La Dolce Vita

At nearly 14,000 square feet, the villa is a complete and luxurious residence meant for secluded living and entertaining. There are external garages, staff accommodations, and every feature you might expect of such an exclusive property.

Elegance on the ITALIAN RIVIERA

A villa with views of Portofino offers secluded living among lush Mediterranean gardens

By Phil Butler

Overlooking the historic seaside town of Rapallo, Villa Le Magnolie is a private, secluded world with views of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. This elegant villa sits at the end of a sweeping drive that terminates at the grand entrance façade of the main house, which is enveloped in fabulous Mediterranean gardens.

The 18th-century villa is a very private property, hidden primarily because of its unique hilltop location. Listed for 6.9 million euros ($7.18 million), Villa Le Magnolie offers almost 14,000 square feet of interior space, eight bedrooms and eight baths, three reception rooms, a drawing room, a sitting room, a formal dining room, and a modern kitchen. The three-story home also has a wine cellar, an elevator, and its own chapel with hand-painted frescoes. Stone floors, tasteful period marbles, and accompanying finery punctuate the villa’s elegant interiors.

Outside, 1.5 hectares (3.71 acres) of terraced Mediterranean gardens feature delightful roses, bougainvilleas, and a stunning array of flowers and trees. There’s an outdoor swimming pool with a pool house, and a conservatory to punctuate the villa’s outdoor entertainment space. An elegant guest house and hunting room complete this extraordinary riviera property.

Considered one of the most beautiful residences on the Ligurian Riviera, the estate offers its owners and their guests breathtaking views over the Golfo del Tigullio and of the beautiful Portofino coastline. Just down the hill, the vibrant harbor town of Rapallo and its restaurants, trattorias, and eclectic retail stores are conveniently within reach. The front gates of Villa Le Magnolie are only 2,000 feet from the nearest beach, and there are also superb golf and tennis clubs nearby.

Rapallo, which is only six miles from Portofino and 17 miles from the center of Genoa, was established sometime during the 8th century B.C. A subdivision of the municipality of Genoa, the town is known as the winter residence for many of the most-affluent Italians and is surrounded by the amazing Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino.

Phil Butler is a publisher, editor, author, and analyst who is a widely cited expert on subjects ranging from digital and social media to travel technology.

VILLA LE MAGNOLIE RAPALLO, ITALY 6,900,000 EUROS ($7.18 MILLION) • 8 BEDROOMS • 8 BATHROOMS • 1,300 SQUARE METERS (13,993 square feet) • 1.5 HECTARES (3.71 acres)

KEY FEATURES: • EXCLUSIVE PRIVACY • PERIOD ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES • LUSH PRIVATE GARDENS • SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATION • POOL AND CONSERVATORY

AGENT SAVILLS ANNABEL SMITH, GLOBAL RESIDENTIAL EXPERT +44 (0) 20 3664 9887

On the ground floor, there are three large bedroom suites featuring separate lounges, dressing rooms, and bathrooms. The second floor has five additional bedrooms, each served by an en-suite bathroom. The estate also has separate guest and staff accommodations, two garages for four vehicles, sub-basements for service, and its own elevator to serve all three floors.

The interiors of the villa feature fine plaster walls, lavish furnishings, and the warmth and charm of period architecture. Most of the rooms open onto terraces or offer views of the Eden-like gardens that surround the residence.