Featured in a Conde Nast roundup of the 25 best villas in Europe, this small Tuscany villa for two with a private pool is a firm favourite for couples who want to enjoy the Tuscan coast. In a quiet hillside position, opposite the ancient hill village of Ameglia, this cottage has beautiful views both of the Magra estuary and of the Apuan marble mountains, as well as a swimming pool and furnished patio from which to survey it all. Approached up a narrow country lane, there is a delightful atmosphere of peace and quality here. This jewel of a retreat, dressed in stone and ivy, has just the right furnishings for a relaxing holiday.
Steps away from the panoramic pool, entrance to the cottage is through french doors into a sitting room whose white walls seem to expand the space and whose warm hardwood floors, fireplace and comfortable sofa add the welcoming touches one delights in finding in a home away from home.
This room opens into an stylish well-equipped eat-in kitchen, which in turn leads out to a delightfully cool furnished pergola.
Also on the ground floor is the bathroom with separate shower. Stairs from the living area lead up to a double bedroom with a sweet upper terrace that is furnished with sunbeds and umbrella, just the place for that short afternoon snooze.
While the mountain village views from this upper terrace are charming, those from the wooden decked pool are breathtaking, with the mountains changing their hue throughout the day.
The owners, who live with two friendly labradors in the pink house below the pool, are out most of the time, but when they are at home they are charming hosts. The house is situated on the edge of the woods from where you can take lovely walks in an area of Roman remains. A 5 to 10 minute walk will take you up to the village of Ameglia for a breakfast coffee or light meal in the restaurant in the piazza. Ameglia has a 10th Century castle, picturesque houses, a bakery and a small grocery store.A 10 minute drive leads to Bocca di Magra, with the owner's restaurant on esturary, overlooking the mountains and the sailing boats in the small port. You can also see what the local fishing boats bring in, hire a beautiful yacht or take boat trips to Lerici, Portovenere or the Cinque Terre.
