Parting with it is no easy task for us!
This four-level villa in Imperia, Italy, has been heavenly. We’ve woken every day to magnificent sea views (which would be cost-prohibitive back in the States!). And, during these past three years, we’ve relished the prolific days of sunshine that Imperia boasts as the best in Italy.
So, why are we giving up such a treasure?
The answer is two-fold. Firstly, we’ve decided to scale down and simplify. For us, two-hundred-ninety-five (295) square meters (3,175 square feet) is a LOT of house, as are three kitchens and five bathrooms. On the ground floor is a self-contained two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, which has been an Airbnb rental with non-stop bookings from mid-Spring through mid-autumn. And Airbnb guests have consistently rated this apartment stay as five-stars.
Secondly, we’re ready to experience a very different region of Italy. My mother often commented, “You know, Jed is restless.” Maybe so, but I would make a slight correction: “You know, Jed is adventurous.” And I’m ready to share brand new stories of the Italian experience!
Details, details, details!
This villa is loaded with them. Constructed in the early 1900s, vintage materials and construction can be found throughout. Original tile floors will take your breath away and render any need for area rugs or carpets unnecessary. Our main living area is covered in vintage encaustic tiles on the first floor (second floor by US standards). In fact, when the floor specialists came to refinish them, we were told that these tiles are so rare that a square meter of them would cost 2,000€. And have about 40 square meters of these tiles—calculate that!)
Also, high, soaring ceilings and windows flood this beautifully maintained home with light.
And the garden!
This villa is located in one of the most covetable residential neighborhoods in Oneglia, Imperia (and just around the corner from the famous Villa Grock). It’s a quiet neighborhood, and our home has a large spacious garden on two levels. One level is a luxuriant green space populated with mature fruit trees, including an enormous orange tree that delivers a bumper crop of seedless oranges every year. Also, there are mature lemon trees, a grapefruit tree, a cherry tree, and a plum tree.
The lower garden has been used as a large vegetable garden but is so spacious that it invites the possibility of a lower stone terrace with a large hot tub (or maybe even a pool).
Wood-fired pizza oven and grill.
There’s a bricked terrace for dining on the first garden level, and it comes equipped with a wood-fired oven for pizza, grilled meats, and more. Outdoor entertaining from spring through autumn is a reality!
Super easy and quick access to the port and beaches.
By foot, we can be portside in just over ten minutes. By Vespa, which we use almost daily, we can be reclined under our beach umbrellas in five minutes.
This home offers so many possibilities!
For a family, the ground-level apartment could be re-opened up to the internal staircase to make one large multi-level home. Or the ground-level apartment could continue to be a very successful vacation rental.
On the garden level is my artist’s studio, which houses a full bathroom and a small kitchen.
Stay comfortable year-round.
All levels have high-functioning and recently installed air-conditioning systems (and they also pump out heat if desired). The main living areas boast an energy-efficient wood-pellet stove (integrated into the fireplace).
So, my friends, that is the news on our beautiful Ligurian seaside villa!
I’ll leave the photos to tell the rest of the story.
And, if you’re finding yourself tempted by this villa, see the full listing at gruppodellerba.it in Oneglia, Imperia to get more information and I’ll put you in touch with the agency handling our listing!
Absolutely stunning Jed. Sue and I wish that we could have made over to see you guys and your gorgeous villa. Straight outta Architectural Digest. Your gifts on display! Hopefully we can come see you before too long at your next place. Excited to learn about your next steps which I am sure will involve adventure!
Thank you, Aaron! We certainly will be looking for another wonderful property when we move, though smaller and much more manageable. I probably will invest in a small and separate studio space. It’s hard to have so many artist’s supplies with two curious cats always on the prowl! I’ll be sure to keep you posted on where we land!
Doh! Was hoping to get a chance to visit Imperia, meet you, and stay in one of your beautiful rentals. Wishing you both all the best wherever you end up! You won’t regret downsizing! My 650 sq. ft. apartment is becoming a monster in my senior years! Ciao!
I know! But, hopefully, you’ll hoof it to wherever our new abode ends up being!
Jed,
This is very exciting news! We look forward to following along on your adventure. Cannot wait to hear where you would like to settle!
Hi, Robin! Yes, this is exciting, requiring loads of “piano piano” to make it happen! I hope to reveal where we’ll be going soon!
Best wishes in your new adventure. I look forward to hearing your stories as you share them with us.
Thank you, Nancy. As Mom would say, “We shall see what we shall see!” I have no doubt loads of good stuff still awaits!
Jed, I LOVE it! Looking for a way to make it work
Awwww!!! I’m so glad you like our slice of paradise, Joanne! xoxox
Dear friends, We feel blessed to have stayed in your beautiful villa. We loved Imperia and all its beauty. The photos are stunning…..and it’s such a special place. I am excited for your next adventure! Love you both. Hugs L & JS.
This house forever has the imprint of your spirits. What a wonderful stay that I will never, ever forget! xoxox
Love it? What is the asking price?
It’s all on the link for the listing. Asking price is 598,000€. And the house comes with most of the furniture!
Wowsa… What an awe-inspiring home. I love how adventurous you are! I love growing thru your eyes.
Thank you, my dear! We love this house, but we love being adventurous even more!
Wow, Jed, indeed big changes! I am so grateful that we got to experience your beautiful home and got to meet you early in your vacation rental adventure. The house and Imperia were both a delight and I recommend both highly to anyone looking for a seaside haven. I’m sure it’s hard to leave – but your Umbria house was also stunning so I know you’ll land on your feet wherever they take you. By any chance, will it be closer to us in Abruzzo? All the best in your next adventures.
Ciao, Nancy! I’m so happy to hear from you. Yes, you were one of the firsts in the apartment here. We’ve enjoyed our house so much and are just “cruising” our way to our next locale, which may be much further south. We’ll keep you posted! Thanks for the kind words! Jed