Roughly hewn stone, exposed brickwork and tumbling terraces all give the impression this rambling rural retreat has been carved from the Ligurian hillside itself. If you’re looking for somewhere with character, this surely must be it. The layout is a little quirky — the only way to get upstairs is via a stone staircase outside the building — but this only adds to the charm of the place. Delightful stone archways reveal yet another hidden terrace or quiet nook to catch up on that holiday paperback, while grotto-like bathrooms and a cute mezzanine bedroom for the kids add a fairytale quality to the experience. Yet for all its tucked away spaces, this semi-detached home has plenty of opportunities for the more sociable among you. We can see the polished kitchen table becoming the hub of the house — somewhere to gather the grown-ups and bambini alike for a delicious Italian feast while you plan your next sun-soaked day in the hills. Then there’s the sun deck with its outdoor dining area and barbecue, not to mention the pretty garden with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside — best admired from a lounger with a cool glass in hand. Privacy, seclusion...Read more and utter relaxation is the order of the day here. Indulge in a lazy lie-in (the bedrooms are beautiful rustic affairs — think exposed wooden beams, ornate bedsteads and fluttering curtains). When the sun rises over the olive groves, dive into the private swimming pool and enjoy a moment while the kids burn off some energy in the playground or challenge each other to a game of table football. There’s a supermarket and restaurant within a few minutes drive, so you can stock up on supplies for your next pasta-based extravaganza. Or take a road trip to explore the surrounding area — it’s a short drive to the nearest town and you can be at the beach within half an hour. Our suitcases are packed already!Read less