Near Como, Lake Como
Property 5417
10 Guests
6 Bedrooms
6.5 Bathrooms
800 square meters indoor
300 Square Meters outdoor
Villa Villaggio has brought new life to the small village of Carate Urio. This is an historic 16th century villa which has retained only the best and most relevant features of its past. A complete renovation has yielded a thoroughly modern home with all the desired comforts and conveniences, designed for the full enjoyment of a successful vacation with family and friends. The house runs smoothly and easily with an easy-going but well-trained staff, and the position is ideal for roaming around Lake Como by boat or by car. Villa Villaggio offers a perfectly balanced environment for modern-day vacationers who don't want to settle for less.
Carate Urio is on the western shore of the Como leg of Lake Como, north of Cernobbio. This is a prestigious location with big-name villa owners down the street and taking coffee in the local bars. Carate Urio has minimal services; a simple restaurant, a pizzeria and a bar. But it is a village nonetheless with all the local characters and plenty of atmosphere to soak up. The owners' children cross the street themselves for pizza every Friday night. There are two roads along the southern stretch of Como's western shore; one up and one down. Fortunately, most traffic passes along the upper road. The lower road is used only by those living in or visiting the villages north of Cernobbio until Laglio. This reduces the amount of passing traffic. With the bedrooms almost all completely on the Lake side, you can enjoy the sounds of the Lake water lapping at the docks. The real name of the Villa - Villa al Pontile - dates from the 16th century, and refers accurately to the adjacent public boat dock, busy with the inexpensive and efficient ferries which shuttle from town to town on the Lake.
Villa Villaggio is wonderfully situated for those who want to make the most of a Lake Como vacation, by land or by water. Every corner of Lake Como is worthy of exploration, following your interests; historic sites, charming villages and mountain trails alike. The landscape of the middle of the lake is dramatic, with longer perspectives of water and mountains. The southern reaches are more exclusive and intimate in feel. From Carate Urio you easily reach Cernobbio and Como in 10 - 20 minutes. The centerpiece for many is the famed Villa d'Este whose spa facilities and golf club can be made available for day use. Anyone with an interest in shopping will find both of these towns thrilling - from unknown boutique designers to all the big names. The Tremezzina of Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo -- with their charming towns, extraordinary villa/garden museums and numerous restaurants -- is 30 minutes by private boat. Getting out on a private boat is an essential part of the Lake Como experience. For dining out at night, this is the transportation of choice, crossing the calm waters and soaking up the romance of the stars. You can also explore on your own timetable during the day. Water-skiing can be done from the dock in front of the Villa. The owner herself goes every day when she is in town.
Villa Villaggio is fronted on the lakeside by an intimate lawn, including a striking 200 year-old 'olio fragrance' tree which perfumes the air in September when it flowers. There are two towering magnolias surrounded by beds of impatiens and ever-blooming roses, with a Guatemalan hammock hanging between. The edge of the property is bordered by a thick hedge of oleander providing privacy from the adjacent public landing. An outdoor dining area is set just off the kitchen, with tables and chairs accommodating up to 14. Along the Lakefront, under a wisteria-shaded pergola, is the outdoor living room, comfortably accommodating seven people with a stunning view of the Lake. The pool (4 x 11 meters) lies astride the southern edge of the property, surrounded by a travertine patio. There is a shaded end to the pool with sling chairs and sun beds. A jasmine-covered wall provides privacy from the adjacent small parking lot and the public pier for ferries crisscrossing the Lake. The scale of the garden and pool is just right for a no-muss, no-fuss vacation and encourages participation in local village life.
The interior layout of the Villa works beautifully. The ground floor rooms all open onto the garden affording seamless indoor/outdoor living. The top floor workout room (with wood floors for yoga) and the spacious TV room are well placed for entertaining diversions away from those who prefer to sip wine and enjoy conversation or a book alongside the glittering lake waters.
Price information available upon request.
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