Casa Francese by Vecchi Sassi

An Ancient Townhouse Reborn in the Ligurian Hinterlands

Surrounded by olive groves and countryside in the Ligurian Alps, this renovated townhouse stands proudly in the quiet medieval mountain village of Montegrazie in the hinterlands of Imperia. Discovered abandoned and in ruins by German-based art director Sandra Tuchscherer and architect Simon Filler, their graceful stone walls were injected with new life, restoring spirit and authenticity using reclaimed and upcycled materials and artfully preserving the original with the collaboration of local artisans.

The approach was to reduce the houses down to their essentials to maintain their original charm while integrating subtle modern comforts. Warm earth tones and cool natural style harmonize together with a pared down modern aesthetic in this enclave of rural simplicity. Art on the walls is by artist Olga Czeswka and is also available for purchase.

Read an interview with the owners in our Stories section here.

The picturesque medieval mountain village of Montegrazie overlooks the ancient landscapes of the Ligurian Alps region a few miles inland from the sea. The town's jumble of homes and ancient church are huddled together with these houses perched above the rooftops.

The townhome's ground floor reveals ancient vaulted interiors composed of stone and polished concrete and include a well-equipped kitchen and a large, open dining area that invites convivial meals overlooking the views and direct access to the Mediterranean-styled gardens. A free-standing staircase leads to the the modern living room with vaulted ceilings, and two light-flooded double bedrooms with enchanting sea views. Towards the back is another double bedroom and a single room, which can also be used as a study. From both rooms you can step directly onto the sun roof terrace and a shaded loggia - the perfect place to enjoy a meal or aperitif in the sun. 

Through the back exit of the house is a small piazza that immediately immerses you in village life.

The home is available independently or together with its sister property, Casa Sonu, with another on-site location coming soon.

Please note: The houses are located in the middle of the village and therefore cannot be reached directly with a car. The footpath from the parking lot to the car is about 100m and is uphill.

Around

Located in the Liguria region along the Mediterranean, the small village of Montegrazie is a quiet town of just a few hundred where the narrow streets and local shops are surrounded by olive groves and mountains. Just an eight-minute drive to the coast and San Lorenzo beach, there are numerous nearby hiking trails that lead throughout the Ligurian Alps.

The beautiful Imperia beaches of Porto Maurizio, Prino and Spiaggia D'oro and within a short drive. The Italian Riviera resort of San Remo is just a half hour’s drive and the French Rivieran towns of Nice and Monaco are just over an hour away. The interior regions of Piedmont and Turin are a two hour drive as are the winter playground of Alpes Maritime.

Location

Montegrazie, Italy. Nearest airport: Nice Côte d'Azur (1.25 hours); Genova (1.45 hours)

Best time to visit

Year round with mild winter temperatures