La Rocca - Riviera Hills/Cinque Terre Area

Accommodates 6 - 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Here’s what many of you have been asking for over the years: an upscale property suitable for couples right in a charming but untouristy medieval hilltown. The hilltown in question is Nicola, whose full-time population is well under 300. But it’s still a thriving little place, in particular due to the fact that it’s home to two of Italy’s most well-known osterie, or old-fashioned family-run trattorias serving delicious regional food. To be able literally to walk not just to one, but to a pair of such places is, to our mind, a real luxury.

What is there for you to do in this part of the world? Mountains: the Apuan Alps, really a part of the Apennines, are directly behind you, for delightful summer walks or drives. Beaches: One of Italy’s longest stretches of sandy coastline is at your feet, from Marina di Carrara all the way to Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio and beyond. Art Cities: Lucca, Pisa, Genoa, and Parma – even Florence itself – all make easy daytrips from La Rocca. Hilltowns: Sarzana, Ortonovo, Camaiore and Pietrasanta are within a few miles, not to mention Nicola itself, plus Carrara, for at least a full day exploring the renowned marble quarries. Seacoast: The fabled Cinque Terre are a short drive away, and you’ll undoubtedly want to dedicate at least one day, probably two, to the famous hike among the five towns. Portofino lies just a little further, not to mention Santa Margherita, Rapallo, Portovenere, Montemarcello, and Lerici.

Turning to La Rocca itself: Well, first of all, we have to mention the views. In front of you, you’ve got the Magra River delta and the Mediterranean beyond, with views of both beaches and cliffs. Behind you, there are the mountains which were dramatically snow-covered on the day we visited. And all around you, the sights and pleasant sounds of the village of Nicola itself.

On La Rocca’s ground floor you’ll find an elegantly furnished living/dining room with fireplace and a modern kitchen with washing machine, dishwasher, conventional stovetop/oven, and microwave. Up one level (really this is the main entrance level) is a second elegant living room giving out onto a panoramic terrace. The terrace is how you reach the first bedroom suite of the house: a matrimonial with its own bath with shower. Upstairs again (from inside), you’ll find two additional bedrooms, one matrimonial and one twin, which share a full bath with telephone shower over tub. Stereo/CD player. Cell phone upon request.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a welcome basket of wine, oil, and fruit, and the kitchen will be stocked with what Italians consider breakfast-making materials. For a price, beautiful gourmet dinners can be arranged at the property itself, as well as daily housekeeping. La Rocca is an upscale property. For that reason the owners accept only all-adult parties.