La felice Casa di Nonno Battistino
The holiday home in Apricale, in the beautiful Ligurian hinterland
The holiday home in Apricale, in the beautiful Ligurian hinterland
‘Grandfather Battistino’s Happy Home’ is situated at the entrance to Apricale, in an enviable location offering a direct view of the village. The flat is situated within a beautiful two-storey villa built entirely of exposed Ligurian stone, featuring two Italian-style gardens with fruit trees and cosy spots for al fresco dining or relaxing with a book. The house is also one of the few in the village to have a convenient private garage on the ground floor, which can be used on request at the time of booking.
The flat has been completely refurbished whilst respecting its history and original features (you’ll find floors laid with various types of early 20th-century tiles and wooden doors with period frames), but with everything updated and modernised (a new, code-compliant electrical system and independent heating). The predominant colour is white, complemented by various shades of grey.
The main feature of Grandad Battistino’s cosy home is its brightness, combined with a priceless view over the village of Apricale and the green surrounding hills.
The flat measures approximately 80 square metres and comprises a spacious living room (with TV) featuring a kitchen (fully equipped with a dishwasher) and a dining area, a large bathroom with a shower, two bedrooms and a utility room with a washing machine.
The kitchen opens directly onto the outdoor area, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before having lunch at a charming wrought-iron table on a private terrace that forms part of the flat. Clean bed linen and towels are always provided.
There are 4 beds, but the comfortable sofa can also accommodate one more person.
The bedroom and the living room also have a balcony.
The spacious accommodation is ideal for families with children, but also for couples looking for a relaxing holiday. In summer, most of your time can be spent outdoors.
Apricale has been named one of Italy’s most beautiful villages thanks to its architectural character, featuring narrow alleyways and stone houses. The village always offers the chance to attend theatre and music events.
If you’d like, during the autumn you can also take part in the Taggiasca olive harvest on our own land, which is just a 10-minute drive from the house, in a peaceful, unspoilt setting!
If you’re coming from France, you should leave the motorway (A10) at Ventimiglia; if you’re coming from Genoa, you should leave at Bordighera. Then follow the Aurelia SS1 (the main road running along the coast) to Vallecrosia, then take the SP64 to Isolabona (a few kilometres past Dolceacqua) and turn right onto the SP63 towards Apricale. The journey from Vallecrosia to Apricale takes about 20–25 minutes.
The nearest petrol station is on the SP64 just before you reach Dolceacqua (5 km from Apricale).
The house is located 100 metres past the entrance to the village at Via Roma 21 on the left-hand side. Look out for the ‘Apricus’ café (free Wi-Fi) and the ‘Mare e Monti’ restaurant. The house is opposite the restaurant, where you’ll find two flights of stairs leading up to the first floor, where the flat is located.
To collect and return the keys, please contact Stefano, who lives on the ground floor with his family (the door on the left at the top of the first flight of stairs).
His mobile number is 3391279568. If possible, please ring him before you arrive in the village to let him know your expected arrival time. Stefano will be happy to show you round the house and explain how everything works, and he’ll also be your point of contact for any requests whilst you’re there.
The entrance to the village is 100 metres from the house, where you’ll find some excellent restaurants. Opposite the house there’s also a handy grocery shop for your shopping if you’d like to eat at home, whilst the nearest supermarket (LIDL) is in Camporosso (10 km from Apricale). In the village square, you’ll find the post office and a cash machine, whilst the chemist’s is located on the road just before the entrance to the village (Tel. 0184/208020). At Via Roma, 1, there is the local tourist information office, which will provide you with useful information on the area’s tourist attractions, as well as festivals and cultural events.
If you wish, the house has a private garage which can also be booked directly on site for €10 per day.
We have an arrangement for free Wi-Fi access at the ‘Apricus’ café, which is opposite the house. The manager will give you the password and will be delighted to welcome you.
In the house, you’ll find the beds already made, towels and a basic toiletries set ready on arrival, so that all you need to think about is relaxing and enjoying yourselves. The house has been completely refurbished to make your stay as comfortable as possible; please take good care of it.
I wish you a pleasant stay and please do contact me should you have any requests or needs.
I want to make your time with us during your holiday in Apricale as relaxing as possible, taking care to ensure every detail is just right, but above all, I want you to experience the magic of the Ligurian hinterland, which has countless surprises in store.
