The part of the Ligurian coast, extending from Genoa to the Gulf of La Spezia, is famed for the wonderful sea views from its winding hillside roads, passing through pine forests and colourful little fishing villages. The delightful peninsula of Portofino with its romantic seaside resort village of the same name, and sheltered bay, remains a popular haunt of yachtsmen and tourists. In Portofino we are offering several villas within walking distance of the town, one accessed by lift up the side of a cliff. Our local office is happy to recommend restaurants and arrange for additional staff, including drivers, babysitters and cooks.

Further south, between Levanto and Portovenere is the ‘Cinque Terre’, consisting of the five small medieval hamlets of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They are linked by 18 kilometres of spectacular rocky coastline, until 1874 only reachable by boat. They have remained largely isolated and preserved from new building as there is no coastal road, only footpaths for walking and hiking. By car they can only be reached by winding, steep inland roads. The northernmost and largest village, Monterosso al Mare, can also be reached by train. We are offering two villas to rent here, one near Monterosso and the other near Levanto.

Further north, and closer to the French border, we have a delightful Ligurian house to rent near Dolcedo , known for its beautiful Baroque church where chamber music concerts are performed in the summer.

We are also offering an ancient castle in Piedmont, a region is known for its wines, truffles and chocolates, and including the cities of Asti. Alba, Nizza Monferrato and Canelli. An area rich in wineries and gourmet restaurants, there are many historical feasts and re-enactments, including the famous Palio d’Asti. The closest town, Nizza Monferrato, 3.5 kms from the property, offers a variety of shops and restaurants, a weekly open-air market and an antiques market every third Sunday of the month. The town of Bra, where the international ‘Slow Food’ organisation has its base, is also nearby. The Ligurian coast is only an hour’s drive and the capital of Piedmont, Turin, is 100 kms away.