Little Gem No. 081 | A quiet hilltop villa lost in time
Hidden in the green hills above the Ligurian coast, Villa Madonna feels like a secret you’ve just stumbled upon. Built in the late 19th century and lovingly preserved, the villa still looks almost exactly as it did a hundred years ago. The name comes from the faded fresco of the Madonna above the entrance — a gentle nod to the past that sets the tone for the entire stay.
This is not a polished, modern retreat. It’s a place full of soul and character — the kind of home where every perfectly worn tile tells a story. Here, you can feel the passage of time in the best possible way. With cicadas in the air, the scent of pines and herbs, and complete silence all around, Villa Madonna invites you to slow down, breathe, and simply be.
The Space
Inside, the villa stretches over 120 square metres, with all the warmth and charm of a lived-in home. The original tiled floors are full of colour and texture, and the vintage furniture feels like it has always belonged. There’s a cosy living room with a small wood-burning fireplace, a country-style kitchen, and two living areas — one on each floor — that open out toward the view. The style is rustic, honest, and quietly beautiful: nothing overdone, everything just right.
The Bedrooms
On the upper floor, you’ll find two double bedrooms, filled with natural light and lovely views from the windows. They’re simple and peaceful, each one with that charming, timeworn feel that makes you want to stay in bed a little longer with a book and a breeze. There’s also a bathroom with a tub — the perfect spot for a slow soak after a day of walking by the sea.
Outdoor Area
Surrounded by one hectare of private land, Villa Madonna is a sanctuary. There are no neighbours in sight, only trees and the sounds of nature. Outside, a breakfast table tucked into a quiet corner is ideal for morning coffee, while a larger wooden table offers the perfect setting for long dinners under the stars. At night, the sky fills with stars and silence — no cars, no voices, just you and the countryside.
Location
Although it feels completely remote, Villa Madonna is only a 10-minute drive from Camogli, one of Liguria’s most charming seaside towns. In under 20 minutes, you can reach Portofino and the famed walking trails of the Monte di Portofino Park. Whether you want to hike, swim, or wander through nearby villages, everything is close — and yet, when you return to the villa, it feels like you’re miles away from the world.
What Makes It So Special
Villa Madonna is a house with a soul. It hasn’t been modernised or polished for effect — it has been cared for, kept close to its roots, and left to age gracefully. The charm is in the details: the fresco above the door, the original floor tiles, the crooked walls and vintage furniture. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and where doing nothing feels like the best plan of all.
Price Indication
Price starts from €250 per night for 4 guests (depending on season)
Nearest Airport
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (approx. 40 minutes by car)
Nearest Train Station
Camogli (10 minutes by car)