Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

We are the Schouten family from Breda: Pieter (55), Désirée (54), both entrepreneurs, and our three children Piet-Hein (23), Merel (21), and Fleur (18), all of whom are currently studying.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our guests. Would you like to tell us more about yourselves?

We are a travel-loving family with a deep affection for Italy — our favorite holiday destination. We enjoy discovering new places and finding fresh inspiration, and we take great joy in decorating and creating warm, inviting homes. Désirée works as an agent in home decor and textiles, and is immersed in the world of interiors on a daily basis.

When and in what way did this property come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

We've always loved the Versilia coast — for its lively beach atmosphere, the stylish shops of Forte dei Marmi, and its incredible restaurants. The charming, historic town of Pietrasanta, where our home is located, continues to surprise us with its art and culture. It brings together everything we love about Italy in one place.

Can you tell us more about the renovation and furnishing process of your property?

neighborhood. There, we discovered a spacious family home just a short walk from the historic town center — one of the things we love most about Pietrasanta is that it remains lively and welcoming even outside the summer season.
The house itself is solid and well-built, but it was in need of a restyling — especially the bathrooms and kitchen. We took on that challenge with enthusiasm, working closely with our contractor, and we’re extremely happy with the results.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

Désirée’s birthday is on July 11th, and ever since we bought the house, we’ve celebrated it each year in Italy. Around that time, the whole family — partners, grandparents and all — gathers in Pietrasanta to enjoy a wonderful time together. It’s become a tradition we cherish.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your home?

The house has a bright and welcoming feel, with plenty of windows and an interior that is elegant, timeless, and comfortable. For the kitchen and bathrooms, we chose local materials like Carrara marble, giving the house an authentic Italian character. The bed linen was specially produced for us in Portugal, with a strong focus on quality and detail. Our goal was to create a true family home.

Which part of your property do you love most, and why?

The living room is especially spacious — something you don’t often find in Italian homes. It features a large seating area where the whole family can relax together. We also expanded and opened up the kitchen to make it perfect for cooking and entertaining with a larger group.

What makes the location of your home unique and special?

The house is just a short walk from the historic town center — something we truly consider a luxury. Everything is within walking distance: the supermarket, the bakery, or a lovely terrace for an aperitivo.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly features in your home that you are proud of?

The house was built in the 1960s — solid and well-insulated — which means it stays pleasantly cool during summer. There is air conditioning in the bedrooms, which is a welcome comfort during the warmer months. Installing solar panels is still on our wish list, but for now we ask guests to use energy consciously and to always separate waste.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

Due to our work, it’s unfortunately not possible for us to spend extended periods in Italy. That’s why we love offering other families the chance to enjoy the house — to keep it lived in and to share this special place that brings us so much joy.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall guest experience at your property?

The charm of this place lies in the perfect balance: a comfortable house with a pool, within walking distance of a beautiful historic town filled with art galleries and incredible restaurants — and all just minutes from the beach.
The area offers endless opportunities to explore: from cultural day trips to Florence, Pisa or Lucca, to visiting the famous marble quarries of Carrara or wandering through the colorful streets of Cinque Terre.
And for those who love shopping: Forte dei Marmi boasts some of the most stylish boutiques and lively markets. There’s truly something for everyone.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features make it an unforgettable experience for guests?

Our property offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. A bright and spacious family home with a private pool, walking distance from a lively historic town and close to the beach.
The interior is both elegant and timeless, with thoughtful touches like local Carrara marble and high-quality Portuguese bed linen. It’s a place where you can truly experience Italy — while still enjoying all the comforts of home. A space to relax, to enjoy, and to make beautiful memories together.

What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a guest?

“We had an amazing week. The house is beautifully decorated, fully equipped, and truly complete — from the well-stocked kitchen to an abundance of tableware. The garden is lush and shaded, perfect for relaxing. Big bonus: you can walk straight into town with all its lovely restaurants, and the beach is also nearby. Everything is within reach, often without needing a car. A wonderful place that immediately felt like home!”

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay?

We hope guests leave with the feeling of having truly escaped — but in a place that still feels like home. That they remember how lovely it was to have breakfast on the terrace, read a book by the pool, or stroll into town for an evening aperitivo.
The atmosphere, the peace, the warmth, and those small shared moments — because in the end, it’s about creating lasting memories together. And of course, we hope they take a little piece of our love for Italy with them.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their stay?

Our tips for an unforgettable stay:
– Book a boat tour along the Cinque Terre – a magical way to admire the colorful villages from the water.
– Visit the Bozzetti Museum – a hidden gem in a stunning old monastery, with rotating exhibitions and a unique atmosphere.
– Start your day with a cappuccino at Il Duomo – the oldest café in Pietrasanta.
– End the day with an aperitivo at Pietrasantese – we think they serve the best Aperol Spritz in town.
– Dine at Cenoteca 122: a charming, tiny restaurant run by siblings Stefano and Marina — delicious food and even better wine. Be sure to reserve!
– Try Il Stappasogni: a warm and welcoming spot with a young owner who delights guests with little surprises from his kitchen.