Villa Istar

About this property

Villa Istar will capture your heart with its Italian elegance and mesmerising vistas. Just a few steps from the waterfront in Porto Venere, a short stroll from the heart of the historic fishing village, this superbly located residence is all about authenticity, charm and beautiful sea views.

The grand villa dates back to the early 1900s and has been splendidly renovated to create a wonderful holiday home. Admire the marble fireplace in the delightful living room with its pretty furnishings and picture-book windows which perfectly frame the view of the bay. An impressive staircase winds up to the first floor with its three elegant bedrooms, furnished with antique pieces and a true sense of character. Old family photographs adorn the walls and ornate features add to the welcoming ambience, plus there is air-conditioning throughout the main villa. A separate annexe offers another charming bedroom allowing this residence to sleep up to eight guests in total. 

Step outside on to the original paved terrace with distinctive grey and white Carrara marble and gaze out towards the Ligurian coastline. Wander along the stone paths and steps and feel a great sense of privilege as you catch glimpses of the waterfront below through the olive trees. Find a hidden corner for an aperitivo or a secret patio with a sunlounger or two and spend summer days bathing in the glorious sea-water swimming pool, a unique feature of this home. The grounds are vast with nearly 3000m2 of terraces and gardens – look out for elegant pots bursting with summer colour, sweet-scented roses, towering palms, ancient carob trees, myrtle and more.

Follow the steps down to your gate and you only need to cross the road before you are at the seafront, just a few steps from a popular beach backed by restaurants and cafes. Follow the promenade all the way to the heart of Porto Venere, around 1km away, where you can marvel at the colourful houses and explore the winding medieval lanes filled with lovely shops and inviting restaurants serving some wonderful Ligurian cuisine. Enjoy the tremendous view from San Pietro Church, near the cove named after Lord Byron who adored this part of the Ligurian coast.

Boat trips depart for the famous Cinque Terre National Park which, together with Porto Venere and its islands, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow historic walking trails between the captivating Cinque Terre villages and discover vineyards and olive groves amongst the spectacular landscapes, loved by tourists from across the world. For a change of scene, head south to the idyllic Golfo dei Poeti with its pine-backed beaches, summer lidos and seafood osterias in villages that inspired some of the greatest 19th century poets.

Villa Istar is an enchanting home in one of Italy’s most remarkable stretches of coastline – a place of nature, history and utter beauty. 

Villa Istar is in Porto Venere, a magical medieval fishing village south of the Cinque Terre in Liguria, at the far northern end of the spectacular coastline known as the Gulf of Poets.

With amazing views, just the road leading out of the village separates the residence and its grounds to the glistening Ligurian sea – within just a few steps from the front gate you can be dipping your toes in the water at one of the town beaches backed by bustling cafes and restaurants. In the other direction, follow the seafront promenade all the way to the heart of the historic centre, around 1km away.

Porto Venere is sure to enchant you with its colourful houses and historic lanes that wind all the way up to the impressive fortress, passing charming shops and excellent restaurants, many serving authentic Ligurian cuisine. At the far end of the village, San Pietro Church enjoys an incredible position looking over the rocks towards the sea, near the cove where Lord Byron used to swim in the azure waters. It’s no surprise that this part of the coastline has been declared a unesco World Heritage site, alongside the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere’s neighbouring islands.

Indeed, from late Spring to autumn, boats depart from Porto Venere to the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto – keen hikers will especially love the trails on the largest island, Palmaria, also a wonderful place for swimming and relaxing lunches in beachside restaurants.

It’s also possible to take a ferry to the Cinque Terre National Park (or experienced walkers can set off on foot for a full day out). Much loved by visitors from across the world, these five seaside villages sit in magnificent surroundings and are full of history and charm. Connected by walking paths or a little train, you can head from one village to the next, discovering little beaches and breathtaking views.

Further south, the towns and villages of the Golfo dei Poeti are just as beautiful as the Cinque Terre in their own way yet less frequented by so many tourists. Lerici is a particular delight on market day, Montemarcello enjoys mesmerising views of the sea and olive groves whilst Fiascherino has idyllic beaches backed by pines. Tellaro is another lovely seaside town to discover, a perfect spot for a lunch out in one of the seafood osterias - be inspired by the landscapes around you, just as Shelley and Byron were in the 19th century.

If you are keen to travel as far south as Tuscany then spend the day in the splendid historic town of Lucca (90km) or visit the sights in Pisa (90km - or take the train from nearby La Spezia). A little closer to home, the lively seaside resorts of Viareggio (75km) and Forte dei Marmi (60km) can also be reached in an hour by car.

Accommodation

Main Villa Interiors (230m2)

Ground Floor

-    Living room with doors leading to terrace
-    Dining room with table for up to 8 guests and doors leading to terrace
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, microwave,  fridge-freezer, toaster, blender and coffee machine
-    WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom with king-size bed (can be twin) and en suite bathroom with small shower and WC
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
-    Bedroom with queen-size double bed
-    Bathroom with bath tub
-    Reading area (between two bedrooms)
-    Access to rear terrace

Annexe Interiors

-    Bedroom with queen-size double bed
-    Bedroom with single bed
-    Small shower room with WC

A separate apartment is also available at an additional cost, which would be suitable for accompanying staff (including a double bedroom, small shower room and living room with kitchenette).

Outside Grounds (3000m2)

-    Sea-water swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 2.6m) open approximately June to end-September
-    Sunloungers
-    Various terraces
-    Garden with terraced levels and many steps
-    Parking (up to four cars)
-    Fenced/gated grounds
Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning (main villa, annex and apartment)
-    Heating
-    Satellite TV
-    Hairdryer
-    Alarm system
-    Laundry room with washing machine