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15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view

Photo gallery for 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view

Exterior
Interior
Terrace/patio
5 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10450 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Hot Tub
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Gym

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view

The property offers a total of 10 sleeps in 5 double rooms (PLEASE NOTE the 5th room is only available for reservations for more than 8 guests, or on request for an extra). The property is not shared with other people, so we can say that it is at your sole use. All the bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning to allow a pleasant rest also in case of very hot weather, while the common areas do not have air conditioning available.

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PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING: the property is an ancient building, dating back to the 13th century. The interior is very well kept and as you can see from the photos and you can read from several reviews (we have a 5 stars average!), it is clean and comfortable, the air conditioning is new and the kitchen is antique style, but modern. Nevertheless, all the furnitures are antiques, such as the beds, the sofa etc. If you are not that kind of person who likes such an historical and antique atmosphere, please do not book this property. We have great respect for everybody's personal taste, but we had guests who were disappointed because they were expecting modern space and atmosphere like the ones they could find in a 5 stars Hotel. We are not equipped with all the amenities you can expect from an Hotel, nor we pretend to be as an Hotel, we are an holiday house with some very original characteristics. Let me also say, more than original, I would say, unique. You can relax under the shadow of a centenary Watchtower which was built even before Christopher Columbus had discovered the Americas, but definitively you will not stay in a 5 stars Hotel. Our reviews have a 5 stars average rate but we are not a 5 stars hotel!!!
To make a long story short, we are for many, but not for all!
If this fits with your expectations, please continue reading the description of the property! We would love to have you staying with us!
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The site is quiet and romantic, with the infinity swimming pool equipped with water jets and a large green relax area with sun beds and from the terrace a remarkable panoramic views towards the peninsula of Portofino and Sestri Levante, then towards the Val d'Aveto and Val di Vara, and on a clear day, looking towards the South, you can see the profile of Corsica's mountains.

Property manager

Alberto

Languages

English, French, Italian

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels
  • Beach sun loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Soap
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: allowed in some areas only, contact us for details

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Fitness center
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Ice skating nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 4844 sq ft (450 sq m)

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Property grounds

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: babies and kids are welcome!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 10
Note from host: extra costs for people more than the guests number
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number CIN: IT010029C2AW53U73U

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Leivi, Liguria

What's nearby

  • Parco Botanico Villa Rocca - 7 min drive
  • Colonia Fara - 10 min drive
  • Chiavari Beach - 19 min drive
  • Rapallo Castle - 20 min drive
  • Lavagna Beach - 20 min drive

Getting around

  • Chiavari Station - 17 min drive
  • Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ristorante Dragut - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ostaia Cà da gurpe al mare - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Pizzeria Blanche - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Pepen - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Village Pizza - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view located?

Situated by the sea, this villa is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Pastificio Prato and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Parco Botanico Villa Rocca. Borgo Basilica dei Fieschi and Porto di Lavagna are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Castle above Chiavari
Beautiful spot to stay and explore that part of Italy. Winding road to get there but worth it. Very comfortable furniture throughout and well maintained. We didn’t cook meals, but the kitchen was well stocked. Just telling friends that you stayed in a castle built in the 1400’s is worth it.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely !
Beautiful castle and views, Silvia the host was so helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Doreen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Castle
Huge property with historical details. Beautiful pool with scenic views that can’t be beat. Hosts were very accommodating. The inside air was stale from not being aired out. Other than that it was a wonderful experience.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Special Place
We loved this property. The home is full of antiques but is very comfortable. We did need a car to get to the home. Sylvie recommended the restaurant, Peppen and it was the best place we have eaten in a long time. The owner was gracious and fed us way too much wonderful food. Stay a whole week to enjoy this property and the towns near by. Thanks to Alberto for sharing this home.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ahad S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful and unique experience!
My wife and I came here on our honeymoon and we were blown away! It is truly a unique experience to stay in a medieval castle, but even more stunning was the location of the property - nestled in a quiet town in the Italian countryside. The hosts were great and very accommodating, and we had an incredible stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hunter H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Castle Stay!!
Amazing weekend get away! Pictures do not do the property justice. Alberto and Silvia were excellent hosts and very attentive to any needs. My only regret is not having spent more time there!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Peter C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Host
Alberto and Silvia were excellent hosts. They addressed all questions and concerns promptly. They communicated throughout our visit. You will not find better hosts on VRBO
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean-Francois L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely stay in Leivi.
Great stay. Excellent customer support. Sylvia and Alberto were very responsive and caring. Very spacious and lovely pool. I suggest you having a car as the villa is 10 minutes (by car) up in the beautiful mountains. Unique experience in a 1400 castle.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just like the pictures
We injoyed our stay greatly. A little tricky to find in the dark but we got it. Amazing views, rooms were very nice. The weather was perfect so we really used the pool. House manager went above and beyond helping us figure things out. I would say this place is for people that are mobile. Lots of stairs that we did not mind. LOVED IT
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Garry F.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Location and Area
The property was as advertised in its quality, room and features. The "tavern" is two levels and large leading out to the pool area. This is in my opinion the gathering area during our stay and it can host a larger number of people. The property value is enhanced by this entertainment area. Not a walkable location if that is important which it is to me. Need to drive everywhere .Quiet at night but during the days neighbouring dogs and immediate church bells are very evident. Good location for a larger family gathering.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark E.

Magnifico!
Spectacular doesn't begin to describe our stay in the Mereta Castle in Leivi Italy! We had plenty of space for our extended family and the views were amazing! Our own private "restaurant" downstairs with plenty of flatware and utensils in the spacious kitchen. The veranda was truly a wonderful place to spend hours admiring the countryside. We felt like royalty entering the grounds with an electronic gate. Angelica was wonderful as she greeted us and brought fresh vegetables half way into our stay. They even erected a US flag on top of the watch tower, nice touch! Fantastic.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2016

10/10 Excellent

Jill L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical Mereta
We had a truly wonderful week at the quirky and magical Mereta. Situated in a small and friendly village amongst olive groves, and with spectacular views down the valley to Chiavari and the sea, it is a great place to relax and unwind. All the rooms are huge, have amazing antique furniture (we were still spotting interesting items at the end of a week) and are very comfortable. The pool is an ideal place to cool down in the summer heat, and from which to watch the sun setting behind the mountains. There is an excellent local restaurant, a very convivial outdoor bar and coffee shop and a small general store in the village. It is quick to drive to Chiavari or a very reliable bus service runs from outside the gate. We really hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

adina o.

Everything was as represented
If you ever wanted to stay in a real 15th century castle with a stone balcony overlooking a forested valley sloping down to theMediteranean, then this is your opportunity. Angelica was extremely friendly and helpful even though we only stayed for two nights. The castle itself was fully furnished iwith fascinating period pieces and many charming places to sit and admire your surroundings. The nearby restaurant Pepen was a unique culinary experience with multiple delicious courses at a very reasonable cost. I fully recommend the castle, but you need to know that you will be climbing a lot of stairs since the unique and charming kitchen is in the basement and the only bathrooms are on the second floor. However, the experience is worth the effort.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Barbara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique property
We attended a wedding in Tuscany and had decided to extend our visit and continue to vacation with our immediate family members. We selected the historic castle which is in an area northwest of where the wedding was and closer to the coast. How often does one have the opportunity to stay in a 500+ year old castle? Well, if you have a chance, we would highly recommend it. The property is a drive up a winding road into the hills, but once you arrive, you are in heaven. The view is spectacular, the surroundings are peaceful (only interrupted by some charming church bells) and serene, especially at night for stargazing. The castle itself, is very comfortable and the infinity pool is amazing. Silvia, the property manager, was extremely helpful and always available. There are a lot of stairs which might pose a problem for some, but no one in our party complained. Plus, we were blessed with some beautiful weather. We made some beautiful memories at the Castle Mereta.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay up in the hills of Chiavari
If you are looking for a getaway that is away from the city noise but still close enough where you can quickly go into town if you need something, this is the place for you. The castle is amazing and is exactly that. If you are looking for something modern, this is not for you. The pool and yard are amazing and I would say that is the most modern part, but the castle itself was built in the early 1500s and maintains that charm. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, and the kitchen is well stocked. If I had one recommendation, it would be to replace some of the mattresses, but I find that they are all the same across Italy/Europe. The family is commutative and if there are any issues or concerns they are a phone call or text away. The center of Chiavari is about 5km away, and you still have easy access to Portofino, Cinque Terre, or Genova by train or car. Keep in mind that you need to have a car to get there.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bret B., Crown Point, IN USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Getting to stay in a Castle!!! Amazing!
We had a wonderful time staying at the castle. We would have loved to be able to climb the tower, but, alas, it is closed due to structural concerns (not a surprise as it was built over 6 centuries ago). The location is ideal to travel to the Cinque Terre and all of the towns and cities of the west coast of Italy. We stayed for only two nights and wish it were more, but our travel schedule only allowed for this short time. We had great days at the Cinque Terre and Portofino and the castle's location made travel to both a breeze. We used the train to go to the Cinque Terre and drove to Portofino. We spent the evenings enjoying the pool, multiple patios, the views from high on the hill and especially enjoyed the fog rolling in over the hill and enveloping us and all of the hill all the way to the valley. It was awe inspiring. The castle is not for the person who can't do steps, but we loved every step in the place. Our hosts were great and made our stay a real pleasure. Overall, I would say go to the Castle and stay a while. It will be worth your time and effort. Thanks to Alberto and Silvia for all of your help in making our stay in the Castle a time to remember.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Colleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing, unique venue & wonderful location for the perfect Italian experience with our friends!
What a fantastic time we had at this very unique venue! Staying in a very historic Castle can be a bit intimidating, but with the guidance of the property owner and his property manager, Silvia , we found this the perfect place to meet up with our dear friends from Switzerland and back home in the U.S. And the ideal jumping off spot to explore Portofino, Santa Margharita and Rapallo to the north and Cinque Terre to the south. We cooked delicious meals together (making good use of the pizza oven), had refreshing swims in the pool with an amazing view and just enjoyed being in this beautiful place with our dear friends, with Italian sight-seeing being the added benefit to our stay. The accommodations were so comfortable for all of us and Silvia so accommodating with all of my questions. She even made us reservations at nearby Ristorante Pepen, which is a must for your stay! as We were treated so well by them, with course after course of the tastiest food, impeccable service and a lovely view from our outdoor table for 10! The food, the wine, the delicious and time-intensively prepared cake, just for us, make me wish we lived nearby for a repeat dinner whenever we wanted! That was an evening to remember, as was our stay at Castle Mereta! Forever grateful for our time here and for the opportunity to stay in such a historic location! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ani M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
La dolce vita!
The stay at Castello della Mereta was simply wonderful. We were able to spend two wonderful weeks in Liguria and enjoy the great weather, the beautiful scenery, the good Italian food and the Castello. La dolce vita! The Castello is fantastically situated and a wonderful vacation home. We especially liked the well-kept outdoor areas with the numerous seating areas. The huge roof terrace offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean and the surrounding hills. The castle garden provides shady seating. The pool area offers very comfortable sun loungers, additional seating and an approximately 4x6 meter saltwater pool with a whirlpool function. The Castello is very spacious and tastefully furnished with lots of antique furniture. It is a very special vacation home and the stay is a unique experience that makes you feel like a real lord of the castle for the time of your stay. Alberto is a very nice and accommodating host and landlord. All requests were answered quickly and were always very helpful. Battista took care of the outside facilities very reliably, maintained the pool and the garden. Special praise and a big MILLE GRAZIE goes to Silvia, who is the property manager. Silvia not only takes care of welcoming guests. She was always available for questions throughout our stay and responded to every question with breathtaking speed. Silvia was so kind and gave us many great recommendations (stores, shopping, etc.) and even arranged for us to stay at a nearby ristorante (Pepen) and made the reservation. She also did a wonderful job organizing a boat trip and did all the planning and coordination for us. The service provided by Silvia, as well as Battista and Alberto, is second to none and made an already wonderful stay a unique experience. We can unreservedly recommend Castello della Mereta as a vacation domicile. We enjoyed the two weeks there very much and had an unforgettable time.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Florian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jochen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
schön und saubere Location
Wir hatten das Vergnügen, unsere Workation an diesem wunderbaren Ort zu verbringen, und wir waren von Anfang an begeistert. Die Location war nicht nur ästhetisch ansprechend, sondern auch makellos sauber, was unseren Aufenthalt besonders angenehm machte. Unsere anfänglichen Bedenken hinsichtlich der Internetverbindung erwiesen sich als unbegründet, denn das WLAN funktionierte einwandfrei, was für unsere Arbeit von entscheidender Bedeutung war. House-Keeping = TOP!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dimora storica con vista panoramica
Una dimora storica accogliente, con piscina immersa nel verde. Vista panoramica su Chiavari e le colline.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Karen S., Milwaukee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
very unique
This was such a unique place to stay and as much as the place was very cool and unique what really made it fantastic was our hosts Alberto and Silvia. They went out of their way numerous times to help us and could not have been kinder when we found ourselves in a bit of jam with transporation issues . When they urge you to get a car its no joke this place is wonderfully remote but you really do need a car. We did not have one and that was our mistake but truly Alberto and Silvia are superstars at hosting and we are so grateful for their help.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

julie h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent séjour
Très bon séjour passé en famille dans cette magnifique propriété. Très bon accueil, très bon contact avec le propriétaire. Merci de nous avoir donné la chance de séjourner dans une si belle propriété, pleine d’histoire!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Daniel P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Re per un giorno
Io e la mia famiglia abbiamo trascorso un bellissimo fine settimana per festeggiare il mio 40esimo compleanno in questo posto straordinario. Alberto ci ha accolto con grande gentilezza e ci ha fatto trovare il suo castello, nonostante il brevissimo preavviso, in condizioni impeccabili. Che dire, ce tutto ciò che ci si aspetta di un castello, iniziando da una torre che risale 15esimo secolo, un ampio salotto nel quale abbiamo letto in santa pace mentre le figlie hanno fatto i loro compiti, una zona notte composta da tre stanze da letto con letti matrimoniali comodissimi e due bagni, una taverna nella quale abbiamo passato le sere con il camino acceso e una cucina ampia con forno a legno perfettamente attrezzata. Ovviamente non può mancare un bel giardino che permette ai figli di divertirsi e a noi di rilassarsi all'aperto godendoci il panorama. Torneremo di sicuro, ma in un periodo più caldo per poterci godere anche la piscina =) Grazie Alberto, a presto Daniel & Family
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

4/10 Poor

Valerie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Location parfaite pour qui veut découvrir la côte Ligure et être au calme
Région splendide mais à découvrir plutôt en basse saison Château très dépaysant Toutefois château très loin de tout perché en haut de la montagne Village sans vie , dommage .
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2020