Toirano, Savona, Liguria, Italy

In the oldest part of Toirano, dating back to the Longobard era, a street opens up between exposed architraves. A red entrance door welcomes us, leading to the second floor in a flat full of charm and emotion. The large living area, with the flavour of yesteryear, where one can stop for a moment of reading and relaxation, leads to the kitchen, comfortable and full of history, with its custom-made cupboard set into the wall under the small window, which gives the suggestive sensation of living in a painting. A pass-through room, which can be used as a study or guest room with its fully recovered brick ceiling, opens directly onto the outdoor terrace, which is large and well exposed all day long. From it there is a splendid view of the sea and of the parish church with its 14th-century bell tower. Back in the house, next to the dining room is the bright and airy master bedroom, with its precious vaulted ceilings. Completing the area is the bathroom, a skilfully preserved little gem. The element of union between the different rooms is the marvellous floor in antique Florentine rounded terracotta tiles, giving a warm and enveloping atmosphere. Climbing the internal staircase leads to two wonderful terraces where the eye is lost in the horizon line towards the sea, framed by a timeless landscape. Peculiarities of the dwelling, a cellar with a vaulted ceiling, well restored and conserved to store the finest wines, and an exclusive workshop, belonging to the Longobard period at the end of 700 B.C., whose restoration is the result of a skilful recovery of materials such as stone, wood, as well as charming elements originally present, such as the ancient drinking trough; to make the room completely independent, a practical toilet.