A tower that conjures images of damsels in distress is one characteristic that makes Villa Beatrice an unmistakable edifice atop a Portofino high point. Earthen hues are plentiful in the exterior terracotta roofs and decorative tilework. The vertically designed estate appears carved from the cliff, rising from the mature trees that surround its base. (perspectivestock/Shutterstock)
On a high rocky outcropping overlooking the Ligurian Sea in northwestern Italy is a 113-year-old residence that resembles a small castle. Villa Beatrice features an eclectic array of architectural and design styles, including Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau. The four-level dwelling has a prominent tower, loggias, and terraces, and is decorated in tilework, columns, terracotta, and quoins. The estate also includes four suites, a rooftop terrace, and a separate cottage.
Originally named Castello Odero (Castle Odero) for its first owner, Villa Beatrice’s architectural design was the brainchild of Italian architect, sculptor, and decorator Luigi “Gino” Coppedè (1866–1927). It was used as a grand getaway residence until 2021, at which point the Belmond luxury hotel group purchased it. After the villa was renovated and restored, it opened to the public in 2025 as a retreat.
The almost 65,000-square-foot dwelling is accessible by a tree-lined road that winds up a cliff to the Punta Cajega promontory. Conspicuous on a tall foundation of stone and constructed of white cement, Villa Beatrice is eye-catching to anyone sailing through this part of the Italian Riviera.
The outer staircase to the tower’s torretta, or panoramic turret observation area, is anything but symmetrical. It features a Gothic arch, a three-quarters Tudor arch, and a Roman arch; all are supported by corbels. A tall, arched bifora window, meaning two openings, provides a view of the sea below the cliffs. Contrasting with repeating Gothic arch designs and unique Moorish tile designs are the classic Roman columns supporting the tower’s terracotta-tiled hip roof. (Matthieu Salvaing/Belmond) Few symmetric architectural elements exist at Villa Beatrice, yet the Gothic arch opening in the dividing wall between the living room and dining room is proportionate to the Gothic arch opening to the dining room’s terrace. The current decor marries antiques with modern furnishings and artwork. The living room’s brass light fixture has pleated shades, while the chandelier in the dining room is hand-blown, Venetian Murano glass. A modern-meets-Art Nouveau-style tapestry hangs on the wall. (Matthieu Salvaing/Belmond) A rustic, medieval-inspired ceiling with exposed beams painted in the fresco style stands out against the living room’s white walls and pale upholstery. Almost one full wall in this room is built-in cabinetry, for display and storage purposes. It is decorated with stenciling. (Matthieu Salvaing/Belmond) The original frescoes on the beams in the living room were restored during Villa Beatrice’s 2021 renovation. Fresco is a mural style of painting that dates back to ancient civilizations. Grapes and wheat are the main motifs in Villa Beatrice’s living room beam ceiling. The alternating ceiling trimwork design is either overlapping diamonds or squares inside a rope pattern. (Matthieu Salvaing/Belmond) The tower’s torretta observation area is equipped with round columns topped with Corinthian-style capitals. From the top of the tower, visitors can view the Portofino Mountains or the Ligurian Sea. (Matthieu Salvaing/Belmond) A dentil trim treatment is the primary classical design aspect on the railing of one of Villa Beatrice’s terraces. Otherwise, the terrace is undergirded by a presentation of carved Art Nouveau designs, indicated by an extravagant array of floral-inspired embellishments. (Matthieu Salvaing/Belmond)
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A 30-plus-year writer-journalist, Deena C. Bouknight works from her Western North Carolina mountain cottage and has contributed articles on food culture, travel, people, and more to local, regional, national, and international publications. She has written three novels, including the only historical fiction about the East Coast’s worst earthquake. Her website is DeenaBouknightWriting.com
