Villa Ito

Welcome to Villa Ito, an exquisite historic residence on the west coast of Italy. This magnificent estate dates from the 18th century and retains all the splendor and majesty of the original property with necessary add-ons like air conditioning, beautiful ensuite bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a modern kitchen.

La Spezia, a mere 4km away, is the nearest urban center, and the divine Cinque Terre, Lerici, and Pisa are easily reached by car or train. There are beautiful coastal walks, hiking trails, and beaches to enjoy. If you are a literary geek, you will enjoy following in the footsteps of poets Byron and Shelley, who spent much time in this area.

Villa Ito was built as an Italian nobleman's residence, appropriately decorated, and furnished to the highest standards. Fine art, sculpture, and lush seating are illuminated by gorgeous bespoke lamps by night and by the bright, clear light that filters through the large windows by day.

This Villa provides luxurious accommodation for 12 guests. Note: children of all ages are welcome. There are seven bedrooms – five offering comfortable occupancy for two guests and two single bedrooms. The bedrooms are spacious and beautifully furnished with modern ensuite bathrooms.

There is indoor and outdoor dining for guests and many quiet spaces throughout the extensive grounds to enjoy a quiet moment. The gardens are beautifully maintained. The swimming pool is one key feature, great for guests to start the day with a swim or to cool down after a long day of touring the diverse countryside.

Wellness is one of the facets of life at Villa Ito that appeals to guests. The Villa has a sauna, jacuzzi, yoga classes, access to hiking, and bike hire. The ambiance of the Villa and its grounds sets the tone for a tranquil and restive vacation.

There's wonderful dining in nearby La Spezia and three restaurants within a short walk of your Estate. From the moment you drive into the tree-lined avenue of Villa Ito, to be greeted by the view of this pastel-hued Italian residence, you will feel you are about to embark on a memorable and unique family vacation, truly fit for a prince or a poet.

BEDROOM DESCRIPTIONS:
Seven bedrooms with ensuites and amenities, offering luxury accommodation for up to 12 guests.

Bedroom One: King-size bedroom.
Bedroom Two: King-size bedroom.
Bedroom Three: King-size bedroom.
Bedroom Four: King-size bedroom.
Bedroom Five: King-size bedroom.
Bedroom Six: Single bedroom.
Bedroom Seven: Single bedroom.

AMENITIES:
• Air conditioning
• Swimming Pool
• WiFi is available in all areas and is free
• Internet
• Jacuzzi
• Free private parking on site
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Dining table
• Flat-screen TV
• Sauna
• Coffee machine
• Cleaning products
• Toaster
• Stovetop
• Oven
• Kitchenware
• Electric kettle
• Washing machine
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Kitchenette
• Fireplaces
• Wardrobes and closet
• Toilet paper
• Towels
• Bidet
• Additional toilet
• Bath or shower
• Toilet
• Free toiletries
• Spa bath
• Hairdryer
• Bath
• Dining area
• Sofa
• Seating Area
• Dedicated office area
• Drying rack for clothing
• Tile/marble floor
• Private entrance
• Ironing facilities
• Iron
• Outdoor furniture
• Outdoor dining area
• Sun terrace
• Patio
• Balcony with seating
• Terrace
• Extensive gardens
• Garden views
• Fire extinguishers
• Alarm
• Wellness
• Personal trainer
• Yoga classes
• Bike Hire

ADD-ON ACTIVITIES AT AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE:
• Cooking classes
• Bike tours
• Walking tours
• Cycling
• Guided Hiking
• Airport Shuttle
• Massage
• Babysitting / Childminding services
• Daily housekeeping
• Laundry

NOTE:This is a non-smoking property, but the grounds have designated smoking areas.

LOCATION:
Welcome to the spectacular region of Liguria. This northwestern corner of Italy is famous for its dramatic coastline views, pretty beaches, fascinating towns, and cute villages. Villa Ito is situated about a mile from La Spezia. This flourishing port city is dominated by St George's Castle, a 13th-century fortification that looks across the colorful city and bustling marina of La Spezia.

There's a lot to see and experience in this city. Start your day with a bracing coffee at one of the traditional Italian cafes and explore the old town's narrow streets. There are a lot of steps that weave between the streets that crisscross at varying altitudes, so it's a good workout.

If you are searching for provisions for your kitchen at Villa Ito, check out Market Piazza Cavour, which operates Monday to Saturday. This market is the location to rub shoulders with the natives and listen to animated discussions about life, and it's where you can buy amazingly farm-fresh produce and divine fresh fish and meat. Pick up fabulous wine, bread, and cheese from some of the specialist shops too. A feast fit for a king!

For those of you who enjoy a good old flea market, try Via Garibaldi on Friday, as this is where you will find clothes, shoes, and other bric-a-brac.

Dining out in La Spezia is centered around the district west of Via del Prione. There are lots of terrific restaurants that range from gourmet dining to casual fare. The Italian custom of enjoying a leisurely walk and an aperitif is alive and well along these narrow streets. Stop for a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz and embrace the joy of watching and being watched.

There is much naval and archaeological history to explore in the city's great museums. If you are more attracted to the modern view of sailing, take the newly constructed Ponte Thaon di Revel bridge that connects the fabulous public gardens to Porto Mirabello. You can enjoy shops and restaurants at the port while checking out some of the most ostentatious super yachts docked on site.

La Spezia is considered the gateway to the indescribably beautiful Cinque Terre. These are the five villages embedded into dramatic coastal hills. Plan a lovely hike along this coastline and drink in the colorful and quaint stacked villages that offer a backdrop to the blue sea. There are regular train services from La Spezia to Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso al Mare if you fancy a day without your car.

For literary enthusiasts, travel to Porto Venere, located within the Porto Venere Natural Park. There are amazing hills to walk; you can visit Doria Castle and the Bay of Poets, where Byron swam. The town of Lerici is about 8km from Villa Ito, and, in addition to its beauty, it is famous for the place where sadly, the young poet Shelley drowned during a storm.

But the shadow of that tragedy is quickly forgotten when you gaze out from the seafront along Lerici. This beautiful location makes it easy to see why these celebrated writers were so captivated.

Get on a boat tour from La Spezia if you have time. It's one of the very best ways to see the Ligurian coastline. The region's topography and lush countryside are even more dramatic when sailing around the coves, inlets, and islands. In summer, there are regular ferry services across to Isola Palmaria, a pretty destination for a day trip.

A little further afield is wonderful Pisa. This city is more than the home of the unique Leaning Tower. It has an important modern and historic vibe too. You will love the old city and its grand palaces overlooking the Arno. Equally, you will enjoy shopping around the bustling modern sector. Another option for a family outing.

If you are looking for an idyllic Italian vacation where you can live like nobility, dream like a poet and be active like a 21st-century explorer, then the regal Villa Ito has been created with you in mind. Welcome to a vacation like no other!

NEAREST BEACHES:
Spiaggia del Cantun – 5km
Riomaggiore Beach – 6km
Spiaggia del Persico – 6km
Libera Beach – 7km

NEAREST TRAIN STATION:
La Spezia Centrale - 1.2 km
La Spezia Migliarina – 3 km

CLOSEST AIRPORT:
Pisa International Airport - 68 km
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport - 83 km
Parma Airport - 88 km