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!

Italian Seaside Villa, Liguria, Imperia

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.

Italian Seaside Villa, Liguria, Imperia
Italian Seaside Villa, Liguria, Imperia
Italian Seaside Villa, Liguria, Imperia
Italian Seaside Villa, Liguria, Imperia

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).

Italian Seaside Villa, Liguria, Imperia

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, you can contact Tecnocasa at this link to get more information. Be sure to tell or write them that you heard about the house directly from Jed of ItalyWise!