The fortress of the former monastery from the height above Portofino in Italy - a breathtaking view

Day announcement

Location:

Paraggi, Liguria, Italy

Price:

16 million euros (17.16 million US dollars)

Known as Parajina, this historic seaside estate includes:

• main house
• single-story annex for staff
• a private park with a view of picturesque Portofino
• an unusual literary story

“It is said that Oscar Wilde spent a long time in this villa at the end of the 19th century as a guest of his 'English friend,'” said Chiara Lagomarsino Picasso, the CEO of Portofino Property/Knight Frank, referring to the priest with whom he was in a relationship. “Unfortunately, there are no records of this in his books. However, the grave of Wilde's parrot is still visible in the park.”

The estate is designed in a typical Ligurian style with bright salmon-colored facades and contrasting white and gray stripes. The same theme is reflected in the castle walls of the large terraced garden. The villa is surrounded by an extensive private park, which was once home to donkeys, cows, and birds, as well as an olive grove that produced some of the best oil on the eastern coast of Liguria. Today, the park mainly consists of forested areas but could be partially restored as an olive grove and vineyard.

In the past, the owners were:

• a famous shipping family from Genoa
• a prestigious English family that expanded the villa in the late 1800s by adding an extra floor while preserving the original structure

The main structure of the main house, as well as a small annex, dates back to the time of the Abbey of San Girolamo la Cervara in the 14th century. "In the main house, there are still thick stone walls of the abbey, which are visible from the niches surrounding the windows on the first floor," said Lagomarsino Picasso. "The annex was used as a storage for agricultural tools, including those used for caring for olive trees. Part of the century-old olive grove of Cervara is now part of the estate."

The main house, spread over two floors, contains three of the villa's six bedrooms.

Characteristics:

The area of the house is 350 square meters, or 3,770 square feet, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms.

Amenities:

Each building has its own terrace, which the current owners have filled with tables, loungers, and relaxation areas overlooking the sea. Between the buildings, there is another patio with a large fountain and a barbecue area. The villa is surrounded by a vast private park that was once home to donkeys, cows, and birds, as well as an olive grove that produced some of the best oil on the eastern coast of Liguria. Today, the park mainly consists of woodland, but it could be partially restored as an olive grove and vineyard.

Notes about the area:

Located on the top of the Paraggi promontory, the villa offers a view of Paraggi Bay and the entrance to the Port of Portofino. "Originally, Paraggi was a small village of fishermen and millers. Today, it still retains its original character and, with its crystal-clear water and fine pearl sand, is the most exclusive bay of the Italian Riviera," said Lagomarsino Picasso.

The villa is located less than two kilometers from the famous Portofino square and four kilometers from Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming resort town. "Due to its beauty and exclusivity, many foreign buyers purchase real estate in this area, as well as well-known Italian celebrities and politicians," said Lagomarsino Picasso.

Agent:

Mark Harvey, sales agent, Knight Frank

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