Casa
Rufo
A contemporary design residence between art, nature and comfort — set into the quiet Ligurian hillside, only 10 km from Sestri Levante and the sea.
A Contemporary Retreat in the Ligurian Landscape
Casa Rufo is a modern and private villa surrounded by greenery above Castiglione Chiavarese. The house blends naturally into the Ligurian hillside, with stone walls, traditional terraces and open views towards the hills and the Ligurian Sea.
The villa combines contemporary architecture, essential materials, advanced comfort technology and a collection of original design furniture by internationally renowned designers.
Architectural Harmony and Private Access
Arriving at Casa Rufo is part of the experience. The pedestrian access begins with an old decorated portal set into the stone walls, leading to a historic private staircase with 76 stone steps.
The exterior stone walls honour the local tradition and follow the natural lines of the terrain, creating an elegant continuity between architecture and landscape.
- 01Historic private entrance
- 0276 stone steps to the village
- 03≈ 7,000 m² of land
- 04Traditional Ligurian terraces
- 05Dry-stone walls
A Liveable Museum of Design
The interiors of Casa Rufo have the character of a private gallery. Absolute white surfaces create a calm, intentionally neutral atmosphere designed to highlight the true protagonists of the house: the furniture and lighting pieces.
Every element — sofas, armchairs, chairs, tables and lamps — has been carefully chosen as an original piece by important international designers.
Large floor-to-ceiling windows connect the interior with the outside, opening the view towards the hills, the garden, the infinity pool and the wide horizon of the Ligurian Sea.
Casa Rufo was designed by the villa's architect, Dante Donegani — an Italian architect and designer whose culture and passion for design shape the identity of the house.
Discover Dante Donegani →
Comfort, Privacy and Technology
Casa Rufo is designed to offer a private and comfortable stay. The sleeping area includes three double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom.
The house is equipped with underfloor heating, integrated cooling and a Controlled Mechanical Ventilation system for continuous air renewal — keeping the atmosphere fresh, pleasant and healthy in every season.
The Pool as the Heart of the House
The outdoor area is dominated by the spectacular 18 × 4 metre infinity pool. The overflow on two sides creates a striking visual effect, making the water appear to merge with the Ligurian landscape.
The pool sits directly in front of the living room, surrounded by a spacious solarium, panoramic terraces and relaxation areas. At the end, a small lawn with chaise longues invites guests to enjoy the sun, the silence and the sunsets towards the sea.
A Visual Journey
Technology in Service of the Landscape
Casa Rufo is equipped with a Controlled Mechanical Ventilation system, ensuring constant air exchange without opening the windows. A 13 kW photovoltaic solar system contributes significantly to energy autonomy — especially during the summer months.
Between Ligurian Hills, Sea and Villages
Casa Rufo is located in Castiglione Chiavarese, in a peaceful green setting, yet very close to the sea and to some of the most beautiful places on the Riviera di Levante.
The village is just a short stroll away — 200 metres on foot or about 1 kilometre by car — and offers bars, restaurants and a small supermarket for daily needs.
Open Location on Google Maps →- Castiglione Chiavarese village200 m on foot · ≈ 1 km by car
- Supermarket6 km
- Sestri Levante10 km
- Moneglia10 km
- Cinque Terre20 km
- Genoa50 km
- Genoa Airport≈ 50 km
- Pisa Airport≈ 110 km
Living the Riviera di Levante
Casa Rufo is an ideal base for discovering Sestri Levante, Baia del Silenzio, Moneglia, Chiavari, Santa Margherita, Portofino, Camogli, Rapallo and the Cinque Terre — with direct train connections from Sestri Levante to Genoa, Milan and Rome, and summer boat trips along the coast.
Sestri Levante
Baia del Silenzio · beaches · aperitivo
Portofino
Camogli · Santa Margherita
Cinque Terre
Five villages on the sea
Chiavari
Historic centre · local markets
Moneglia
Sea coves and hillsides
Genoa
Old port · museums · architecture
Restaurants & Local Recommendations
Casa Rufo is ideally located for discovering the restaurants, trattorias and seaside dining spots of the Riviera di Levante. From traditional Ligurian cuisine and relaxed beach restaurants to refined seafood and Michelin-starred dining, guests have many excellent options nearby.
Local café in Castiglione Chiavarese
Offers pizzas on weekend nights.
Tailor-Made Experiences
During their stay, guests can enjoy the Ligurian coast and countryside through selected experiences: private boat days, home chef services, wine tastings, yoga, golf, hiking, local markets and food experiences. Many experiences can be arranged directly with trusted local contacts.
A Day at Sea
A private zodiac experience along the Ligurian coast, from Portofino to the Cinque Terre, with a local captain who knows the coast personally. The captain speaks English, French and Italian. Suitable for up to 6 guests. Available on request.
Private Motorboat Rental
Private motorboats for trips to Portofino, the Cinque Terre or Porto Venere. Suitable for groups of up to 12 people.
Sailboat Experience
Sailboat / trimaran, 7 m, available for daily trips or shorter night trips. Suitable for swimming or dinner on board, maximum 6 people.
Upscale Charter Yachts
Upscale charter yachts available on request.
Small Boat Rental in Sestri
Small boats can also be rented in the Sestri port area, for up to 6 persons, without skipper.
Home Chef & Catering
Traditional in-house cooking can be arranged with Loredana and Franco, the housekeepers.
Local Chef Natalia
Natalia can deliver catering or organise cooking classes.
Foodie Tours & Cooking Classes
Carlotta at Parlacomemangi in Rapallo can organise foodie tours, cooking classes and culinary experiences.
Aperitivo in Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante has a great tradition for aperitivi and happy hour drinks. Recommendations: Cutter Cucca (Via Portobello 9, +39 0185 41051), Citto Bar (summer, above Baia del Silenzio), Tapullo (Convento dell’Annunziata at the end of Baia del Silenzio), Mille Lire (younger crowd) and Fundu (Via Nazionale 120/109, +39 340 2389058).
Cantine Sassarini
Wine tasting in Monterosso, especially local white wines.
Azienda Agricola Pinogino
Local wine producer in Castiglione Chiavarese.
Yoga
Private yoga lessons can be arranged on the terrace with local yoga teacher Alessandra.
Climbing
Near the Muzzerone Promontory, guests can find scenic climbing routes with sea views and sunsets. The AV5T trail connects Porto Venere to the Muzzerone Refuge and the climbing areas of the Central Wall.
Walking & Guided Hikes
The area offers several scenic walking routes, including Sestri Levante to Punta Manara and Riva Trigoso to Punta Baffa and Moneglia. Guided hikes are available.
Enquire about
Casa Rufo
For more informations about the villa, please contact me by whats app +39 335 632 2017 or email dante.donegani@gmail.com
dante.donegani@gmail.com