Casa Maria

Gorgeous house in small medieval village 20 min above the Italian Riviera. 160 sqm, five beds. A space beautifully furnished by two artist-friends in a peaceful and genuine village. The terrace offers astounding view over the valley. The area In Liguria where the Alps join the Mediterranean Sea, small medieval villages are scattered along the valleys and are often hardly visible from the sea. This part of Italy is still relatively unexploited. The coastline is of course busy like everywhere but you do not have to travel far from the waterfront to experience a rural tranquility. This part of Liguria in Northwest Italy is called "Riviera dei Fiori" because of its mild climate around the year and favorable for cultivation of flowers and olives. In close proximity there are the mountains with many opportunities for trekking. Skiing is two hours away, wintertime. The Riviera offers possibilities to discover new beaches and bays every day (all is small scale in this part of the coast), exploring local markets, restaurants, golf and excursions nearby. The village Pietrabruna is situated 95 km from Nice Airport, approx. 1,5 hours on the highway. The closest larger city is San Remo, 45 min drive, Imperia approx. 30 min drive. 350 meters above sea level at the top of a valley, 20 min from the sea with car which is recommended to have as there is a bus only three times a day. In Pietrabruna we are all fortunate to be guests and in minority as opposed to in more touristic areas. Villagers have been living here for centuries working mainly with flower and olive farming and the small village still is vital with a school, a post office, a small grocery store, two restaurants, one with bar. It is a peaceful place, particularly suitable for the quiet life, walks in the hills, food&cooking, relaxation and contemplation. And yet so close to everything the Riviera has to offer, the Italian and the French. Near the village there are also natural sweet water ponds and waterfalls as a cooling alternative to the sea. The house Is furnished by me and my artist friend Maria, hopefully you will find it both tasteful and very practical, both aspects are as important to us. The basement dates from the 16:th century and the house has been gently restored through the years. 160 sqm. four floors, three bedrooms with two double beds and one single bed. In the living room there is a fireplace for use cooler days. The bathroom has a shower, bathtub, toilet and a bidet. There is a small bathroom with toilet in connection with one of the bedrooms. There is a laundry room with washing machine. The top floor has a kitchen, dining space and a terrace. The kitchen is well equipped for everybody like ourselves who enjoy Italian cuisine. Dishwasher. There are windows in three directions and from the terrace you have an amazing view over the valley with the hillsides and olive plantations. Clear days you see the Mediterranean Sea. The whole house including four floors and a terrace is at the guest’s disposal with the exception of some small private areas. Our contact person in Pietrabruna speaks Italian, English and German, takes care of the house, cleans and is helpful with questions. Me and Maria also provide any information you would ask for the best we possibly can. Based on experience from previous guests, there is plenty of information and suggestions gathered in the house. There are parking possibilities two-four hundred meters from the house, in high season sometimes a bit more. No cars in the village. The stairs joining the two upper floors have no railing. It is a beautiful piece of architecture but we cannot recommend the house to families with small kids. The two bedrooms downstairs are in the medieval part of the house with a monastery feel and size. The single bedroom (pict 11) has direct connection with the stairs and door to the double bedroom, no windows. The double bedroom (pict 12) has a celing height of c:a 178 cm and connection with the alley outside. No smoking indoors. No pets allowed. Wi-fi is weak inside the house. There is a "Wi-fi point" on the piazza in front of Casa Maria but not really to depend on either. Best connection in Pietrabruna is at the bar/restaurant "La Colomberia". The rent includes bedlinen and towels.