within an easy drive of the twice-monthly antiques fair at Sarzana (in itself a delightful town) plus the more famous art cities of Pisa, Lucca, Parma, even Firenze itself.

But most of all, you come to Montemarcello, and to Casa del Pittore, to experience the different pace of live, enjoy the sea air, the pleasant views, and the full immersion in the life of a real Italian village.