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Casa Leopoldo Villa
Liguria, Italy
Casa Leopoldo Villa
Liguria, Italy
A Country House Between Portofino and Cinque Terre
Architect Monika Unger has infused this home with a modern lightness while celebrating its old soul by gently peeling away layers to expose cool, earthy stone walls and warm wooden beams. We love that she layered on textiles in generous, welcoming colors, tying the spaces together with a relaxed vibe.
From its perch on the hilltop, the villa overlooks stunning panoramic views of the mountains and the Mediterranean in the distance with steps that lead from the property down into the picturesque town of Castiglione Chiavarese.
The late 18th-century structure was originally a country manor with remnants of its rustic former construction elegantly integrated into the modern restoration. With a background in environmental design and a passion for post-Bauhaus modernism, Milan-based Unger completely rebuilt the villa, with a keen perspective and approach to contemporary design.
The expansive three-story structure's interiors have been given a bright, uplifting renovation, with over three thousand square feet of airy, interrelated spaces punctuated with the original beams and stone.
The ground floor entrance opens into a living room with a double-sided fireplace and a sleek, newly remodeled open kitchen and dining room that opens on to the outdoor terrace and swimming pool.
The second floor includes a sitting room, three double bedrooms and two baths, while the attic space at the top of the structure has been converted into two double bedrooms and one bath with room for ten guests total.
An extra-large retreat with stunning views from every room, everyone can find a favorite spot to relax and enjoy.
Tastefully furnished with a colorful and sophisticated blend of contemporary and vintage Scandinavian pieces, Unger's passion for mid-century modernist furniture and lighting comes from her design gallery “Be Modern”, a showcase of iconic Scandinavian, Italian and Brazilian style.
Surrounded by rambling terraced gardens and orchards with the pool as a centerpiece, it's a tranquil place of natural beauty with plenty of peaceful spaces to retreat to and enjoy the scenery.
Read about a visit to Casa Leopoldo Villa in our Stories section here.
AROUND
The Ligurian village of Castiglione Chiavarese is within a short walk from the villa through a steep pedestrian track where you’ll find a typical Ligurian village with all the basics: the locals bar, a couple of grocery shops, a renowned butcher and a pharmacy. An ideal base for exploring the Italian Riviera, Castiglione Chiavarese is within an hour of the magnificent UNESCO site of Cinque Terre, the amazing Portofino and the medieval walled city of Lucca.
The lovely seaside towns of Moneglia, on the way to the Cinque Terre and Sestri Levante, sits along the jagged coastline between Genoa and La Spezia and the picturesque Baia di Silenzio and Baia delle Favole, are just a few miles drive. Genoa is easily reachable by car or train.
LOCATION
Liguria, Italy. Nearest Airport: Genova Cristoforo Colombo (50km) and Pisa Galileo Galilei (110km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather to enjoy the countryside and coastal areas
