Atop 100m high cliffs in a wild Mediterranean landscape
At a glance the whitewash exterior of villa Isola Rossa has such a distinct and careful simplicity you might think it was a holistic meditation space or yoga studio. It sits, perched atop 100m high cliffs in a completely wild and raw Mediterranean landscape. Dramatic and beautiful the evocative and inspiring panoramic views that this luminous cottage affords, certainly leaves no one indifferent.
Crisp white walls, whitewashed beams and terracotta floors set the tone for the single storey refuge sleeping up to 6 with 3 bedrooms (and respective bathrooms) tastefully furnished with comfortable contemporary furniture and locally crafted pieces. The villa is perfectly in keeping with its setting, not to mention extremely inviting.
This unique haven is ideal for couples, a family or group of friends seeking to completely disconnect, relax amongst the elements – with only the sea, sun and sea breeze to occupy your mind. The property is enveloped by a beautifully kept garden, punctuated by olive trees and hedges of rosemary, creating a serene oasis in which to escape with a good book. Just beyond the gardens, with the careful architectural eye of the owner, is a spectacular swimming pool, carefully carved into the cliff edge with an encompassing wooden decking area, almost creating a quasi-infinity pool effect.
If the landscape and position weren’t enough the cottage boasts its own direct access to the sea, with a short trekking trail carved into the cliffs that pave a way down to a beautiful cove and semi-private pebble beach below. Indeed, not for the faint hearted, the somewhat steep sea access is certainly for the sporty and dynamic, who don’t shy away from an energising dose of daily exercise and plenty of invigorating swims – an almost Scandinavian holiday immersed in a Tuscan landscape.
The small, charming Porto Santo Stefano is just a short 5-mile drive away which is ideal for discovering some wonderful restaurants or strolling along the docks to buy an evening gelato and then diving into small shops selling beautiful trinkets and pearl bracelets. Note, you may have to dodge the odd football coming your way as the local squad of children play throughout the main square with their grandparents looking on fondly.
In summary, Isola Rossa is entirely unique in both position and what it has to offer, a real hideaway, that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, with the rest of Tuscany waiting on your doorstep. The access to the property is not initially easy to find, as you turn off the main route leading up out of the Port you will eventually come to find the rugged road leading to the cottage after a final, descent towards the sea. And yet, when the lane bends down towards the house you feel so immediately filled with the landscape, so caught up in its ever-changing backdrop of expansive blue and sea salt air that one understands why this property is so sought after and holds such mystique. A place of deep, continuous seclusion, and romance.
