THE HISTORY OF VILLA AMORE

Set along Liguria’s eastern Riviera between Portofino and the Cinque Terre, Villa Amore overlooks the Gulf of Tigullio. This careful restoration not only preserves the villa’s historic charm but also enhances local cultural heritage, offering a refined encounter with the dramatic coastal beauty that has long inspired poets, romantics, and aesthetes alike.

A grand 1928 villa rising from a seaside clifftop, Villa Amore revives the Italian tradition of villeggiatura, where guests enjoy a genteel and leisurely retreat, with the sea and nature close at hand.

At a time when the Ligurian Riviera was being filled with villas for European high society and international visitors, architect Luigi Rovelli created a distinctive style known as Ligurian Eclecticism, which combined historical and modern elements in an innovative way.

His work blended historical eras into a theatrical, regionally inspired grandeur with artisan-crafted details.

Commissioned for the owner’s lover and muse, the original proprietor selected a gloriously scenic point along the Gulf of Tigullio to construct a masterpiece residence for the woman he loved, and named the villa in honor of the amore they shared.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Ligurian Riviera became an exclusive destination for aristocrats, writers, industrialists, and film celebrities, attracted by the mild climate, understated elegance, and the allure of extended stays in a unique natural and cultural setting.

Luigi Rovelli's studio designed Villa Amore with the intention of having it emerge from the cliff and open towards the sea, enhancing the panoramic view from Portofino Bay to Sestri Levante. This architectural choice has helped establish Liguria as a destination of elegance, culture, and contemplation.

Villa Amore today: restoration and contemporary luxury, a commitment to preserving history

Camillo Ranza and his family -owners of Senato Hotel Milano- have long cherished Liguria’s eastern Riviera. When he discovered the crumbling Villa Amore, he saw a historic gem in need of a steward. Determined to preserve it, he led its restoration, safeguarding a piece of local cultural heritage for generations to come.

Architect Alessandro Bianchi led the restoration, transforming the villa into a luxury serviced retreat while honoring its architectural heritage. Original patterns, hand-painted murals, trompe-l’œil details, and period colors have been carefully preserved or rediscovered, offering a window into the villa’s storied past. These historic elements now coexist with bespoke furniture, unique vintage pieces, and state-of-the-art comforts, allowing guests to experience a residence where craftsmanship, elegance, and the spirit of amore remain at the heart of every room.