Villa Rental in Liguria, Monte Marcello

Overall:
We loved the house - perfect for 2 people. Would be cozy for 4. Cleaner comes in twice weekly. Very comfortably furnished with character antiques. Light and bright, very clean. Great place to use as a base for the surrounding area as well as to rest, relax and cook in. Pool is really just a plunge pool, rather than a swimming pool, but perfect for that. Very friendly owners.
Enjoyed Most:
The comfort, attention to detail, the light, the surrounding greenery, location.
Enjoyed Least:
It took us a while to get comfortable with the closeness of the owners' house. This place is literally a stone's throw away - but they did everything to maximize our privacy. Mosquitos are bad between 6-9pm and in order to sit/eat outdoors you definitely need coils and citronella candles.
Surrounding Area:
Wonderful sleepy and friendly town of Monte Marcello. Tellaro is a fabulous local fishing village. Sarzana is a wonderful thriving little town. Nicola is a lovely hill town to visit. Bocca Di Magra Ameglia, too. The area has exquisite views of the Ligurian coastline, surrounding hills and awe inspiring Carrara marble mountains. Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa and Florence within easy driving distance for those who want more action and bustle.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The house is on the edge of Monte Marcello. Terrible restaurants, great cafes, wonderful, very strenuous walk down and up to a black sand beach, otherwise only accessible by boat. Picturesque Bocca di Magra 5 mins by car - yacht millionaires paradise with restaurants overlooking the river. Nearest supermarket is Ameglia - 10 mins by car. You can get basics at the tiny grocery store in Monte Marcello.
Tips or Restaurants:
I Capetelli in Sarzana - best dining experience so far. Ottone Primo also good. Lucerno di Ferro on Bocca di Magra. La Lanterna in Riomaggiore. Bring a pocket-sized flashlight to light the pathway home at night.
Directions:
GPS essential.
Check In Out:
The owners were very accommodating and friendly.

Sally, September

Overall:
We enjoyed the relaxed, quiet nature of the property. It was the perfect retreat from the busier tourist areas and ideal for a family holiday. The village was an unexpected delight and the local "romantic" restaurant was a highlight for great food and hospitality.
Enjoyed Most:
It was a simple, modern and attractive base for exploring the region. But we always loved "coming home", for a dip in the pool or a drink on the terrace; we loved the privacy the villa afforded.
Enjoyed Least:
Parking was an issue--not major, (except on mowing day when we were nearly towed away! ), but a little inconvenient when moving luggage or shopping.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful countryside and views over the Gulf of Poets on one side and the mountain range on the other. Too many steps down to pebbly beach at Montemarcello, but we loved swimming at Ponte Bianca which also required some walking. Convenient for day trips to Cinque Terre, Lucca, etc.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Montemarcello was the local village and we loved its bars and the local restaurants and the people--and it was at our doorstep!
Tips or Restaurants:
Sadly can't remember the name of the great restaurant on the via del Muro, but it is described as the local "romantic" and it was fabulous.

Jennifer, June

Overall:
The hosts Alessandra and Giuseppe were very welcoming and concerned about our comfort, but gave us lots of room for privacy. Alessandra welcomed us with fresh focaccia and gave us a short tour of the village, outlining where to eat and when we could count on the local grocery store to be open.
Enjoyed Most:
The tasteful decor, the tranquility and the hosts.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing.
Surrounding Area:
The house is set in a natural park reserve that offered hiking possibilities and great views of the sea. It was easy to drive to nearby attractions and villages.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were right in Montemarcello!
Tips or Restaurants:
The house was very well supplied with everything. There are lots of good restaurants in the area, and the hosts are helpful in making suggestions.
Directions:
We arrived in town and called Alessandra and she directed us. There are two parking lots in town. We were in the wrong one at first. The road forks and you need to go to the right towards Bocca di Magra, and park there.

Christine, May