A notable landmark along the picturesque Italian Riviera, Covo di Nord-Est, sits on a hard-to-miss stretch of road between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Once a glamorous nightclub frequented by celebrities during the 1950s to the 70s, the venue exhibits a fading grandeur that has gone unacknowledged by many in recent years. Built from rough stone and designed to resemble a grotto, the establishment is now somewhat dilapidated, with signs of neglect visible throughout its interior and exterior. The club appears to be an attractive investment opportunity, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Historically, Covo di Nord-Est drew A-list patrons like Aristotle Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, Roger Vadim, Jane Fonda, and Nat King Cole. Frank Sinatra was another illustrious figure who graced the establishment with his presence. He performed a memorable concert there in the summer of 1980, opening with a rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon" and treating his audience to classics such as "Summer Wind," "Strangers in the Night," and "My Way." However, since those heady days, the club's condition has deteriorated, with damaged furnishings and non-functional amenities evident during a recent visit.
Amid these changes, it was revealed that Eddie Irvine, the last British driver to achieve a Grand Prix victory with Ferrari, has acquired Covo di Nord-Est as part of his expanding property portfolio. Irvine, who will soon be referenced during the upcoming Australian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton debuts for Ferrari, has amassed considerable wealth, reportedly exceeding £100 million. His investments reflect a lifestyle that has garnered plenty of attention over the years.
Irvine's complexity as a figure in Formula One cannot be overlooked. Known for his laid-back approach and unwillingness to conform to traditions, he has forged a lifestyle that is reminiscent of a modern-day Gatsby. In a recent communication with the Daily Mail, Irvine expressed a disinterest in discussing his past racing career, stating, “I really have zero interest to do so. I just don’t see the point. I retired 22 years ago and nothing I did then matters to me for some weird reason.” Instead, he suggested a conversation focused on Covo, hinting at the possibility of exploring the nightclub's significance and his plans for it.
Besides Covo di Nord-Est, Irvine boasts a diverse property empire that extends around the globe, including an island in the Bahamas and the Exuma Yacht Club, which he describes as one of his "babies". He invests much of his time managing these ventures while dividing his circumstances between Northern Ireland, Italy, and Miami. Known for his glamourous lifestyle, he has immersed himself in the world of high-end real estate and leisure activities, yet he remains grounded in achieving his goals.
Having enjoyed significant success during his racing years, including close competition for the drivers' title with Michael Schumacher, Irvine remains a noteworthy presence in the Formula One narrative. With no other British driver completing a season with Ferrari since him, the bridge from Irvine's era to Hamilton's is marked. As Formula One anticipates Hamilton's debut, Irvine's history and remarkable past continue to intrigue those familiar with the sport.
In his personal life, he continues to cultivate a sense of independence, often refusing to adhere to rigid schedules that might constrain him. This nonchalance, coupled with his competitive spirit, has contributed to his lasting legacy in motorsports. Further events, including his interactions with famed driver Ayrton Senna during his debut at Suzuka in 1993, serve as testament to the intensity and drama that characterised Irvine's racing career—an era that many look back on with nostalgia.
As Covo di Nord-Est sits quietly atop its shingle beach, it awaits its next chapter under Irvine's stewardship. The nightclub and its storied past may soon experience a renaissance, mirrored by Irvine's ongoing narrative in both the Formula One landscape and the world of high-stakes investments.
Source: Noah Wire Services