Villa Beatrice in Portofino
Nestled between the picturesque towns of Paraggi and Portofino, Villa Beatrice stands as a testament to timeless elegance. As you cruise along the scenic route to Portofino, just about a mile before reaching the village, look left to an open public terrace. Right above you? That’s where this beauty stands. Known in bygone eras as Castello Odero, this majestic mansion towers over Punta Caiega, safeguarded by the Portofino Park since the mid-1930s. To get there, one treads the “Passeggiata dei Baci” – where legends like Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner once whispered sweet nothings – an enchanting trail overlooking the winding road below.
Diving deeper, Villa Beatrice’s architecture is sheer magic. Surrounded by a lavish garden that spans over 6,000 square meters, the edifice unfolds across three stories. You can’t help but admire the aesthetic touches: the raw stone, the decorative plasterwork sprinkled with vibrant tiles, and the pristine white concrete. And, let’s not forget that fairy-tale turret, a hallmark of the genius architect Gino Coppedè. The man behind such wonders also gifted the world with architectural treasures like Genova’s Mackenzie Castle and the signature buildings in Rome’s Coppedè district.
Where to Find Villa Beatrice in Portofino
The walls of Villa Beatrice in Portofino resonate with the legacy of its former residents. The first notable name? Attilio Odero, was an industry giant pivotal to Italy’s naval milestones. Later on, the mansion welcomed Enrico Piaggio, the brain behind the iconic Vespa scooter. The list of eminent guests doesn’t end there. The Tonolli family and the Costa-Ardissone clan have also hosted lavish dinners and charity balls in this dreamy setting.
Now, as the winds of change blow, Villa Beatrice in Portofino is on the brink of a new era. The recent acquisition by the esteemed Belmond group, backed by the powerhouse LVMH of the Arnault dynasty, hints at transforming this jewel into plush suites. A sanctuary for those in pursuit of both luxury and a whiff of nostalgia.
In the end, Portofino is not just a place. It’s an experience unto itself.
Portofino, a world apart.
