Villa Melinda | 4-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in La Spezia

La Spezia sits at the gateway to Italy’s most photographed coastline, yet most visitors miss the elevated countryside that cradles the Gulf of Poets. Villa Melinda occupies this privileged position—a restored farmhouse positioned on a hillside where olive groves slope toward Mediterranean vistas, just 6km from La Spezia’s historic waterfront and a 30-minute drive from Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of Cinque Terre. Here, eight guests discover what happens when 13th-century stone architecture meets 21st-century comfort.

Inside Villa Melinda

Villa Melinda sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across 250 square meters. The ground floor opens into living quarters that balance period character with contemporary ease: exposed wooden beams span the ceiling above a comfortable seating arrangement anchored by a grand piano, flat-screen television, and DVD player. An iPod docking station connects to a stereo system, allowing your own soundtrack to drift through stone-walled rooms. The adjoining fully-equipped kitchen—featuring a dishwasher, coffee machine, and marble countertops—overlooks the terrace through wide windows that frame the countryside beyond. Eight guests gather around the dining room table, its original wood construction and wrought-iron details creating an atmosphere suited equally to family dinners and multi-course meals prepared by your private chef (available on request).

The first floor ascends via a central staircase to two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The double bedroom offers unobstructed sea views toward the Gulf of Poets, while the twin bedroom accommodates younger guests or friends preferring separate sleeping arrangements. Both rooms receive afternoon and evening light through south-facing windows. The family bathroom features a double sink basin, generous walk-in shower, and bidet—practical amenities that disappear into the villa’s original aesthetic through careful restoration.

Two additional double bedrooms occupy the second floor, each with independent en-suite bathrooms. One offers a contemporary shower setup; the other features a Victorian-style freestanding bathtub positioned to capture morning light and distant water views. Bedroom air-conditioning provides relief during August’s heat, while ceiling fans operate year-round for air circulation. Hairdryers, heating systems, iron and ironing board, plus a cot for infant guests complete the practical infrastructure. All bedrooms deliver panoramic countryside and sea perspectives—the kind of views that transform ordinary mornings into reasons to wake early.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds surrounding Villa Melinda constitute the property’s greatest asset. A private infinity pool—surrounded by sun loungers, deck chairs, and an outdoor shower for rinsing salt water or chlorine—sits within immaculate lawns bordered by flowering Mediterranean plantings. The scent of lavender and rosemary rises from the garden beds, particularly intense during late afternoon when heat releases essential oils from the foliage.

The covered terrace functions as the villa’s social nerve center. A substantial outdoor dining table seats eight comfortably, with additional seating arranged on a stone banquette—the ideal spot for pre-dinner aperitivos as sunset paints the landscape orange and rose. A pizza oven, separate BBQ facility, and utility room with additional refrigeration transform outdoor meal preparation from novelty into routine. Pathways extending from the main grounds lead into surrounding hills, where 90 minutes of walking brings you either deeper into the countryside or down into La Spezia’s center. These trails pass through traditional agricultural land where locals still maintain smallholdings—a window into how coastal Liguria functioned before tourism arrived.

Location: La Spezia and the Surrounding Area

Villa Melinda’s location operates on two distinct scales. Immediately surrounding the property lies rural Liguria—the agricultural hinterland that supplies regional restaurants with produce, wine, and olive oil. The villa sits 6km from La Spezia’s center, accessible by a 15-minute drive that winds through the province of La Spezia’s characteristic landscape of terraced vineyards and stone villages. The town itself deserves exploration: the 13th-century San Giorgio Castle dominates the historic quarter, while the waterfront promenade (Passeggiata Morin) runs for nearly 2km along the harbor, lined with restaurants specializing in locally-caught fish and Ligurian specialties like pesto and focaccia.

La Spezia’s train station operates just 5 minutes away by car—your gateway to Cinque Terre’s five villages without the congestion of driving. Services depart regularly to Riomaggiore (40 minutes), Manarola (45 minutes), Corniglia (50 minutes), Vernazza (55 minutes), and Monterosso al Mare (60 minutes). Riomaggiore, the southernmost village 30km away, features the famous Sentiero dell’Amore (Path of Love)—a clifftop trail that traverses the 12km between Riomaggiore and Monterosso, hugging dramatic coastline and connecting the five settlements. Monterosso al Mare, the only village with a substantial sandy beach, draws swimmers and beach-focused travelers; Vernazzo consistently ranks as the most photographed for its amphitheater of pastel buildings stacked against limestone cliffs. All five villages maintain their working fishing-community character despite international recognition—boat rentals operate from each harbor for exploring sea caves and hidden coves along the dramatic Ligurian coast.

East of the villa, 35km toward the Tuscan border, lies Sarzana—a fortified medieval town featuring intact defensive walls, historic towers, and a main piazza surrounded by Renaissance architecture. The town’s weekly markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays) showcase regional produce, cheeses, and cured meats. For wine enthusiasts, the province’s interior produces excellent Vermentino and Ligurian reds; several family wineries operate tasting rooms with advance booking. Browse our luxury villas in La Spezia to explore similar properties, or discover more options by exploring our villas in Province Of La Spezia. For comprehensive destination planning, our Liguria travel guide provides seasonal recommendations and cultural insights. Additional coastal properties appear in our full collection in Italy.

Supermarkets serving daily needs sit 2km from the villa in the surrounding communities—Conad and Lidl branches stock international provisions alongside local specialties. Fresh fish arrives daily at La Spezia’s market on the waterfront; excellent restaurants cluster along the harbor, with trattooria ranging from casual to fine dining. Cycling routes connect the province through established bike trails; electric bike rentals operate in La Spezia town center for less strenuous exploration. Fishing charters depart from La Spezia harbor for day trips seeking sea bass and grouper—a service available through local booking agencies. Golf courses operate 35km inland near Sarzana; horseback riding trails traverse the hills north of the villa.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families numbering 6-8 people find Villa Melinda’s four separate bedrooms and distributed bathroom facilities ideal for maintaining privacy while remaining connected. The ground-floor bedroom-and-bath combination accommodates elderly relatives or guests with mobility considerations without requiring stair navigation. Multi-generational groups appreciate the piano, board games, and spacious terrace dining for shared activities.

Professional groups requiring a working retreat benefit from reliable Wi-Fi throughout the villa and the capacity to arrange a private chef for business dinners. Creative collaborators (writers, artists, architects) thrive in the quiet hillside environment, with the pool and gardens providing restorative breaks during intensive projects.

Couples celebrating significant anniversaries or milestones appreciate the romance inherent in the restoration—original stone and wood construction, sea views, private pool, and the option to arrange in-villa wine tastings with local Ligurian producers. The master bedroom’s en-suite Victorian bathtub becomes a centerpiece for romantic evenings.

Active travelers using the villa as a base for Cinque Terre exploration find the 30-minute drive to Riomaggiore perfectly manageable, while the train station’s proximity (5 minutes) offers car-free alternatives for daily village visits. Hiking enthusiasts access both the famous coastal trails and lesser-known inland paths from the villa’s doorstep.

Practical Information

Villa Melinda accommodates 8 guests maximum across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The nearest international airport is Cristoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa, approximately 100km north, reachable in 90 minutes by car. A backup option exists at Pisa International Airport (120km south, 2 hours’ drive), which often features competitive airfares. The closest local airport serving regional flights is Parma, 95km north (approximately 90 minutes).

Utilities including Wi-Fi, heating, air-conditioning (bedroom units), electricity, and water feature in the standard rental. Pool maintenance and heating operate throughout your stay. Bed linens, bath towels, and kitchen linens arrive fresh; housekeeping services can be arranged for additional fees. A maid service operates on request for mid-week turnover cleaning. A private chef can prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner using local markets (additional cost; typically booked 48 hours in advance). Check-in flexibility depends on villa availability; late arrivals after 20:00 incur modest surcharges. A welcome basket with local specialties and orientation materials awaits first-time guests. Pets are accepted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval and modest cleaning fees.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Melinda

How many guests does Villa Melinda sleep?

Villa Melinda sleeps 8 guests maximum. The accommodation comprises 4 bedrooms: one double on the first floor, one twin on the first floor, and two doubles on the second floor (each with en-suite bathrooms). A cot is available for infants, making the villa suitable for families with young children. No sofa beds or additional annexes exist; the 8-guest capacity represents the maximum comfortable occupancy.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Melinda in La Spezia?

Cristoforo Colombo Airport (Genoa) lies 100km north of Villa Melinda, approximately 90 minutes by car via the A12 motorway. This major hub connects to European and international destinations. Pisa International Airport offers an alternative 120km south (2 hours’ drive) with competitive airfares to budget carriers. Smaller regional airports at Parma (95km north) serve limited routes. Most guests arrange private car transfers (approximately €150-200 for the Genoa route) or hire vehicles for exploration during their stay.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Melinda?

April through May offers ideal conditions: temperatures averaging 18-22°C, wildflower blooms in surrounding countryside, lower tourist density in Cinque Terre villages, and spring festivals throughout La Spezia province. September through October repeats this formula with warmer water (18-20°C) for swimming and continued pleasant weather as summer crowds disperse. June through August brings peak temperatures (26-28°C), crowded villages, and highest prices, though the sea reaches its warmest (21-23°C) for comfortable swimming. November through February experiences rainfall and cooler temperatures (8-12°C), but dramatically fewer tourists create an authentic regional atmosphere. December brings festive markets and seasonal events in La Spezia town center. Avoid mid-August when much of Italy takes vacation and prices peak.

Is Villa Melinda suitable for families with children?

Villa Melinda welcomes families with children. The private pool features adequate safety features and operates at heated temperatures for comfort. Ground-floor bedroom accommodations simplify nighttime supervision of young children. Nearby Monterosso al Mare, 60km away, offers a sandy beach suitable for swimming—the safest swimming location among Cinque Terre villages. Riomaggiore’s harbor provides calmer waters for paddling and rock exploration. The villa’s expansive grounds, board games, books, and outdoor activities maintain engagement for children aged 5-16. High chairs and cots are available. The quiet countryside location appeals to families seeking respite from beach resort environments. However, the coastal train journey to villages and extensive walking trails suit children comfortable with moderate physical activity.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Melinda?

Standard inclusions cover Wi-Fi internet, heating, electricity, water, and pool maintenance/heating. All bed linens, bath towels, and kitchen linens arrive fresh and laundered. The kitchen provides standard equipment (dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee machine, pots, pans, utensils) but not specialty appliances. Indoor air-conditioning operates in all bedrooms; ceiling fans provide additional circulation. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles on-site. Board games and books complement the entertainment system. Additional services (housekeeping, private chef, laundry, pet accommodation, baby equipment) require separate arrangement and payment. Welcome baskets containing local wines, cheeses, and focaccia are included for first-time bookings.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Melinda?

La Spezia’s waterfront (6km) concentrates the finest dining: Trattoria da Aristide specializes in fresh seafood; Ristorantino da Piva features traditional Ligurian pesto and trofie pasta; La Fusarella combines fine dining with harbor views. Casual options line the Passeggiata Morin promenade. The daily fish market (Porto Vecchio) operates mornings for fresh catch and prepared specialties. Conad and Lidl supermarkets sit 2km away for provisions. Riomaggiore village (30km) contains modest restaurants and a harbor-side café perfect for lunch breaks between hiking. The weekly Sarzana market (35km, Wednesday and Saturday mornings) showcases regional produce, cheeses, and cured meats from Tuscan and Ligurian producers. Wine shops specializing in local Vermentino and Ligurian reds operate throughout La Spezia with knowledgeable staff capable of arranging tastings at nearby wineries.