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Casa Jacinto - Italian Riviera near France
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Accommodates 4 — 2 Bedrooms
— 1 Bath
For years, we searched in vain
for appropriate properties along the Italian Riviera. At last,
a few years ago, we came across Casa Jacinto, located in a
spectacular position along the coast just over a mile into
Italy from France. The nearest towns are Ventimiglia in Italy
and Menton in France.
Casa Jacinto isn't at all fancy.
You walk up a short flight of exterior steps right into the
living room, furnished with a pair of comfortable if a bit
faded sofas. On the left, up 3 or 4 steps, is the smaller
of the two twin bedrooms and a full bath with shower over
tub. On the right is the principal bedroom with good twin
beds which can be pushed together to make a matrimonial. Straight
ahead and up 3 or 4 steps is the big eat-in kitchen with a
pretty table constructed by the owners with inlaid Portuguese
tiles. The living room and kitchen/dining room effectively
form one large open space bathed in sunlight. There are a
washing machine and telephone (but no computer hookup —
you need to go to a local internet cafe to retrieve email
and otherwise enter cyberspace).
Most important, a door from
the kitchen leads out to a delightful terrace, not enormous,
but big enough for a table and chairs to eat out on and chaises
longues for sunning. The view over the garden out to sea is
tremendous.
In fact, the big draw of Casa
Jacinto is its setting which couldn't be more special. It
is nestled in a tiny hamlet of about 8-10 structures within
the walls of the Hanbury Botanical Garden which descends precipitously
from the road down to the seafront. The Hanbury family bought
the 40-acre property in 1867 with the specific purpose of
turning it into a botanical garden. After many ups and downs,
it is now the property of the Italian state and is operated
as a part of the University of Genoa. Because of an unusually
protected position among mountains and headlands along the
coast, the garden enjoys a wonderful microclimate which permits
the cultivation of hundreds of species of exotic flora. The
Hanbury family retained possession of 3 structures near the
main gate at the very top of the garden, and Casa Jacinto
is one of them.
The situation is very much like
that of a National Trust rental property in England. The garden
is open to the public 7 days a week in summer. We're
not talking tour buses here: only about 20,000 visitors enter
the garden each year, or fewer than 100 per day. Paved paths
pass Casa Jacinto, however, and one must lock the front door
when leaving. Once the gates close in the late afternoon,
the garden is entirely yours (you'll have your own key to
get in and out). It is truly spectacular, and it enjoys total
peace and quiet.
Another special feature: where
it is. You are within 30-60 minutes by car (and a car is absolutely
necessary here) from some of the most prestigious resorts
of the French Riviera: Menton, Villefranche, Monte Carlo,
St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu, Eze, and Nice. (You must carry
your passport even if you just go to Menton for shopping,
or you will find yourselves unable to get back into Italy!)
On the Italian side, you are a short ride from a series of
wonderful Italian family resorts: Ventimiglia, San Remo, Ospedaletti,
and Bordighera. Cervo is a particularly delightful hilltown
about an hour down the coast. And the interior is sensational
as well, dotted with unknown (hence unspoiled) medieval villages
like Dolceacqua and Apricale and Baiardo and Taggia dotting
the hilltops and affording splendid views.
Because of the delicacy of the
garden, the owners do not accept children under 18 years of
age. There are no exceptions made to this. Casa Jacinto is
best for one couple or three adults. Two couples are theoretically
possible, but the place would feel crowded, and there is only
the one bath. In addition, you have to be independent. Once
in the place, you are on your own. The owners are not there
to change light bulbs and give you restaurant recommendations.
We suggest Casa Jacinto to those of you who have rented in
Italy in the past. It is a magical place in an incredible
setting.
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Rates:
|
2 persons |
3 or 4 persons |
| |
£900
(English) per week |
£1,100
(English) per week |
| Extras: |
None
|
| Arrival: |
Friday
|
Minimum
stay: |
1 week
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