Dream Castle In Portofino’s Prime Panoramic Location

Dominating the Ligurian Riviera's most exclusive promontory, this dream castle for sale in Portofino offers a rare combination of medieval charm and contemporary comfort. Protected by ancient walls and immersed in lush nature, the fabulous residence extends over approximately 400 sqm of interior space, framed by 5,000 sqm of lush terraced gardens populated with maritime pines, palms and other Mediterranean plants. The villa, elegantly renovated, offers bright rooms, distributed on several levels and enriched by towers and panoramic terraces providing a 360-degree view of the village of Portofino, the Gulf of Tigullio and, on clear days, even Corsica.

Portofino, the pearl of the Riviera di Levante, embodies the essence of La Dolce Vita, the scene of worldly splendour and a much-loved refuge for personalities from all over the world. Since the 1950s, film stars and other VIPs such as Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Frank Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot chose this corner of paradise where they could indulge in moments of holiday, pleasure and relaxation. Aristotle Onassis used to moor his yacht, the Christina O, off Portofino, with Maria Callas and Winston Churchill on board.

The beating heart of the village is the famous piazzetta - Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta - animated by high-fashion boutiques such as Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Loro Piana, and framed by pastel-coloured buildings overlooking the picturesque harbour. Here, time seems suspended: from the café on the pier to the Park Museum, every corner tells fabulous stories of artists and film stars. Buying a property in Portofino also means experiencing the sea as a protagonist, with your own sailboat moored in the marina, ready to explore the Ligurian coast in absolute freedom.

Rising on one of the highest and most strategic points of the promontory, this castle for sale is one of the oldest buildings in the area, today accessible by a funicular railway for exclusive use.

The stronghold has its roots in medieval times, when it was used as a lookout point against Saracen raids. The original walls, still visible with their ancient loopholes, bear witness to its defensive function. Later, between the 18th and 19th centuries, the two towers were built, joined by an ancient embankment that has now been transformed into an impressive panoramic terrace. The castle had several owners, including the widow of George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, famous for having financed the excavations that led to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. At mid-century, it was bought by A. Clifford, a war correspondent for the Daily Mail during the Second World War. The journalist fell in love with Portofino and often described it in his writings.

The interiors of the villa have been renovated and modernised, now offering beautiful, airy and bright rooms, characterised by the colour white that enhances the interior architecture, bringing out the natural light and providing a refined and welcoming atmosphere. The spaces follow one another through an evocative weave of labyrinthine paths and spiral staircases, connecting the various areas of the property in a fascinating way. In the first tower there is a dramatic living room, embellished with an ‘umbrella’ ceiling and slate and white marble floors, with a fireplace framed by elegant slate and stucco work. The second tower houses a kitchen with an adjoining dining area that opens out onto the beautiful rooftop terrace. On the level below is the sleeping area, consisting of four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, and a small sitting room. The rooms created inside the towers are distinguished by their curved and cosy walls, the characteristic leit-motif of this estate. Finally, in the basement, there is a laundry room, more utility rooms and a very special wine cellar, dug into the rock, ideal for storing precious wine collections.

Outside, the property is surrounded by a green oasis. The terraced gardens, designed following the natural contours of the hill, are home to Mediterranean essences, maritime pines, palm trees and fragrant aromatic shrubs. In this context, the swimming pool seems to be set between the sky and the sea. The large terrace between the two towers is perfect for relaxing moments and outdoor dining.

Living in this fairytale castle in Portofino means embracing the beauty of Liguria every day, surrounded by the magic of boundless views and the relaxed pace of a legendary village. From the first light of dawn that colours the Tigullio Gulf, to evenings spent on the terrace under starry skies, every moment spent here is pure emotion. A few steps from the mundanity of the piazzetta and the cultural life of the Riviera, but immersed in absolute peace, this property is a true exclusive oasis, perfect for those seeking privacy, history and timeless luxury.