Perching on the peninsula in the iconic town of Portofino is glorious Villa Basilico. Sharing its impressive location are just a handful of other villas, along with a church, lighthouse and the historic Castello Brown. This lush, protected natural area creates an idyllic atmosphere around the villa and its rambling grounds in which to fully appreciate the sea views. It's a paradise getaway in truly one of the most scenic spots on the Ligurian coast. Villa Basilico offers total peace and privacy in its picturesque position. A long stairway from the entrance gate leads down to the villa from the quiet footpath, so it cannot be seen. And the backdrop to this stunning villa is the sparkling blue sea, which you can directly access from your own private rock swimming platform via steps below. Each one of the six bedrooms has either sea or garden views, with several opening out into the beautiful outside space that the villa nestles within. And as you explore the grounds, you'll be charmed by the typically Mediterranean seating and dining terraces that offer incredible views over the water. Also bringing the outside in is the spacious living/dining room. Unwind on a sumptuous sofa after soaking up the atmosphere in sunny Portofino town, before enjoying al fresco dinner and drinks. Sliding doors lead out onto a wisteria-draped pergola that provides both shade and an enchanting sense of Italian romance to the dining terrace area. Everything is relaxed from the moment you step foot inside Villa Basilico. Included with your stay are groceries and a prepared, delivered dinner on arrival day; meaning you can take it easy from the start. Because Villa Basilico can only be reached on foot due to its secluded setting, the tranquillity here is unmatched. And yet the centre of Portofino with its harbour and pretty pastel-coloured buildings is less than a 15-minute walk away. You can also take advantage of the lift that connects the pathway to the harbour. If you can tear yourself away from the beauty and elegance of Portofino, there are many other coastal villages, towns and cities within easy reach. Soak up centuries of history in Genoa and enjoy the sandy stretches, hiking trails and charming villages of the famous Cinque Terre. Features: Villa Interiors Lower Floor - Bedroom with double/twin beds, ensuite bathroom with shower - Bedroom with double/twin beds, ensuite bathroom with shower Upper Floor - Living room with sofas, armchairs, flat screen TV, doors to dining terrace - Dining room with table for 10 people - Kitchen with oven, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, kettle, small table and stools, doors to outside - Studio with desk - Bedroom with double bed, ensuite bathroom with bath tub - Bedroom with double/twin beds - Bedroom with double/twin beds - Bedroom with single bed (available for an additional cost) - Bathroom with bath tub and shower head - Bathroom with shower Outside Grounds - Garden with trees, plants, flowers - Pergola and dining terrace with table for six people - Steps (around 112 steps) down to private rock swimming platform with deckchairs - Access to nearby lift (700m) connecting hilltop/path with harbour - Terraces with seating, sun loungers, umbrellas Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air conditioning in bedrooms - Telephone Location: The villa sits in a secluded position on the Portofino peninsula with just a few other properties sharing this majestic protected natural area. Sweeping sea views and direct access to the sea via a private swimming platform add to the sense of being totally away from it all. If arriving by car, please note that parking is available in a public car park (charges apply) at the start of Portofino, around 1-1.5km away from the villa. From the car park you must walk through Portofino centre as far as a tunnel and lift (around 500m away) which will then take you up to the promontory, then it is a further 700m to the villa. If arriving with luggage, the house porter can meet you at the lift to assist you for the final 700m (this should be arranged in advance). Castello Brown, the imposing 16th-century fortress and museum is just a few minutes' walk from Villa Basilico, with Portofino's famous lighthouse less than 10 minutes away.  And in around 15 minutes you can walk to the centre of Portofino, with its iconic harbour and pastel-coloured buildings. You can also take advantage of the lift (700m away) that brings you to the pathway that leads right into town. The picturesque piazza is the main hub of the town, with yachts moored in the harbour and a great choice of restaurants and designer shops. You can be as active or relaxed as you want in Portofino. Enjoy hiking through unspoilt landscapes and swims in the sea - or simply pass leisurely afternoons with coffee in the piazza. The nearest sandy beach is found at Paraggi (3km). Take the bus from Portofino to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure (5km) in around 15 minutes, or enjoy a ferry ride there in about the same time. In Santa Margherita Ligure you can catch the train to the gorgeous coastal Cinque Terre villages, with the sandy beach at Monterosso al Mare just under an hour away. The port city of Genoa (35km) is around 40 minutes away by train from Santa Margherita Ligure. It's full of historic architecture, with Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and the Renaissance-era street Via Garibaldi being particularly impressive highlights. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €1000 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 2.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. (late arrival between 7.00 and 9.00 p.m. on request, subject to a €50 fee, payable locally). Departure time? 10.00 a.m. End of stay cleaning included? Included in the €300 utility fee paid in cash on arrival. The fee also includes 3 hours of maid service per day, excluding Wednesdays. Please note guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Energy costs included? Yes. Heating costs included? Extra cost to be paid locally and based on consumption. Please note a utility fee of €300 has to be paid in cash upon arrival. Linen & towels included? Yes, changed weekly. Additional mid-week change is available at an extra cost of €20 per set per person, payable locally. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of €60 per pet per week will apply (payable locally). Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. Internet access? Wi-Fi internet access included. Other Ts and Cs? Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. Smoking - not allowed