Notes from the host
Fully Restored Village House
My partner and I restored this lovely house, combining the character of the traditional stone with all the comforts of modern living. We have kept the essence of the old house with exposed stone work and beams, giving the house a real sense of it's age and character.
Over all there are 3 terraces, 2 smaller ones to the 'front' of the property and 1 from the main upstairs living area. The house is situated on the old medieval village road, just 3-5 minutes from the closest parking spaces. (Parking is free).
The front door leads into a spacious hall with plenty of hanging space for jackets space for your bags and a handy shelf for hats and keys. From the hall there is a corridor to the main bedroom with one large bed and storage then onto a second bedroom with two single beds and ample storage. The family bathroom is on this level, it has a full bath with shower over, toilet and wash basin, plus shelving for your toiletries. Leading up from the hall is a curved staircase to the main living area the third bedroom and it's ensuite.
The main living space upstairs consists of a full kitchen, equipped with everything you will need for your holidays including a cooker with electric oven and a gas hob, full-size dishwasher, pots, pans crockery and glassware. Here there is an indoor table with seating for 6.
There is a separate lounge area with two comfy sofas, a TV with DVD player and a small library of DVDs, there are some games and books on the bookshelves. Leading outside from a set of double doors is the terrace with its fantastic views up and down the valley. It catches the sun for most of the day, leaving around 4pm in mid summer, it is worth setting the alarm for dawn over the mountains. There is space for a dining table with seating for 6, plus sun loungers an umbrella and a BBQ. The terrace is not overlooked and there is very little passing traffic to disturb you.
From the staircase there is another bedroom to the left up a further three steps, this room has a double bed, hanging space, under the bed drawers and its own ensuite with large shower cubicle, toilet and hand basin.
There is a 'cantina' the Italian word used for a room under the house accessed from the outside which contains the washing machine, iron and board and an airer this space can also be used as additional storage if necessary.
The two small terraces to the front have both sun and shade depending on the time of day, although they are on the old road there is not a huge foot fall, these offer alternative outdoor space to the main terrace.
Rezzo is a mountain village set in a beautiful wooded valley, it has both full-time Italian residents and although there is a smattering of holiday homes plus a view to rent, it retains it's unique Italian authenticity and is definitely not a tourist trap. There is a genuinely warm welcome to everyone who comes to Rezzo.
Village Amenities
Rezzo itself has two all-purpose shops where you can find fresh bread daily, local cheese, a range of groceries and household items, they both double as cafe/bars.
The Sapori del Bosco is as a family run restaurant with separate bar in the village itself serving local cuisine.There are two other great restaurants in the valley; accessible by walking up through the woods is the "Agriturismo Al Santuario di Saltarini Barbara", Barbara is the goatherd who has developed her business to have a great restaurant and shop, it sits next to the serene 15th Century Sanctuary of the Madonna with it's famous frescoes; or take the river path for Lavinella in the village of Lavina, a third generation family restaurant where the long Sunday lunch is a steal at €27 for up to 14 courses; alternative to walking, both are a short drive away.
During the summer months there are a number of Feste in the village run by local volunteers each celebrates a different aspect of local life being dedicated to pesto in June, local trout in July, Friends of Rezzo and the Carnival in August through to the 3 day Feste della Madonna e Bambina" in September beginning with a candlelit procession of the statue of the Madonna being carried from the Village Church up to the Santuario at the top of the village.
The Area
Rezzo has the best of both worlds, a 25-30 minute drive will see you on the fabulous coastline of Liguria, the closest beach is a pebbly one in Imperia, 40-50 minutes takes you to other glorious sandy options including chic resorts of Alassio and our personal favourite Laigueglia; there are many others to explore up and down the coast.
If the coast is not for you, take the short walk down to the river running through our valley and enjoy wild swimming in the beautifully clear water in one of the many swimming holes; taking a picnic makes for a very relaxing day out.
In the other direction 20 minutes up the mountain you will find yourself in the National Park of the Alpi Liguri with it's amazing mountain, valley and even coastal views; there are walks suitable for a family stroll or tackle the higher peaks for those who like a good hike; many beautiful walks can also be had by simply walking out the front door!
If market shopping is for you then most days of the week there is a market on the coast which sell everything from local delicacies, fresh local fruit and veg, clothes, household goods; speciality antique and craft markets are also held regularly in the area.
At the bottom of the valley 7kms away is the town of Pieve di Teco which is a sizeable town with banks, bars a range of shops including delicatessens, clothes and hardware. Pieve also has some lovely restaurants, the main shopping street is a beautiful 15th century arched street (portico in Italian), worth a visit just for them.
For day trips Monaco, Nice, Genoa and Turin offer a variety of activities from museums and galleries to great architecture and very good shopping; a great day out.
Some of the best kept secrets of the region are the wines and the great food, many local vineyards offer pre-organised tastings or simply go to any local restaurant and ask for a tasting menu and the local wine, you won't be disappointed.
This is just a taste of what is on offer in the area, we leave a more detailed information package in the house for your use. Once you have booked I can easily send this via email if you wish to start planning your holidays.