A welcoming and spacious apartment that combines elegance and comfort, this home is cosy and lived in, lovingly decorated with precious, ancient and unique objects. The garden has breathtaking views of the sea, a sunny grassy expanse and nooks and patios shaded by fruit trees and laurels. It is full of gorgeous spots for eating, resting or drinking an aperitivo at sunset! The house can be reached directly by car and it offers a peaceful and serene setting in the heart of Cinque Terre. The space The apartment is a couple of minutes walk from the centre of the village of Corniglia, allowing you to be at the heart of Cinque Terre while also providing great privacy and quiet. As you walk through the door, you are greeted by a welcoming, elegant sitting room which, as the heart of the house, connects all the rooms and has direct access to the garden. To the right of the sitting room you will find two bedrooms: the charming master bedroom, with its delicate king-size poster bed and timeless furnishings, looks directly onto the garden; the second bedroom features an original set of traditional early 1900s wrought-iron sofa and double bed in make and style typical of the area. To the left of the sitting room you will find a third room, which doubles as a bedroom or a studio. This room overlooks the hills of the National Park, providing you with a shaded, luscious and soothing backdrop to your work and reading. Next to it you will find a fully equipped bathroom which combines antique touches with brand new facilities. The unique tiles are always considered a highlight! Still to the left of the sitting room, but facing the garden, you will find yourself in the kitchen. This space, which is a room in its own right, is fully equipped, spacious and full of light. Not only will you find anything you might need to cook yourself a cozy meal, but there are also condiments, a dishwasher, a washing machine, an ample table that comfortably seats six and precious 19th century carved chairs. From the kitchen there is direct access to the patio, which is the ideal spot for a relaxed breakfast looking out to the sea. At most hours of the day, the patio is shaded by the branches of a beautiful ancient walnut tree. As you climb the three steps down the patio, you will find yourself in the vast garden, where you can truly take in the breathtaking views. In this expanse of grass, fruit trees, vines and flowers you can have a meal on the marble-top table under the persimmon tree, enjoy the sunset of the sea and watch as the village of Manarola starts to light up at dusk, sunbathe on the designer garden armchairs, sit on the porch swing or have a nap on the hammock shaded by the laurels and the orange trees. You will then need to only walk three steps up to walk back into the sitting room, where you can find a shaded and air-conditioned respite from the sun, while still enjoying the amazing views from the sofa! The apartment is fitted with adjustable central heating and air-conditioning. You will also find an ample stock of mosquito repellants which you are welcome to use at need. The private parking space can fit up to two average-sized cars. Fun fact: the apartment is called "La Vecchia Posta" (The Old Post Office) because it is on the first floor of the building that used to house the old post office to the village from the end of the 1800s until the '80s. THE VILLAGE There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Corniglia serving typical local dishes. The nearest restaurant to the house is on the way to the centre of the village and it is only a few meters away from the front door! Similarly, the nearest shop is at about a minute walk away. There, and in other shops in the village, you can purchase typical foods, wine, bread, newspapers... It is really easy to move around the Cinque Terre by train, as each village is at about a 10 min train ride away, and the nearest big town, called La Spezia, can be reached by car in about 50 minutes, or by train in about 15 minutes. From the centre of the village, the "beach" (a rocky pier called Marina where you can also dive, and where we have all learnt to swim!) is at a 5 minute walk, providing you with the added bonus of a 360-step climb down workout! If you are looking for a more traditional beach, you can take the train to Monterosso, the biggest of the five villages, where you will find several establishments on a beautiful pebbly beach. Guest access The house can be reached directly by car, and the parking is just a few meters away from the entrance! The apartment is then easily reached with just one flight of stairs from street level. If you are arriving by train, you can then take the shuttle bus that regularly goes between the train station (it stops on the road just outside the station) and the village. If you ask the conductor to get off at the FARMACIA you'll then have to walk only a few yards to the front door of the house! Other things to note For guests' own safety and comfort, please know that it is strictly forbidden to smoke, vape and light candles inside the property. There is a spacious garden where smoking, vaping and making use of candles is allowed. Thank you!! Registration Details IT011030C2CZF9EVPB