VILLA ROSMARINO

Stripped-back designer B&B on Italy's pretty Portofino coast

PERCHED ON THE SLOPES OF MONTE PORTOFINO, with take-you-breath-away views over the aptly named Golfo Paradiso, Villa Rosmarino has a perfect vantage point on the stunning Ligurian coast.

Gazing down over the seaside town of Camogli – a former fishing village whose charms seduced writer Charles Dickens – its leafy grounds frame views of old ochre and sepia coloured houses hugging the shore below.

Once a neglected ruin, Villa Rosmarino has now been fully restored by hospitable new Milanese owner Mario Pietraccetta. Frescoed rosehip-pink walls, dark green shutters and cream cornice work set off the handsome early 20th century house perfectly against pots of trailing geraniums. There’s a beautifully lawned garden with a gorgeous pool, centre stage. It’s all perfect for lazy afternoons in a deckchair or cooling off in the sun.

Inside, you’re in for a few surprises. Villa Rosmarino's pink-and-pretty façade is a foil to boldly modernist interiors that could have come straight from the pages of a slick interiors magazine. Don’t look for cute and cosy – the look is clean, uncluttered and more than mildly minimalist.

Max in minimalism

Leather armchairs, a slate floor and melamine dining table  set the tone in the downstairs lounge, where breakfast is prepared in a glass-walled kitchen. Architecturally clean-cut staircases showcase Mario’s bold collection of contemporary art – everything from tribal to train posters – softened by displays of colourful Venetian glass.  There’s a little first-floor library where you can flop into an armchair and leaf through art and design books.

Soothing ivory walls surround beds crisply dressed in pristine white bedlinen and carefully set off against dark wood furniture and retro-industrial lamps. The less-is-more philosophy is everywhere, with clean-lined bathrooms (some semi-open to the bedroom) with deep Carrara marble sinks, rainfall travertine showers, precision-placed fittings and sparing use of colour. There are no room numbers or room keys here – Mario is keen for guests to feel they're in a home, not a hotel.

Each room at Villa Rosmarino has a sitting area. Some sport original art nouveau mosaic tiled floors, while others have shiny blond wood or industrial resin floors. Chrome scaffold-pole hanging shelves and plain cream armchairs complete the look.  Two rooms have a small terrace with knockout views over the sea.

There’s a shady terrace outside perfect for al fresco breakfasts or early evening drinks. A pathway leads from the bottom of the garden down into the village, so you won’t need a car for nights out. Camogli is something of a gourmet’s destination, so you won’t go hungry: get stuck into fresh fish lunches (the waters around here are famous for tuna) and loads of Ligurian specialities.

Villa Rosmarino was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Start your day with freshly-baked brioches and cornetti. You’ll be able to order a light lunch here too.

Breakfast
Continental breakfast is served until 10:30am.

Room service
No. Villa Rosmarino is more like a home than a hotel.




See & Do
Explore the old fishing village of Camogli with its tall houses lining the harbour. Take a trip, by boat or on foot through winding pathways to the ancient seashore abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte and go back in time. If that all sounds a bit too Indiana Jones there’s clear blue waters for swimming, diving and sailing. Follow in the footsteps of the beautiful people and head into Portofino for its chi-chi restaurants and boutiques.

Diary Dates
May
Find your sea legs as sailing comes to Portofino in the shape of the Zegna Trophy.

July and August
Walk or take a launch to nearby San Fruttuoso abbey for a series of classical concerts.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Figari, 16032 Camogli

Parking
There is free guest parking. However, it's easy to get around the area without a car, using frequent ferry and bus connections.

Trains
Camogli station - 1 km

Taxis
EUR 10 from the station, or EUR 50 from the airport

Airport
Genoa – 30 km

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 170 – 190

Open/closed
Closed in November and 15 January – 10 March.

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends

Children
Over-eights only

Pets
No

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
Receptions for up to 12 guests can be catered for based on exclusive hire.