Villa Bellagio

Located directly on Lake Como, Villa Bellagio is just a few minutes away from the beautiful ‘The Pearl of The Lake’ - Bellagio. This historical town, with its cobbled lanes and outstanding views, is without doubt one of the most interesting destinations in the region, the perfect place for a peaceful stroll among sumptuous ancient villas and the lush nature of the beautiful lake shore. It is also an ideal place for dining and shopping, boasting elegant, exclusive boutiques selling the best in Italian fashion and design

The position of Bellagio, on a promontory at the centre of the lake, makes it an ideal starting point for nature lovers who wish to go trekking, exploring the area and taking in the natural scenery and stunning views of this, the most romantic of all the Italian lakes. There are numerous organised walks through the countryside, at various levels of difficulty, following well-signed trails, visiting the local historical villages – such as Menaggio, Brogno, Visgnola, Chevrio and Vassena – churches and sanctuaries, and climbing the hillside to capture the best views of the lake.

Lake Como’s only island, the Isola Comacina, is in the vicinity of Bellagio. Now uninhabited, it was once the wealthiest area on the lake before it was completely destroyed in 1169. Today it can be visited and includes the ruins of a fortress and ancient basilica.

Boasting more than 20 restaurants, from traditional family-run ones to refined gourmet dining, Bellagio is a renowned cwnter for gastronomy. Local specialities include "Missoltini" fish (sun-dried Coregon preserved in oil), pasta with White Lake Fish eggs, fish-filled ravioli, rice with fillets of Perch and, in the surrounding mountain areas, game and "Uncia" Polenta (polenta with butter, cheese, garlic and sage); not forgetting the local red and white wines of course.

For lovers of sculpted gardens, Villa Melzi is an essential visit. Attached to the early 19th century neo-classical villa designed by the architect Giocondo Albertolli, these gardens were the work of Luigi Canonica and the famous agronomist Luigi Villoresi. They lead all the way down to the lake following a maze of winding paths lined by azaleas and rhododendrons. Under exotic trees, along the shore and at the intersections of the paths, there are Egyptian sculptures and Roman statues lending the garden a magical, romantic atmosphere. The visit to the gardens also includes entrance to the property’s neo-classical Chapel and museum.

The local area also boasts the presence of several fascinating ancient castles, some of which can be visited, such as the XI Century Castello di Vezio in the hamlet of Perledo. Once part of the fortification network watching over the ancient communication routes running along the lakeside and allowing access to the valleys, the castle includes a central tower accessible from a functioning drawbridge. Unique to this castle is the presence of trained birds of prey, who entertain the public with spectacular falconry demonstrations.

For lovers of the game of golf, the renowned, historical Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club is just 30 minutes’ drive. Founded by four Englishmen over 100 years ago to provide entertainment for visitors to the area, which was rapidly becoming popular with wealthy tourists, this golf club, situated in a stunning position, still retains a distinctly British flavour.

Bellagio is close to the cities of Lecco (26 km) and Como (37 km) with their rich historical and cultural heritage. Lecco can be reached both by car and by ferry. The international airports of Milano Malpensa, Milan Linate and Lugano are all within 90 minutes’ drive.

Villa Bellagio View comprises 10 suites, each a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The largest and most comfortable four suites are located on the first floor: one facing the lake and including a broad terrace, one facing the southern side over the botanical gardens, one on the peaceful northern side of the garden, and one overlooking the giant Lebanon Cedar. All the suites have been finely restored to provide outstanding levels of comfort and luxury.

Villa Bellagio View was built in 1891 by Marquis Eugenio Besanaon the shores of Lake Como, in a stunning location boasting both absolute tranquillity and vicinity to the town center of Bellagio. Over the last hundred years, four generations of the same family have expressed their passion for culture and style: its unique botanical gardens and numerous sophisticated collectibles have transformed the villa into both a phenomenal holiday retreat and a living museum. Spread over three floors, the interiors are characterised by typical Italian 19th and 20th Century furniture and paintings, together with many objects collected from all over the world. Recent refurbishing has added exceptional levels of comfort to the Villa.

Its impressive position on Lake Como offers a panoramic shoreline walk of more than 300 metres, the seven-hectare gardens stretching along the mountainside provide breath taking views and a recently built heated pool completes the garden. Sleeping quarters include 10 bedroom suites as well as a detached guesthouse intended for up to six members of staff.

The large terrace on the ground floor has an impressive 180-degree view over the lake and the mountains, and the private swimming pool offers the chance to truly admire the landscape while relaxing in pure peace. The terrace also includes a comfortable sitting room and two spacious lounges with huge windows looking onto the lake. A marble fireplace, a grand piano, chandeliers from Murano, luxurious paintings, dark oak panelling, silk wallpaper from Venice and a walnut coffered ceiling all contribute to making this an outstanding property.

The main dining room can easily accommodate up to twenty guests: an ideal location for a private party. The villa also includes a games room with two card tables and beautiful lighting for evening entertainment, and an oak library with nearly thirty thousand rare and antique books covering almost every subject under the sun.

The Villa is directly accessible by car but also by boat, thanks to two private entrances.

10 Bedrooms/10 Bathrooms, plus staff housing for 6 people 1,500 m2/16,146 sq. ft.

Amenities

• 10 Suites
• 10 Bathrooms
• Staff guesthouse
• Parking
• Garden
• Swimming heated pool with sun-beds
• Terrace with view
• Equipped modern kitchen with oven, fridge, freezer and dishwasher
• Fireplace
• Game room
• Dock
• Cleaning
• Chef
• Daily change of towels
• Sheets
• Wi-Fi
• Washing machine
• 100 meters from the lake
• Gated Entry