Aldia Bianca

A Hilltop Aerie in Sardinia, Cunningly Built Around a Boulder of Granite Rock

There is great beauty in building a home that embraces the landscape. Some take it further, not touching it at all. In a brilliant move, Aldia Bianca does just that, and is built around blocks of granite rock, leaving an effect that is both sculptural and calming. 

The early 1970s-style house sits above Sardinia, with a pristine view of the Tavolara island and the beaches of Calagirgolu and Porto Taverna. It’s nestled by wild Mediterranean vegetation. 

Whitewashed interiors are enlivened and anchored by colorful tiles and punctuated by small, conversational gatherings of wicker furniture and gestural art. We love the azure curio cabinets and shutters - an iconic color echoed throughout the Sardinian streets.  

Speaking of those, the location is extremely quiet and a lovely, botanically-infused respite from the villages and other activities of the island; a perfect resting point for full days experiencing its treasured sands, seafood, and scenery.

Aldia Bianca consists of two master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a living room and large kitchen surrounded by rocks, with a fireplace. It has three levels, each with a terrace, and a porch surrounded by rocks. There is also a guest house with one bedroom and en suite bathroom, a laundry and service area, garage and parking area. The home is part of an exclusive but discreet compound of 40 villas, with daily security from June to September.

As an added perk, the owners offer the use of their classic sailing yacht, Girasole, built in 1957 by Cantieri Sangermani. The boat comes with the skipper and is available for daily cruises (€700 and €1,000 depending on the season). 

Upon request, the hosts can also arrange delivery of local, organic vegetables and daily cleaning of the home.

LET’S GO FOR A SEA CRUISE

Aldia Bianca is located on the northeast island of Sardinia, facing the Marine Park of Tavolara. The best way to enjoy the Marine Park is sailing along the coastline, including island hopping in Tavolara and Molara, and for this it is recommended that you take advantage of the owners’ classic sailing yacht available for a fee. 

A ten minute drive away is the closest village, Porto San Paolo, which has shops and services such as pharmacy, 24/7 medical assistance, grocery stores, bank, bars and restaurants.

The house makes a great embarkation point for day trips to visit the wine producers of the area, or discover the jet set and celebrity capital of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, on Sardinia’s north east tip features a dazzling array of luxury shops, and cafes, clubs and boutiques all centered around a beautiful natural cove bobbing with mega-yachts.  

The island’s spectacular natural beauty is legendary and its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Some of the owner’s favorite nearby beaches are Calagirgolu and Porto Tavera (both 10 minute walks from the villa). There are also Cala Brandinchi (so-called ‘Tahiti’) and ‘Lu Impostu’, both 15 minutes by car. 

Nearby San Pantaleo is a charming town to explore, full of delightful shops, restaurants, and cafes set against magnificent rock formations. Head down on market day to soak in the ambiance and peruse the arts and crafts.

The island’s interiors are rugged and lush with oak forests and the spectacular Gola Su Gorropu canyon for hiking, magnificent rock formations that the island is famous for, and Bronze Age settlements to discover.

For lovers of the arts, in Nuoro (one hour drive) there is a museum of contemporary art and local costumes, and Time in Jazz, a jazz festival in the town of Berchidda (in August).

Gastronomy seekers should appreciate Da Pasqualina for excellent sea food in a low-key location and La Tavernetta, right on the beach and within walking distance of the villa. Su Gologone is an institution, and according to the owner, the best place for tasting Sardinian traditional dishes (the menu skews toward meat, and it is worth the one hour drive).

LOCATION

Aldia Bianca (Porto San Paolo), Sardinia, Italy. Nearest Airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (18 km south)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall