UNDISCOVERED  TUSCANY

La Rocca is a gem of a house in one of the most sought-after locations on the Ligurian coast. The clifftop village of Montemarcello is on a headland overlooking both the Gulf of La Spezia and the Gulf of the Poets (named after Byron and Shelley). It looks across to the Cinque Terre, as well as the coast to the south, and the Apuan Alps, the marble mountains of Carrara.
From here, you’re within easy striking distance not only of the Cinque Terre, but also of Santa Margherita, Portofino, Rapallo, Genoa, and Portovenere in one direction; and of Lucca, Pisa, Carrara, and Viareggio in the other. Parma, Siena and Florence make good daytrips. Less well known are some really delightful interior hilltowns closeby in Lunigiana, the undiscovered part of Tuscany, between the sea and the mountains.

The drive up to the village through the Regional Park of Montemarcello is spectacular. It is wonderful countryside for walking, whether you want serious long-distance walks along the marked pathways, or just a stroll in the woods before returning to the village for a meal in one of the two restaurants there.

The house itself has a terrace front and rear, with a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom with panoramic views. It is two minutes from a bar, and a post office, a few small shops, and restaurants are only five minutes walk through the old town. Ameglia is the closest large town, 5 kilometers away; there, you’ll find everything including a large supermarket, bank, shops and other services.

Montemarcello is not on the water’s edge. You can walk to the beach - it’s 700 steps down a lovely winding path (and back up again). But you can drive down to nearby Bocca di Magra, where, in fine weather, there’s a little boat service which will transport you to any of several sandy coves inaccessible except from the sea.