Casa della Nonna

LAVAGGIOROSSO, near Levanto

At a glance

For the many lovers of the fascinating Cinque Terre, we have a lovely large house in a dominant position above the valleys and sea.  From this vantage point you are able to visit many coastal locations in Liguria such as Portofino, Lerici, Fiascherino (with its very exclusive beach). Versilia (the Tuscan Riviera) and Carrara (marble caves) are also close enough for a day trip, as are many others.

The village of Lavaggiorosso is 281 meters above sea level and is one of the valley's most ancient villages, built behind a mountain for protection (in those days!) against pirates. The church goes back to 1600, and most of the village houses are of the same period. The local products are olives, salted anchovies, wine and oil.

In Lavaggiorosso you can find the ancient inn "Zita", a simple restaurant on the top of the valley managed by a very nice family who is able to combine kindness and good food with more than favorable prices,

The beautiful villa is full of its original furniture and furnishings. It has been in the family for generations and the atmosphere is wonderfully warm and homely. There are some outstanding antique pieces to be admired, bathrooms are modern and kitchens are large and well-equipped. All in all, there is nothing missing for a delightful stay as you step back in time.

The entire villa can be rented, or there are two apartments, as follows.

Cielo - Sleeps 8 / 10 people 
This is a large apartment on two floors with four double bedrooms, two bathrooms with showers, two living rooms and a modern kitchen with wood burning oven. The kitchen and the living room both open to large terraces with views down the valley to the sea.

You enter from a narrow street though a painted door depicting a village scene. From the front door down three steps you are in the first living room with French doors opening to a large furnished terrace. On this floor are two queen size bedrooms (one can become a twin if required), a bathroom with shower over tub, and a study with another balcony offering views towards the valley. The beds are antique, in hand-painted wrought iron or mahogany. Old lace curtains grace the windows throughout, adding to the charm.

On the top floor reached by a staircase in slate, is a charming kitchen with electric oven, open fireplace, four gas burners, old marble table, washing machine (no dishwasher) and with a view to the old village church, a picture! A second living room with fireplace opens off the kitchen and gives access to a large panoramic terrace for al fresco dining. Sleeping accommodation on this level is comprised of a twin bedroom and a king size bedroom, a bathroom with shower. An extra double bedroom is available, accessed from the entrance and down a few steps.

Terra – Sleeps 4
Furnished in the same charming style as the larger apartment, this accommodation can be connected to Cielo. It is comprised, on the lower level, of a living room with fireplace and large bathroom with shower. On the upper floor is a small living room, two double bedrooms, bathroom with Roman tub, 3 x 2.5 mt., well-equipped kitchen and large terrace with outdoor furniture and decorated terracotta table.

Although completely independent and each with separate access, the two apartment are located in the same house and can be connected

The archaeological digs at Luni can be visited along the Magra valley near Sarzana, where there was a Roman colony built in 177 BC on the site of a prehistoric settlement. The stone statue (stele) found here depicts little Luni warriors, holding a weapon in each hand, looking upset. More of these statues can be seen at Pontremoli further up the river.

A holiday at Lavaggiorosso combines the rich treats of Italy, enabling you to make easy visits to Pisa, Lucca and Florence, enjoy this superb part of the Mediterranean coast and enter into the old world courtesy and peace of village life. In Lavaggiorosso you can find the antique inn "Zita", a simple restaurant on the top of the valley managed by a very nice family who is able to combine kindness with more than favorable prices.

Built over a thousand years ago, the village of Lavaggiorosso has tiny, narrow streets and cars are, of necessity, left elsewhere. There is parking for two cars in the private space in the square by the little church and the villa is a quick few steps away.