MEET THE FOUNDERS: LISA AND SIMON TELL US THE STORY OF VILLA PORTO RAPALLO
Join us as we delve into the personal journey of Lisa and Simon, the visionary founders behind Villa Porto Rapallo, and discover the remarkable transformation of this historic property into a haven of modern luxury and timeless charm
Can you share your story behind discovering and reimagining Villa Porto Rapallo?
LISA: Since childhood, I've been drawn to Rapallo, visiting my relatives who settled here after the Second World War. As a little girl, I used to stroll past Villa Porto Rapallo, a derelict house back then, imagining which princess might have lived in its tower. The villa remained closed for 30 years, fueling my curiosity. In 2021, when I spotted the "for sale" sign, I immediately asked Simon to visit it, eager to explore the famed princess tower. Upon entering, despite its gutted and raw state, we sensed something unique—an inherent charm that resonated. It felt like the place had its own soul. Almost like a scene from a movie, Simon turned to me and said, "Let's buy it! It's home."
SIMON: We have a family connection to Rapallo through Lisa’s family but always came back every year because we loved its understated charm, crystal clear waters and beautiful weather. The food and wine are excellent and well priced and unlike its flashier neighbours Portofino and Santa Margherita its an all year round town with full time residents as well as tourists and an amazing calendar of events all year. We looked at some other villa’s in Rapallo but as soon as we walked into the ‘Toretta’ overlooking the Port of Rapallo and across the Cinque Terre we knew we had found our home.
How has your personal taste and style influenced the concept and atmosphere of Villa Porto Rapallo?
LISA: The villa boasts a Liberty style with unparalleled elegance. I affectionately refer to it as "the pearl of Rapallo." Despite being smaller than the grand villas along the Riviera, it exudes a timeless and unique charm that makes it irresistible. I personally curated the furnishings, drawing inspiration from what I believe our guests would appreciate—an amalgamation of functionality, modernity with an elegant, sophisticated aesthetic.
SIMON: When Lisa wasn’t looking I sneaked in the Molteni kitchens, V-Zug appliances, wooden floors and when in doubt we also defaulted to a choice of room layout or fitting that was is if we wanted to live in the villa. The top two apartments for example were originally 3 two level apartments which we changed into 2 lateral living 3 bedroom apartments which make living easier and more natural and spacious. Wait for the beautiful pergola/gazebo on our roof terrace – it will compliment the New Liberty beauty of the Villa and provide a protected place to enjoy the best views in the house. Lisa has done a remarkable job furnishing and adding her personal touches everywhere in the villa. The art gallery garage is her masterpiece.
The villa is not just a residence; it's the heart of our family life. It's where we raise our daughters, Sofia and Sienna, and where our adult children often bring their friends. We cherish the moments when our parents visit, making our home feel even more vibrant. Sharing our home with loved ones is a joy we treasure. Most weeks, and especially during the summer, our doors are open to friends and family, inviting them to join us for dinners and special gatherings. My son, Ollie, often expresses how much he appreciates having a getaway from the English weather. His friends adore visiting too, drawn by the allure of our villa and the countless exciting spots nearby to explore and enjoy.
What hurdles did you face in creating Villa Porto Rapallo, and what have been the most rewarding moments in managing it?
LISA: Certainly, managing the intricacies and delicacies of working with a period property, along with adhering to regional landscape constraints, presented significant challenges. The extensive refurbishment process spanned 19 years, primarily due to navigating permits and planning permissions. This journey is a testament to the deep passion and love we hold for the villa. The most rewarding moments come when guests visit, admire the property, and, most importantly, return, treating it as their home away from home.
SIMON: It’s been quite a journey navigating through the complexities of working with various developers, contractors, and tradespeople, with both positive and negative experiences along the way. After several years of dedicated effort, we’ve nearly finalised the Villa’s current state, which is a significant milestone. Looking ahead, we anticipate that transitioning Villa Porto Rapallo’s operations to capable professionals will be a welcomed relief for Lisa and the entire family.
What sets Villa Porto Rapallo apart, and are there any standout features close to your hearts?
LISA: Villa Porto Rapallo is in a unique location, directly opposite the marina, providing easy access to rent a boat and explore the picturesque Portofino coastline. The villa boasts distinctive features that resonate with me personally. Firstly, the presence of five different apartments offers a compelling reason to return, enticing guests to experience a new ambiance with each stay. The tower and cocktail terrace of the top apartment, named "Portofino," along with the terraces of all the apartments, contribute to the villa's allure. The inclusion of a sleek gym adds a touch of sophistication, and not to be overlooked, the drive-in art gallery stands out as a truly exceptional feature. Arriving by car feels like entering a luxurious James Bond garage, welcomed with an exhibition by our in-residence artist, Giorgio Piccaia. Lastly, the book written about the villa titled "Secrets by the Sea – The Whispering Walls of Villa Porto Rapallo" serves as the cherry on top, making it the perfect read for an Italian summer vacation. This captivating book delves into the intriguing narrative of the villa, unveiling all its secrets.
SIMON: Its brand new, opposite the yacht club with sea views across the port of Rapallo from every apartment, a kitchen garden and an easy ten minute walk to everything we need in Rapallo.
What experiences do you hope guests take away from their stay, and how do you make each visit memorable?
LISA: I aspire for our visitors to depart with the memory of experiencing a truly unique modern setting, offering all the comforts of a 5-star hotel. The delightful 5-minute walk from the center, passing by a charming bar while closely following the coastline, adds a special touch. This aspect is particularly crucial for families with small children and prams, ensuring a convenient and pleasant journey.
SIMON: A taste of the Dolce Vita in a beautiful villa that feels like home.
Do you have a favourite memory that embodies the spirit of Villa Porto Rapallo?
LISA: A defining moment was when I returned to visit the villa after its purchase. Holding the keys for the first time and standing alone at the main gate, I gazed up at the tower, smiled, and declared, "Your princess is home! Let the magic begin!”
SIMON: Preparing and enjoying a meal or a drink - whether for our family or visiting friends and guests while looking out across the yacht club and across the ever changing sea.
What are your aspirations for Villa Porto Rapallo, and any exciting plans on the horizon?
LISA: I believe our clients inspire us daily, imparting valuable insights into what would make their stay more memorable. I am in the process of launching a Villa Wellness Retreat which is very much a passion project for me having just graduated as a Naturopathic Nutritionist! We have hosted our very first trial retreat recently and plan to announce the dates for our next one on our website and socials very soon!
SIMON: Villa Porto Rapallo is our invitation to family, friends and guests from around the world to join us and experience a beautiful and simple way of life that has been practised for centuries. We have updated these simple, important traditions of food and family with modern luxury with unrivalled views and access to the Italian Riviera. Come and visit us – no one has yet been disappointed!