Villa Casa Montefino is a totally modernised beautifully furnished luxury house in very extensive private parkland on the hillside above Portofino: breathtakingly beautiful panoramic views of the sea, Portofino, and the dramatic Castello Brown promontory as well as the surrounding wooded hillside.

A discreet entry off the small parking square above the Portofino piazetta: short tunnel to enclosed parking for 1-2 cars; private, 13-person elevator up to the property; steps to the main level and a nicely paved walkway to the house.

The first floor comprises: large living area (600sf) divided into a salon with generous seating area in front of an open fireplace and twin arches to a comfortable TV room; sliding glass doors to a black-tiled upper terrace (600sf) with seating areas and a few steps down to the swimming pool area overlooking the sea; en-suite (double) master bedroom; single (staff) bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom; hallway to intimate formal dining room for 6-8; stairs up to a very charming study with single sofa-bed and a private bathroom.

Very lovely fully-equipped kitchen (350sf) with marble surfaces, 6-burner range, antique stone basins, and a doorway opening onto two flights of steps: one down to the garden and a dining area with sea views and the other up a vine-covered second al fresco dining area for 8-12;

The ground floor comprises: two utterly charming en-suite childrens bedrooms each with two built-in alcove single beds; independent shower bathroom; large studio with single sofa-bed, breakfast table, and kitchenette; independent, en-suite twin bedroom; independent, en-suite double bedroom; independent laundry room; vine-covered al fresco dining area for 8-10 in the garden close to the house.

The décor is the epitome of Italian refinement and restrained good taste with a very slight "retro feel" to it: pale wood-planked and terracotta tile floors, white and pastel coloured walls, exposed beams, and limed oak and hand-polished wood doors.

The furnishings are a harmonious tasteful blend of high quality modern pieces, antiques, and some ethnic pieces; old botanical prints, sepia-coloured photographs, collectables, artefacts, and fine soft furnishings are enhanced by designer lighting.

The bathrooms are beautifully tiled in a variety of colours, have the finest white porcelain and hardware, and, in most cases, have separate shower and separate WC.

The house is very well equipped with fine dinnerware, cutlery, and glasses as well as lovely household linen; teak and bamboo garden furniture on the terraces and around the swimming pool; alarm system.

Nearly all the rooms have splendid views of the sea and the port: glimpses of orange trees, the perfumed air, and absolute peace broken only by the sound of the sea create a wonderful summer atmosphere and a deep sense of privilege.

The grounds embrace a wide variety of lush Mediterranean vegetation: lawns, giant cypresses, eucalyptus, palm, and orange trees; 36ft x 30ft, L-shaped, sea water-fed swimming pool bordered by citrus trees; pool house, WC, shower, and changing rooms.

Local activities include: walks in the grounds, the adjoining hills, and on the promontory; shopping and dining in Portofino; water sports; boat trips to the thirties elegance of neighbouring Santa Margherita, the nearby tiny coves, and the exquisite San Fruttuoso inlet; maritime excursions to the world-famous Cinque Terra coastal villages.

Casa Montefino is a very rare property--in Portofino, you can count the villas with pools on one hand--and ideal for those seeking total peace and absolute privacy in sublime surroundings within minutes of the worlds most beautiful port.