Luxury villa for 12 with pool overlooking Lake Como

Accommodation

While the fenced property is initially approached through an electric gate and a drive that ends at a wall of garages doors, once the path is followed to the entrance located on the side of the house, it becomes clear that it is all about the lake and the wonderful light which reflects off it. Entry is actually on the mezzanine level on which are located a twin or double bedroom and a double bedroom, which share a shower room and a large double bedroom which has an ensuite bathroom with both tub and separate shower. All of the bedrooms on this level have independent access to the garden. Upstairs there are a further three bedrooms which share a shower room - one twin bedroom and two bedrooms that can be set up as doubles or twins on prior request - and while these guests may not step out into the garden they do have marvellous views of the lake.

Stairways from the mezzanine lead down to the ground floor garden level where guests will gather - perhaps in the large sitting-dining room which spans the width of the house, comfortably furnished with sofas in front of a pink marble fireplace and a dining table for 12, or even for breakfast in the adjacent modern kitchen. Large sliding glass doors in the living area open to a covered patio furnished for meals al fresco and looking on to the nearby pool and the dramatic lake view just beyond.

When night falls or should the weather not draw you out of doors, the basement offers tempting options. One area is equipped with a sauna, a Jacuzzi and an additional bathroom with tub and shower; another gives itself over to games, with a pool table, table football and a corner dedicated to the youngest guests. There is even an open fireplace with a pizza oven - though this needs the hand of a professional pizza maker, who can be booked to cook Pizza for all.

Local area

Lake Como is shaped like an inverted "Y" with the beautiful towns of Como and Lecco situated at the ends of the southwestern and southeastern branches respectively, and Colico to the north. The small towns of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are located at the intersection of the three branches of the lake, with a triangular boat service operating between them. Pianello is situated on the northwest side of the lake, close to Switzerland and Lake Lugano - a popular excursion often taken with its lure of shopping in the chic Swiss shops. Cremia is a charming village on the lake side with bars, restaurants, a small beach and a marina with the opportunity to hire a boat and potter about on the water. The 15th century parish church of San Michele and the 12th Century Church of San Vito are situated close to the harbour. There is a promenade leading to neighbouring Pianello del Lario, a very pleasant walk; Cremia is also an ideal starting point for hiking and mountain bike excursions.

The best way to visit the rest of Lake Como is by boat; there are regular public boat services that take you to many charming lakeside towns and villages including Como's historical centre. There are also private boat services available for hire. Como has been an important silk manufacturing town for many centuries and has a fascinating Silk Museum; to this day Como's silk is still considered to be among the best quality. Another nearby excursion is to Bellagio, the "pearl of the lake", which has often been described as the prettiest village in Europe with its charming historic centre. From here you can also visit the beautiful Villa Melzi with its ornamental gardens, or sail over to Comacina Island - the only island on the lake. From Como you can also take a funicular ride to Brunate, a hill-top town with magnificent views over the city, the lake and its surrounding mountains. On the other side of the lake you can visit Lecco, the town mentioned by Alessandro Manzoni in his famous book "The Betrothed".

Features

Things to note