Casa Cardoso | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Sarzana Liguria

Sarzana sits quietly in Liguria’s inland hills, 30 minutes from the Cinque Terre coast and 20 minutes from the medieval town centre. Casa Cardoso—a thoughtfully restored stone villa—commands the kind of hillside position that makes guests abandon their phones to simply watch the Magra Valley light change. Ten people can stay here across three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and the setup works because everyone gets space to breathe.

Inside Casa Cardoso

The ground floor splits into distinct zones without feeling fragmented. You enter into a generous living and dining area where terracotta and traditional Tuscan stone flooring anchor the room. An antique stone fireplace occupies one wall—real enough to use on cooler evenings—while exposed wood beams cross the ceiling above. The sofa arrangement includes a double sofa bed, making this room do double duty for sleeping or gathering. A digital safe is built into the woodwork. Glass doors open directly onto a covered terrace fitted with electric pergotenda (motorised louvre roof system) and air-conditioning, where a dining table seats eight people. The kitchen flows naturally from this space, equipped with a proper oven, microwave, dishwasher, American coffee maker, and a breakfast bar with stools—the kind of setup that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty.

Casa Cardoso sleeps 10 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The first bedroom features a queen bed with an additional two-single sofa bed, plus TV and DVD player. The second bedroom mirrors this layout with a queen bed, single foldaway bed, and entertainment system. The third bedroom takes a different approach with built-in bunk beds (two singles), one single foldaway bed, and doors opening onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard—this room consistently becomes the favourite for children. All three bedrooms have CD players. A shared bathroom on the first floor has a double shower.

Below ground, the villa reveals its wellness credentials. A dedicated fitness area occupies one corner. The sauna comfortably fits six people. A separate shower room and laundry facilities complete this level. The lower ground floor represents the part of the house that separates families needing peaceful mornings from teenagers wanting to sleep until noon.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens sprawl across multiple levels, each section designed for different activities. The saltwater swimming pool measures 12 metres by 5 metres with depths ranging from 1.20 to 1.80 metres—deep enough for proper swimming, shallow enough for younger children. It operates seasonally from May through September and comes with a heated Abrisud cover for shoulder months. Beside the pool sits a six-person jacuzzi. Sun loungers and parasols ring the water, creating that perfect combination of structure and escape.

The children’s play area contains a slide and swings positioned where parents can relax on nearby benches while maintaining sight lines. A beach volleyball court occupies another section—the kind of thing that transforms an afternoon into friendly competition. The wood-fired barbecue area creates a focal point for evening gatherings, with the covered terrace offering protection if winds pick up. Tables and benches cluster throughout the grounds, and the courtyard provides parking and a functional hub where vehicles stay out of sight from the main entertaining areas.

The views dominate everything. Standing on the terrace at sunset, the valley opens south and west, with no obstructing structures. This perspective—the reason the original builders chose this hillside—justifies itself daily.

Location: Sarzana and the Surrounding Area

Sarzana itself occupies a position where Liguria begins its transition toward Tuscany. The medieval town centre contains the 13th-century Sarzana Cathedral with its striking bell tower and the 15th-century La Cittadella Fortezza Firmafede, a fortress built to defend the surrounding valley. Walking through Sarzana’s piazzas and narrow streets reveals brightly-coloured buildings and numerous trattorias serving regional pasta dishes. Restaurants within a 20-minute drive of Casa Cardoso range from casual to sophisticated, many featuring locally-sourced seafood and Ligurian pesto.

The coast lies approximately 30 kilometres away. Bocca di Magra, just 25 kilometres south, offers a quieter beach alternative where the Magra River meets the sea, backed by a small village with fish restaurants. Fiascherino, 28 kilometres distant, provides a compact cove with crystal water ideal for swimming. Tellaro, also around 28 kilometres south, comprises a fishing village arranged in tiers above a small beach, with white and pastel buildings reflected in the water.

Lerici, 30 kilometres away, commands a more dramatic coastline where sand mixes with pebbles across approximately 4 kilometres of shore. The town’s fortress dominates the waterfront, and public gardens offer shaded walks with sea views. For Cinque Terre’s five UNESCO-listed villages, allow one hour’s drive from Casa Cardoso. Riomaggiore, the most accessible of the five, begins the famous trail called Sentiero dell’Amore (Path of Love) to Manarola—a clifftop walk where the sea drops away below. Monterosso al Mare, further along the coast, offers Cinque Terre’s only proper sandy beach and deepest swimming waters.

The Liguria-Tuscany border sits just north of Sarzana. Carrara, approximately 35 kilometres inland, has sculpted marble for centuries. The Museo del Marmo documents this history, and visitors can tour active quarries where massive blocks still emerge from mountainsides. The Via dell’Amore wine route passes through nearby hills, with several small wineries offering tastings of Ligurian white wines.

Genova Christopher Columbus Airport (GOA) lies 80 kilometres north, approximately 75 minutes by car. Pisa International Airport (PSA) sits 90 kilometres southeast, roughly 90 minutes away via autostrada. Both offer connections to European hubs. Train services from Sarzana connect directly to Cinque Terre villages and larger Ligurian towns. Explore our villas in Province of La Spezia for more options in this distinctive region, or browse our luxury villas across Europe. For deeper destination insights, our Liguria travel guide covers seasonal events, hiking routes, and local food specialities.

Peak season runs June through August, with July and August bringing crowds to Cinque Terre and higher prices everywhere. May and September offer warm weather with dramatically fewer visitors. October remains swimmable and pleasant until mid-month. Winter rains and occasional closures on the coastal trail make November through March less ideal for beach activities, though the countryside remains striking and restaurants less crowded.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families benefit from Casa Cardoso’s space distribution. Teenagers get autonomy (the bunk-bed room with balcony access). Younger children have the play area and pool. Parents and grandparents occupy the other bedrooms, with the lower-ground fitness and sauna areas providing adult-only retreat space. The villa accommodates up to 10 people, making it feasible for two to three families sharing costs and responsibility.

Groups of friends aged 30-50 find the setup equally appealing—the dining table seats eight, the barbecue area encourages gathering, and the wine culture of nearby Carrara and inland vineyards suits exploration. Couples wanting to host extended family discover that the villa’s layout prevents forced intimacy; everyone gets private sleeping space and semi-private areas.

Families with children under 12 appreciate the enclosed play area, pool with graduated depths, and proximity to family-friendly beaches like Monterosso al Mare where shallow water extends 50 metres offshore. The babysitting service (available on request) and chef/cook services enable parents to enjoy dinners at hilltop restaurants in Sarzana without coordinating childcare.

Practical Information

Casa Cardoso accommodates a maximum of 10 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi throughout, air-conditioning in main living areas and the covered terrace, and a digital safe for valuables. Pool heating operates during the open season (May-September). Linen, towels, and basic cleaning are included in the rental. A maid service is available on request. Chef and cooking class services can be arranged in advance. Babysitting options exist for families with young children. Pre-stocked fridge service is offered. Pet-friendly arrangements are available by request.

The nearest supermarket (Coop or similar) sits approximately 8 kilometres away in Sarzana town centre, reachable in 12 minutes by car. A shuttle transfer service operates from both nearby airports. Check-in timing flexes according to season and demand, typically from 4 PM, though earlier arrival can sometimes be accommodated with advance notice. The villa operates year-round, though the swimming pool closes seasonally from October through April.

Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Cardoso

How many guests does Casa Cardoso sleep?

Casa Cardoso accommodates 10 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The first two bedrooms each contain a queen bed plus a two-single sofa bed. The third bedroom features bunk beds (two singles) plus a single foldaway bed. The living room includes an additional double sofa bed if needed, though this reduces the living space. The flexible bed configuration allows groups ranging from small families (4-6 people) to larger groups or multi-generational parties at full capacity.

What is the nearest airport to Casa Cardoso in Sarzana?

Genova Christopher Columbus Airport (GOA) lies 80 kilometres north of Casa Cardoso, approximately 75 minutes by car via autostrada A12. This airport handles European carriers and seasonal routes. Pisa International Airport (PSA) is positioned 90 kilometres southeast, roughly 90 minutes away via the A12 autostrada southbound. Pisa offers more flight options from the UK and Northern Europe. Both airports provide car rental counters, and transfer services can be pre-arranged through the villa’s management.

What is the best time of year to rent Casa Cardoso?

May and September offer the ideal balance in Liguria. Water temperatures reach 18-20°C, comfortable enough for swimming with brief exposure. Crowds at Cinque Terre thin dramatically after mid-August, making trail hiking and village exploration feasible without queuing. Spring wildflowers bloom across the Magra Valley in May, creating striking backdrop views from the terrace. June through August peaks with heat (28-30°C) and tourist numbers, but guarantees perfect beach conditions. October remains mild and swimmable until mid-month, though coastal trail maintenance occasionally causes closures. Winter (November-March) brings rainfall and cooler temperatures (10-15°C), unsuitable for pool use, though the countryside landscape sharpens and restaurants become peaceful.

Is Casa Cardoso suitable for families with children?

Yes. The swimming pool (12m × 5m) ranges from 1.20 to 1.80 metres deep, offering shallow zones for young swimmers and proper depth for older children and adults. A six-person jacuzzi provides supervised relaxation nearby. The dedicated children’s play area contains a slide and swings, positioned where adult supervision remains straightforward. Nearby family beaches include Monterosso al Mare (one hour’s drive), where shallow water extends 50 metres offshore, and Bocca di Magra (25 kilometres), a quieter cove suitable for young children. The villa offers babysitting services on request and can arrange cooking classes for older children interested in Italian cuisine. The kitchen’s breakfast bar and accessible oven make involving children in meal preparation practical.

What is included in the rental price at Casa Cardoso?

Standard inclusions encompass Wi-Fi internet throughout the villa, air-conditioning in the living areas and covered terrace, all linen and towels (changed weekly), pool heating during the May-September season, initial house cleaning before arrival, and utilisation of all outdoor facilities (pool, jacuzzi, barbecue, play area, volleyball court). Maid service, chef services, and cooking classes are available at additional cost and should be arranged in advance. A pre-stocked fridge service can be requested to include groceries upon arrival. Pet accommodation is available by request with any applicable fees. Electricity, water, and gas for heating are included. The digital safe provides secure valuables storage.

What restaurants and shops are near Casa Cardoso?

Sarzana town centre, 20 kilometres away (approximately 25-minute drive), contains multiple trattorias and restaurants ranging from casual (Trattoria da Ivo specialises in homemade pasta) to more upscale establishments along the piazza. The weekly market operates in the town square Tuesday and Saturday mornings, offering fresh vegetables, fish, and local produce. A Coop supermarket (8 kilometres, 12-minute drive) stocks groceries, wine, and supplies. Along the coast, Tellaro village (28 kilometres) contains two excellent seafood restaurants positioned directly above the waterfront. Bocca di Magra (25 kilometres) offers three fish restaurants serving daily catches. For wine shopping and tastings, the inland hills toward Carrara contain several small wineries open to visitors. Most restaurants require advance reservation during peak season (June-August).