Casa Cardoso

Description

In a hilltop position that offers captivating views over the Magra Valley, Casa Cardoso is a tranquil retreat for a family looking to get away from it all. This comfortable holiday home sits within gardens that provide many leisure activities, with areas perfect for appreciating the scenery as you dine al fresco.

Surrounded by nature and yet with the medieval town of Sarzana just 20 minutes away by car, the villa is in a prime position for exploring the picturesque countryside. The coast is also within easy reach, with beaches such as Bocca di Magra, Fiascherino and Tellaro being around a 30-minute drive from Casa Cardoso.

The tasteful restoration that this traditional villa has enjoyed means that the interior has retained plenty of original features and much rustic charm. The bright and open living space is a prime example of this, with wood beam ceiling and an antique stone fireplace creating a cosy feel. The traditional Tuscan stone and terracotta flooring is a theme that continues into the kitchen and throughout much of the ground floor. Accessed via the living room is a covered terrace with charming dining area and unspoilt views over the lush landscapes.

Three spacious bedrooms can accommodate up to 10 people. Each bedroom is perfect for families with younger children in particular, with bunk beds sure to be a hit.

Down on the lower ground level is a gym and sauna for the adults, with plenty of outside space that's incredibly family-friendly. Around the gardens you'll find a private swimming pool, children's play area with slide and swings, and beach volleyball area. Enjoy al fresco lunches and atmospheric evening meals on the covered terrace or by the wood-fire barbecue area.

Just 20 minutes away from Casa Cardoso by car is the historic town of Sarzana. It boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, with highlights including Fortezzo di Sarzanello and Sarzana Cathedral. Another medieval hotspot within a 30-minute drive is Lerici, with its fortress and attractive harbour.

The famous Cinque Terre is around an hour's drive away, with these five ancient coastal villages each having their own features and attractions. The most distinctive aspect they share are the pastel-coloured houses that dramatically perch on rugged cliff edges.

#### Features
Villa Interiors

Lower Ground Floor

- Gym
- Sauna
- Bathroom with shower
- Laundry room
Ground Floor (split level)
- Living/dining room with sofa, double sofa bed, antique stone fireplace, TV, digital safe and doors to terrace with electric and air-conditioned pergotenda with dining table for eight people, table and chairs
- Kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, American coffee maker and breakfast bar with stools
- Bathroom with shower

First Floor

- Bedroom with queen size bed, sofa bed (two single beds), TV, DVD player and CD player
- Bedroom with queen size bed, single foldaway bed, TV, DVD player and CD player
- Bunk bed (two single beds), single foldaway bed, TV, DVD player and CD player and doors to a balcony with seating and access to the courtyard
- Bathroom with double shower

Outside Grounds

- Swimming pool (12m x 5m, depth: 1.20m - 1.80m) with heated Abrisud cover, open approximately May to end-September
- Garden
- Electric and air-conditioned covered terrace with dining table for eight guests
- Dining table and benches
- Wood-fire barbecue
- Children's play area with slide, swings
- Beach volleyball area
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Courtyard with parking

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Digital safe
- Washing machine and tumble dryer
- Iron and ironing board

#### Location
Staying at Casa Cardoso means you get to enjoy total peace and quiet in a typically unspoilt part of the Liguria countryside. The villa's elevated position on a picturesque hillside means the views over the Magra Valley are simply spectacular. Despite its secluded and rural setting close to the border with Tuscany, there are several restaurants within a 20-minute drive.

For a greater choice of amenities and plenty of sightseeing opportunities, visit medieval Sarzana. It's a beautiful town, with brightly-coloured buildings and both streets and squares lined with historic sites. Some of the highlights include 13th-century Sarzana Cathedral and 15th-century La Cittadella Fortezza Firmafede.

You can reach the famous Cinque Terre villages either by train from Sarzana, or simply drive there from the villa in around an hour. The closest of these five ancient fishing villages is Riomaggiore. Here you can follow the clifftop trail called 'The Path of Love' to the village of Manarola, taking in glorious sea views along the way. Monterosso al Mare boasts a lovely sandy beach for relaxing and clear waters for swimming.

The coastline that runs from Lerici to San Terenzo for about 4km is dotted with a mixture of sand and pebble beaches. This makes the town of Lerici a particularly nice place to visit for a day trip, as it also has an imposing fortress and public gardens to explore.

As the villa is so close to the Liguria-Tuscany border, it's easy to cross over into Tuscany and visit places such as Carrara. The city is most famous for its marble quarries and you can stroll around a museum that covers the history of marble production.