Lake Como Villa for 12 | Heated Pool | On Lake Shore

Accommodation

The drive that comes down from the main road passes a Nautical Museum, which can be visited by appointment only and is a wonderful introduction to 'life on the water'. The entrance to the villa leads into a spacious entryway off of which a gleaming professional kitchen awaits either 'those whose turn it is' or even a local cook hired to bring Italian fare to the table. Said table, which is in the large dining hall at the centre of the house and seats 16 comfortably, looks out three sets of French doors to the patio and lake and mountains beyond. Arched doorways off the dining room lead on one side to a games room with a ping-pong table, and on the other to a sitting room with Sat. TV and comfortable sofas. Two sets of glass doors from the sitting room lead to a pool that is more about taking a refreshing dip than doing laps. The pool has direct access to the 45 metre-wide patio that is furnished with sun beds and an octagonal table perfect for a meal al fresco.

All bedrooms are on the upper floor and consist of five double bedrooms, each air-conditioned and having an ensuite bath- or shower room. Two of these bedrooms have adjoining single bedrooms, an ideal arrangement for parents with a child. The master double has French doors out to a covered furnished terrace whose panorama sets the tone for a wonderful day. There is also an air-conditioned twin bedroom with ensuite shower room, which is a bit smaller than the others, but may work well for the younger crowd. The decor utilizes floral fabrics, old-world brocades and a mix of antique and modern furnishings, yet the nautical photographs and mementos are an ever-present reminder of your lakeside position.

Local area

The nearest village is about 600 m. from the house, which means that fresh bread and the morning paper are all within reach. A short drive to the south is Menaggio, with a beautifully positioned golf course and a dock whose ferry connects to the charming village of Varenna or Bellagio, the 'pearl of the lake', often described as the prettiest village in Europe. From here it is easy to visit Villa Melzi or sail over to Comacina Island - the only island on the lake. The monumental Villa Carlotta, whose gardens are known as a masterpiece of Nature are just south of Menaggio in Tremezzo. And with Vecchio Marinaio on the same side of the lake as Como, it doesn't take long to reach its fashionable historical centre, perhaps to visit the fascinating Silk Museum, which honours the city's centuries-old livelihood, or take a funicular ride to Brunate - a hill-top town with magnificent views over the city, the lake and its surrounding mountains. For those in the group more interested in a bargain at ground level, stylish outlet shopping is just over the Swiss border. Yet many guests are just as happy to enjoy their own watery horizon and breathe in the fresh air and beauty one hedge away.

Features

Things to note