Villa Della Pergola Alassio

Set within a luxuriant garden, Villa della Pergola offers to its guest 15 different suites divided between the Villa, Villino, Casa del Sole and Casa Wisteria.

Loveling restored by architect Ettore Mocchetti, the suites are different in atmosphere, color palette, forniture; each one dedicate to the many characters who have stayed at Villa della Pergola or who were part of the British community in Alassio.

Refined collections of watercolors, Victorian and Edwardian paintings, memorabilia and antiquities, will make you experience the fin de siécle taste and atmosphere. A place where history, luxury and nature blends together.

A place of peace serenity, far enough to the crowds of the Riviera. Villa della Pergola distinguish itself by offering the perfect synthesis between the concept of a house and the highest standards in hospitality. The suites, the rooms, the open spaces, were developed to make you feel like home.

Our pastry chefs, coordinated by Executive Chef Giorgio Servetto, freshly bake every day pastry, bread, focaccia and cakes for your breakfast. Our marmalades are home made with the best seasonal products, picking as much as we can from our Gardens. Savoury, surely can not be missed: local cheeses, cold cuts, eggs from our farmers.

A selection of Fortnum & Meason teas, hot drink and freshly pressed juices are at your disposal. We do pay particularly attention to guests with food allergy or intolerance, preparing ourselves products for your diet requirement. The research of the best products, make our breakfast an unforgettable experience.

The restoration of the Villas was carried out paying the utmost attention to energy saving, the optimization of available resources and respect for architectural constraints. Special consideration was also given to the design of the garden’s irrigation system in order to limit water consumption as much as possible.

THE HISTORY
General McMurdo built Villino della Pergola on the pre-existing residence of the counts of Lengueglia, which he called “Casa Napier” in honour of his father-in-law, General Sir Charles Napier, whose statue can be seen in Trafalgar Square in London.

The Villino, designed and constructed according to the Anglo-Indian principles and taste found in the architectural style so loved by the British who had lived most of their lives in the military in India, or as civil servants or businessmen, was built over three levels and given a spacious loggia following the custom at that time for British houses built in India and Malaysia for officials of the British Empire.

In 1880 the McMurdo family began work on Villa della Pergola. This building was larger in size than the Villino and in a slightly less elevated position.

The Villa was instead built following a rather eclectic taste, again setting out a spacious loggia but at the same time including elements of greater prestige and opulence such as the dome clad in polychrome majolica from Albisola, the array of marbles and the fountain near the grand staircase.

The design of the park was also the work of the McMurdo family. Initially conceived as the natural continuation of the interior areas of the villas towards the sun and Mediterranean flora, the park was developed over various terraced levels, following the natural contours of the hill and making space amongst the olive and orange groves for the Canary Island date, Washington, and date palms and, of course, cypresses in homage to the Tuscan countryside and avenues so loved by the Anglo-Florentine community.

When General McMurdo died in Nice in 1894, his widow Lady McMurdo and children sold the villa to Sir Walter Hamilton-Dalrymple, a Scottish baronet descended from an old, noble loyalist family from North Berwick in Scotland.

In 1908, William Scott in his art historic travel guide “The Riviera” explained, “A worthy rival to the botanical gardens of Thomas Hanbury in Mortola can be found in the magnificent property of Villa della Pergola, belonging to Sir Walter Hamilton-Dalrymple.

Here a genuine love for nature, an intimate knowledge of the art of gardening and a perfect taste in design, combined with a careful and generous budget, have produced one of the marvels of the Riviera”.

The Dalrymples maintained ownership of the villa for a further 20 years until 1922, when Sir Hew Clifford Hamilton-Dalrymple, 9th baronet, sold the residence to Daniel Hanbury, second child of Sir Thomas Hanbury of Mortola.

Thomas Hanbury, excellent businessman and owner of the Mortola gardens, had already sensed the potential of Alassio as a winter health resort, envisaging for it the same fortune as Menton, Bordighera and San Remo. For this reason on his death in 1907, he left his son Daniel in charge of the property activities undertaken in Alassio.

The Hanbury family clearly gave a major boost to the completion of the Villa’s garden, transferring varieties of South American cactuses, collections of cycads and Australian eucalyptuses as well as various other types of species from the Mortola botanical garden, significantly increasing the variety of exotic plants in the park at the Villa.

In 1940, at the outbreak of the second world war, the Hanbury family returned to the UK, like the majority of British on the Italian Riviera. The widowed Daniel married his second wife Ruth Hardinge, also from a British family in Alassio.

In 1946 the Hanburys returned to Alassio to resume work interrupted by the war, but Daniel died suddenly in 1948, and with him died the chief architect of Alassio’s success as an elite winter health resort.

Ruth went to live in Villa della Pergola assembling around her a small and meagre community of ‘Anglo-Alassians’, now a shadow of the thousand pre-war British residents. Her spring parties during the flowering of the wisteria were renowned.

Guests often included author Cecil Roberts, who would dedicate his book “Portal to Paradise” to Alassio, and the Bishop of Gibraltar, who every spring went to visit the Anglican communities on the Riviera, staying as Ruth’s guest.

In 1925 Alfred Hitchcock filmed scenes from his first film “The Pleasure Garden” on the beach in Alassio and in the park of the Villa and in 1957, the Oscar winning filmmaker Guy Green set “The Snorkel” with Betta St. John, Peter Van Eyck and Mandy Miller in Villa della Pergola.

Author and artist Carlo Levi used the Villino as an annex for his nearby villa in the 1960s and 70s, immortalizing the Alassio scenery in countless paintings.

ROOMS & SUITES
Loveling restored by architect Ettore Mocchetti, the suites are different in atmosphere, color palette, forniture; each one dedicate to the many characters who have stayed at Villa della Pergola or who were part of the British community in Alassio.

Refined collections of watercolors, Victorian and Edwardian paintings, memorabilia and antiquities, will make you experience the fin de siécle taste and atmosphere.

DELUXE SUITE
Intimate and stylish spacious one-bedroom suite. Wood floors handcrafted by italian artisans, large windows. Sea view, private terrace with panoramic outdoor SPA Jacuzzi.

Non smoking, bathroom with shower, slippers and bathrobe, Culti amenities, air conditioning. Second floor with sea view terrace, living room equipped with coffee maker, kettle, safe, flat tv, minibar and telephone.

SUITE
These beautiful suites feature a master bedroom with a living room. Sea view, king size or twin french size bed, desk, wood floors, non smoking ,bathroom with shower or bathtub, slippers and bathrobe, Culti amenities, air conditioning, coffee maker, kettle, safe, flat tv, telephone, balcony.

RESTAURANT NOVE
The launch of NOVE took place in April 2016. To intensify the genuineness of the cooking, the executive chef and his brigade take from ‘I Giardini di Villa della Pergola’ citrus, aromatic herbs and edible flowers.

Three tasting menu, one of them completely vegetarian, and à la carte menu, will take NOVE’s guest to a travel between the sea and country of Liguria, passing through France, continuing towards Piedmont.

During only few months, the Chef received copious recognitions, reconfirmed in the 2018 guides: such as ‘Restaurant of the year’ from Bibenda 2018; Two Hats from Le Guide de L’Espresso; ‘Glowing Crown’ from Gatti Massobrio; 2 forks – 80/100 from Gambero Rosso; ‘Cucina d’autore’ for Touring Club Italia; Michelin Plate – good cooking from Michelin. Member of CHIC – Charming Italian Chef and EuroToques Italia.

Nove is open to the public, lunch and dinner, with the following time: 12.30 – 14.00 / 19.30 – 22.00. Closing day Tuesday except July and August. Reservation is warmly requested.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Your wedding, a special occasion, a birthday, a meeting: Villa della Pergola will be the perfect choice to make your event unforgettable. From the moment you contact us, our team will work to make your ideas a reality.

We will take care of everything – from pre-event preparation to last-minute details. It means you can relax, enjoy the moment, and focus on the things that really matter.

THE GARDENS
In 2006, a group of friends headed by Silvia e Antonio Ricci purchased the estate to save it from property speculation. Under the enthusiastic direction of landscape designer Paolo Pejrone, they began a diligent and accurate restoration of the park.

In addition to the pruning and care of the imposing trees that survived, the park had to be fully cleared of debris, weeds and whatever else had piled up during the decades of neglect. Clearing the land revealed the collapse of dry stone walls and structural problems typical of a terraced park.

The first phase of restoration involved security and stability measures for all retaining walls and the installation of an irrigation system. Restoration drew inspiration from the blurry photos taken during the Dalrymple and the Hanbury times.

While preserving the substantial character of the park, intentional changes were also made, with the awareness and belief that a huge historical park is something alive that changes over time. The Hanburys’ adored Wisteria were reinstated and the old Agapanthuses were replaced by a brand new collection including over 400 different species.

A citrus plant collection was introduced, the Hanbury’s beloved Cactaceae and giant Strelitzias were reinstated, and an aquatic environment for lotuses was created on the huge water storage tank. The park has now regained the splendor exhibited during the Dalrymple and Hanbury eras and is one of the botanic marvels of the Riviera and the Mediterranean.

EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
Historic residence enclosed by a botanical paradise just a few steps from the seashore, romantic Hotel de Charme in the middle of a rich Anglo-Mediterranean garden, fascinating nineteenth-century architectural jewel in the very heart of the Western Riviera: the Relais Villa della Pergola is all this and much more and, thanks to its privileged position, it is the perfect starting point for a wide range of activities and experiences on the colorful Ligurian territory.

From food and wine tourism to the adventures among nature and ancient medieval towns, from private tours to cruises, to the relax by the sea and the classy shopping, Villa della Pergola is the place to create unforgettable memories.

THE SEA
The historic Relais Villa della Pergola is the ideal accommodation for a regenerating break on the shoreline of one of the most beautiful beaches of the Ligurian Riviera: the fine sand of Alassio, that in the Nineteenth Century conquered the hearts of the English nobility and still today is a sought-after tourist attraction, is a stone’s throw from our suites.

Reachable on foot or by car, the shore and the beach resorts of Alassio await you for a holiday of complete comfort.

You can add to your relaxing break a touch of natural wonder exploring the rich marine flora and fauna of the coast between Savona and Imperia thanks to the wide range of diving and snorkelling activities that various associations and facilities offer in the surrounding area.

Also, treat yourself to the best of the Ligurian Sea by booking one of the exciting mini-cruises with a direct berth on the pier of Alassio or by renting one of the exclusive private yachts and enjoying the magnificent Ligurian coast from an exceptional point of view.

SPORT
A stay at the Relais Villa della Pergola offers not only relaxation but also a lively sports break thanks to the offer of individual courses, mini-courses and tailor-made bookings of some of the most prestigious and exclusive sports facilities and associations of the Western Riviera.

Just a few minutes from our suites you will find the Hanbury Tennis Club and the Golf Club Garlenda, both historical institutions on this side of Liguria.

If your passion includes sports surrounded by nature, you can enjoy incredible hiking and biking experiences: around Alassio there are countless paths dedicated to both the enchanting coast and the fascinating hinterland full of history and culture, including cycling paths and mountain trails, that will accompany you to discover the enchanting places that have made Liguria a destination so beloved nationally and internationally.

THE FOOD
The Relais Villa della Pergola is located in the heart of a prestigious wine and food area: the Ligurian Western Riviera, that being the native land of the famous Taggiasca olive boasts an incredible tradition of fine extra virgin and must olive oil, some of which protected by the DOP certification.

The whole area, therefore, is perfect for the most unbridled culinary exploration, starting from the refined delicacies of the NOVE restaurant, part of the historic Relais complex, up to the recipes of the local Ligurian cuisine in their most traditional form.

The area around Alassio offers Taggiasca DOP oil tastings thanks to the visits to the numerous oil mills, and local wines linked experiences, such as Rossese, Pigato and Vermentino, as well as exciting cooking classes to transform your holiday into a delicious culinary adventure.

THE RIVIERA
Located in Alassio, in the very heart of the Ligurian Western Riviera, Relais Villa della Pergola is the ideal starting point to discover the rich historical, artistic and cultural landscape of the area: from the characteristic seaside villages to the inland towns, in a few kilometers it will be possible to admire centuries of history enclosed in the picturesque medieval historic centers, getting lost among the characteristic caruggi – the typical Ligurian narrow alleys – and the old stone houses.

To better discover the countless wonders that the surroundings of Alassio offer, we recommend booking one of the many private tours with qualified guides on foot, by bus or by helicopter, and fully enjoy the wonders of the region from an exclusive point of view.

The whole area is also dotted with a lively offer of museums and cultural activities: from the churches frescoed by important Ligurian School painters to the various museums of sacred art, archaeology and folklore, up to the fascinating historical re-enactments that will take you back in time to savour the taste of distant times.

Also, do not miss the numerous festivals dedicated to music, theatre and gastronomy held all around the Riviera, especially during the spring and summer.

Finally, do not forget the incredible shopping experience that the towns of the coast can boast: starting from the lively Alassio, a famous destination for international shopping, in which you can visit the most exclusive boutiques.

CONNECTIONS
Relais Villa della Pergola is based on a central point for the most important connections with the North and Central Italy and with the French coast: its location near the ancient Via Iulia Augusta – the road that during Roman times connected Western Liguria to the rest of Italy – naturally places our suites nearby the most sought-after and interesting locations.

Reach us with a private driver service or via a comfortable bus with a transfer to the airport, book a quick helicopter transfer service or maybe rent a car or a motorbike to get around the wonders of the Riviera in complete freedom.

In addition, an exclusive private airport service is available just a few steps away to reach in total privacy and comfort every corner of the wonderful Ligurian Riviera

ALASSIO
Alassio was known since Roman times for transit along the Via Julia Augusta winding close behind. Fisherman’s village subject to raids by the Saracens, Alassio lies with its typical Ligurian style houses at the foot of two cliffs: Capo Mele, for those coming from France and Santa Croce for those arriving from Genoa creating the Bay of the Sun.

The pearl of the Italian Riviera, besides being renowned as the land of sun, sea, entertainment, of the ‘Muretto’ and of the lover, Alassio is also popular for the beautiful natural surroundings making it an ideal destination of the Ligurian Gulf.

From a fisherman village, with the rise of the tourism, Alassio has become one of the finest centers of the Riviera, it is surrounded by greenery, flowers and gardens, and the beautiful villas on the hillside are characterized by almost four kilometers of a fine quartz and limestone beach, gently rolling into the sea.

The frame of the hills surrounding Alassio welcomes small villages where life flows in rhythms worthy of old times with the savor of ancient recipes.

Rooms: 15

Price: from 402 EUR per night

Source: www.villadellapergola.com