Portofino is a famous village of the Ligure riviera, but is actually a synonymous for sanctuary of the celebrities. With its narrow and coloured houses, leaning against one another, it looks like a simple fishermen village, and it really was until the 1950’s, when some people found it, told their friends, who told their friends and so on. And then some friends told the paparazzi and the rich and famous moved to the hills and cliffs above the sea, so Portofino somehow became unavailable for us mere mortals. Until now. Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate Broker Immobiliare has listed one luxury unique property in Portofino for about $35 million. Judging by the price, it’s still unavailable for the most.
Built in the early 1900s and completely renovated into the epitome of modern luxury in 2005, this historic estate overlooking the famed Gulf of Paraggi also enjoys a wonderful view of 180 degrees on the sea touching also the harbor of Portofino. Spreads on 1 hectares landscaped in the lush Ligurian style, this stunning property is arranged on a square plan and three levels plus basement floor. It includes the main villa and a caretaker’s cottage, offering in total 500 square meters interior, spacious enough for 7 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The fantastic panoramic dehors runs along the villa and is essentially disposed front main entrance and side kitchen, dining room, allowing a broad use in key socialite. Additionaly, there are terraced gardens, a swimming pool and an impressive grove of some 200 olive trees.
Portofino sits on a tiny bay within the Gulf of Tigullio; pastel-colored buildings rim the harbor while the verdant land surrounding it rises almost vertically. It’s a naturally beautiful environment, so much so that the promontory to the north of the village has been designated a national park, complete with paths and trails for all to enjoy. The sea surrounding it has also been declared a national park and a diver’s and snorkeler’s haven, where red coral grows and flourishes. A bit further out at sea is the “Cetacean Sanctuary,” where whales and dolphins congregate peacefully. It’s La Dolce Vida for everyone: fish, fowl and Homo sapiens.