Villa Maria Taglioni

Near Como, Lake Como

Property Description

Property 5415
14 Guests
7 Bedrooms
8 Bathrooms
680 square meters indoor
2 Hectares outdoor

Features

Overview

Villa Maria Taglioni is the centerpiece of Ville del Lago, an extraordinary private estate along the western shore of Lake Como near Como, directly opposite Villa d'Este. The property is situated below the road in an enclosed private park of 2.5 hectares, the only such estate on the Lake. Adjacent to Villa Maria Taglioni is Villa Maria Serena, an equally striking and luxurious villa. Together, 26 people can be accommodated in a refined, relaxing atmosphere surrounded by rich and exceptional appointments. The celebrated ballet dancer, Maria Taglioni, owned and restored the villas in the early nineteenth century, welcoming Bellini, Rossini, Franz Lizst, Riccordi and the Italian opera star Giuditta Pasta, for whom the role of Norma was written. The artistic flavor and worldly sophistication of the property during this period has been re-created by the current owners.

The dramatic reaches of Lake Como begin at the southern tip of the western leg, in Como. This ancient and charming city is the primary cultural center of the Lake with its main piazza open to the water. To one side is the yacht club and the seaplane club. Inside Como's ancient walls is a noted cathedral as well as numerous fashionable boutiques and excellent restaurants. September brings Autunno Musicale, a chamber music series. The opera season is October. This southern arm of the Lake is the most exclusive and the most in demand among the Milanese and other European aristocrats who spend summers and weekends on Como. Cernobbio and the celebrated Villa d'Este, five minutes by water taxi from Ville del Lago, has remained the epicenter of intimate charm for visitors throughout the last 100 years. Nearby are the famous villas of modern notables like Donatella Versace and George Clooney.

The pleasures of Lake Como are all easily accessible by boat from Ville del Lago. Neighboring Torno, with its charming harbor dominated by an impressive church, has a delicious, simple restaurant that receives guests by water, then seats them on a wisteria-shaded pergola over the dock. The enigmatic and abandoned Villa Pliniana serves as the dramatic backdrop for a swim from the deck of a boat. The pleasures of the Tremezzina - the triangular heart of Lake Como comprising Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo - are only 30 minutes away by private boat. There is also the option of seaplane sightseeing trips enjoying the spectacular scenery from another perspective. The land excursions are equally varied and enjoyable. One of the Lake's many lovely mountain trails begins in nearby Brunate, a hilltop town above Como. The astonishing and ancient Bergamo makes a very satisfying day trip. Lugano or Milan for shopping are easily enjoyed.

Ville del Lago is on the edge of a small village, a gate opening to the old stone paths and staircases running from the water's edge to the busy road above. This position provides a characteristic and charming walk to an excellent restaurant, perched on the edge of the Lake, and the town center to pick up a paper and have a coffee. There are few residences and no other traffic in this part of town beside those coming and going by ferry (see Rental Notes). You have the convenience of an in-town location without the noise.

The estate's neo-Gothic gatehouse marks the property entrance along the Lake road. The gravel driveway curves down through the park, passing the charming old chapel with its heavy slate roof and ornamental carved-wood and iron details. Alongside is a monument dedicated to Austrian Emperor Joseph II who took refuge in the Villa's harbor during a sudden hurricane in 1769. The park was a botanical garden at the turn of the last century. Although abandoned for many years, along with the villas, it is being gradually reclaimed and improved by the exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable owners. The garden is full of towering trees - magnolias standing like oaks, rare cypress trees, thriving camellias and azaleas, and thick laurel. Wild begonias, exuberant fall-flowering crocuses and other specimens add scale and color. Among the many meandering paths is the rustic 'arco di pietra' terrace where you can linger to enjoy the view and have a quiet conversation.

The pool area is an oasis set amongst the trees lining the drive and comprising some 1,000 square meters. There are separate areas for sunning or shade and a more than ample supply of both adjustable cushioned chaise longue and smaller dining tables with chairs. There are any number of possible combinations for gathering in large and small groups. The area is large enough to offer guests of each villa some privacy when they are sharing the facilities. The large, heated pool curves into the hillside close by the Lake's edge, blending the perspective of pool and Lake. A dock is reached by stairs and gate from the garden for coming and going by hired boat. There are also granite stairs leading right into the water for Lake swimming. A casual outdoor living room has been created under a spreading copper beech tree for refuge from the sun. Beside the house, on a wide gravel patio, are tables for dining al fresco for groups of 14 - 26 shaded by Moroccan-inspired pergolas.

Layout

GROUNDS

COURTYARD LEVEL

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

Rental Notes

Points of Interest

Price

Price information available upon request.

Extras

Contact Information

Homebase Abroad, Ltd.
Two Hooper Street
Marblehead, MA 01945

Phone: (781) 639-4040
UK: +44-20-7084-6374
Fax: (781) 639-3050

© February 2012 by Homebase Abroad, Ltd. All rights reserved.

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