Near Como, Lake Como Live on the water. A Venetian Taxi Charter leaves you and your guests free to come and go as you like, car-free. Private water sport fun - waterski to wake board - can be delivered directly to the private dock. Ville del Lago comprises an expansive 2.5 hectares of Lake Como waterfront with staff, amenities and layout designed for elegant celebrations and peaceful relaxation. This is an idyllic paradise for the gathering of family and friends in one of the world's most iconic destinations. Full-time onsite staff of five plus two boats, two pools, dining al fresco. Well suited to multigenerational groups in any season.
OVERVIEW Ville del Lago is truly one of Lake Como's most exceptional estates for its grandeur and uniqueness; 2.5 hectares of specimen woods, landscaped gardens and winding paths developed around two historic Villas of the nineteenth century. Continual investment and development by the current owners has added modern amenities creating an oasis of beauty and refinement along the southwestern shore of the Lake directly opposite Villa d'este. In our view there is no comparable private accommodation for 26 guests on Lake Como. 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 who have lavished some 20 years of work redeveloping the estate. Today, the property incorporates state of the art infrastructure - full air-conditioning and radiant heat, two pools, private dock and two self-drive boats, underground garage, dining terraces and onsite staff of five. Importantly, the estate is below the road and west-facing with lovely sunset views. You will enjoy modern comforts within the walls of two exceptionally gracious villas, bringing together the sophisticated atmosphere of the past 'salons' and the necessities of luxury villa vacations. At Ville del Lago you are being offered a genuine experience of private Italian life marked with exceptional character and distinction. 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 here. Cernobbio and the celebrated Villa d'este, under 10 minutes by boat 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 Donatella Versace and George Clooney. Lake Como reveals its majesty and culture most fully when experienced from the water or from the mountains, preferably in the company of our charming guide Beatrice. For many guests, the charter of a private Venetian Taxi transforms their villa vacation. The freedom and control of coming and going as you like -- no rental cars needed -- is relaxing and engaging and the best way to appreciate the characteristic lakeside liveliness of Lake Como. The mountains are another experience entirely. Wild and dramatic, from here the majesty of the Lake overtakes the drama of the water. Crisscrossed by paths, dotted with chapels, refugio and occasional farms and homesteads, these mountains were once mostly given over to grazing cows. A nearby favorite begins in nearby Brunate, a hilltop town above Como. From here you can walk back to the Villas, or to neighboring Torno or all the way to Bellagio if you start early in the morning. Spending your days up in the hills - walking and admiring and feeling on top of the world - is excellent preparation for an afternoon swim in the Lakeside Pool of Ville di Torno before your apperitivi are served. 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 tennis courts, soccer field and cemetery beyond. This is a modest town, but if you want to have a coffee, head up the stairs to the road where you can find a bar or two. The charm of this in-town location is the walk and a chance for you and your guests to enjoy the tennis and soccer facilities.
1280 SQ METERS INDOORS 2.5 HECTARES OUTDOORS Grounds VILLA TAGLIONI Garden Level VILLA TAGLIONI First Floor Extensive private lakefront estate set in a park of 2.5 hectares. Grounds comprise gravel walking paths, rustic woodland settings and lawn. Gated entrance at staff house leads off main road, above the estate, to winding drive. Underground parking accommodates 10+ vehicles (low clearance, please discuss) with direct access to both estate villas. Pedestrian gate to village. Private dock and secondary boat access point from Lower Terrace directly to Lake. Lakeside Pool (heated, 200 square meters, 9 feet deep, ladder access, cement lined) set in Upper Lawn furnished for 18+ with exceptional Lake view. Changing room with W.C. Hillside Pool (12 x 3; 1.3 meters deep, ladder) set above Villa Serena and reached via rustic stone path. Large terrace furnished with umbrellas and lounge chairs; view over roof of Villa to Lake Como. Outdoor shower (cold). Changing room with W.C. Lower Terrace directly on the Lake for alfresco dining; accommodates 14 under a pergola. Upper Terrace for dining al fresco accommodates 14-26 guests under a pergola. Shady Courtyard with table and chairs for informal meals adjacent to Villa Serena. Pathway up to Hillside Pool and garden path to Villa Taglioni. Gate to village and private dock for access to/from boats. Formal entrance with stairs to upper levels. Elevator. Vestibule to Guest Bath (open shower stall). Salone Musica with 1911 Steinway Model B grand piano and seating for 14. Double doors to balcony along lakeside of house. Salone delle Donne with seating for 7-9. Doors to balcony and garden. Working fireplace. Sala da Pranzo seats 14-30 with views of Villa d'este and Villa Serena. Opens to balcony. Working fireplace. Hall with elevator access and stairs to top floor. Studio with seating for eight with stunning Lake views. TV/Sky. Can be private sitting area for Lake View North bedroom or shared space. Lake View North: Double bedroom (king). Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, open shower stall). Lake View South: Double bedroom (king). Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Park View North: Vestibule to double bedroom (king) and ensuite bathroom (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain).
VILLA TAGLIONI 1280 SQ METERS INDOORS 2.5 HECTARES OUTDOORS VILLA SERENA VILLA SERENA Second Floor Lake Level Garden Level Zona Relax: Sitting room with TV, Game Station, CD player and comfortable seating for six+. Dining table for 6-8. Service area (fridge, sink). Elevator and narrow spiral stairs (no railing). Guest Laundry (washing machine, dryer). Lake View North: Vestibule leads to double bedroom (king/twins) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower). Lake View South: Double bedroom (king/twins) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower). Park View North: Double bedroom (king/twins) with ensuite bath (open shower stall). Park View South: Double bedroom (queen) with ensuite bath (shower stall, curtain). Hallway from Garage. Entrance to Salone del Terrazzo. Stairs to upper levels. Vestibule to Guest Bath (open shower stall, no curtain). Laundry room (washing machine and dryer). Salone del Terrazzo with five sets of double doors opening to terrace on Lake Como. Dining table seats 12. Seating area for 10+. TV/Sky. 1900 Blutner grand piano. Two working fireplaces. Umbrella shaded dining terrace for 12 with views of Villa d'este and sunsets reached through double doors from Salone del Terrazzo or Guest Kitchen. Guest Kitchen (stove, oven, microwave, fridge, separate freezer, 2 dishwashers). Adjacent pantry. Direct access to garage and covered walkway to Villa Taglioni. Central hall reached from Courtyard with stairs to all levels. Double doors open to shared balcony along lakeside of Villa. Lake View South: Double bedroom (king/twins) with double doors to shared balcony. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Lake View North: Double bedroom (king) with double doors to shared balcony. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Park View North: Double bedroom (twins). Private bath (tub with hand-held shower, curtain) with marble finishes.
1280 SQ METERS INDOORS 2.5 HECTARES OUTDOORS VILLA SERENA First Floor Center hall with stairs to Park and Lake levels. Lake View South: Double bedroom (king/twins) with low oval windows overlooking water. Walk in closet. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Lake View North: Double bedroom (king/twins) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Low oval windows overlooking Lake and Villa Taglioni. Park View North: Double bedroom (king/twins). Low oval windows overlooking garden and hillside. Private bath (tub with wall-mounted and hand-held shower, curtain).
WHAT'S NEARBY Blevio (restaurant, small grocer, access to hiking trails, tennis courts) Outside gate; 5 minute walk. Cernobbio (Villa d'este, boutiques, restaurants), Casta Diva (spa) 10 minutes by boat, 15 minutes by car Como (shopping, restaurants, public ferry service, funicolare, train) 10 minutes by boat or car Argegno (funicolare to hiking trails, restaurants) 25-30 minutes by boat Menaggio, Tremezzo (golf, shopping, restaurants), Villa Balbianello 30-40 minutes by boat Bellagio (kayak excursions, shopping, restaurants), Villa Melzi, Varenna 45 minutes by boat Milan, Milan Airport 1 hour ITINERARY RECOMMENDATIONS Spend a day at home and make an outing into the village of Blevio for tennis lessons or lunch at the elegant Ristorante Momi. Start the day with Water Sport Fun right from the private pontile. SUP and Kayaks also available for your use from the estate. Getting out on the Lake in a skippered Venetian Taxi makes a great day. Cruise past other celebrity villas, stop for a Lakeside lunch, shop the boutiques of Bellagio. This and more, it is your choice. We can arrange tee times and clubs for a day on the historic golf course at Menaggio enjoying the majestic views. The course at Villa d'este is also available to the public. Visits to the Lake's famous villas and gardens have appeal for all ages, particularly Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi. These are optional stops as part of a private skippered boat excursion. We recommend including the local guide for the fullest experience. Shop till you drop in Milan or Lugano, or stay local in Como, Cernobbio and Bellagio, at outlet stores, designer and one-of-a kind boutiques. Hike along the ridge from Brunate towards Bellagio, and see Lake Como from a different perspective. An accessible walk that starts with a fun funicolare ride. Take advantage of the cultural seasons of Como and Milan. Transportation and tickets can be arranged for anyone who wishes to attend performances at La Scala.
WHAT TO KNOW The Lakeside Pool is heated in July and August on request to a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. Given weather and the size of the pool, this can take several days. The pool is deep and swimmers must be comfortable with using ladders to climb out. There is no shallow end. The unheated Hillside Pool, reached up an uphill gravel path, is best for laps. Guests are responsible for their own safety at all times. There are some hazards and unrestored areas of the grounds that are not included in your rental of the property. Please discuss this with us before renting. Full-time staff of five is included in the rent. Meal service is provided three times per day. Daily cleaning. Please refer to the Property Brochure for details on what Domestic Services are Included and Available at Ville del Lago. Complimentary WiFi provided throughout both Villas. Coverage can be uneven because of the stone hillside behind the estate. Please discuss your particular connectivity needs before booking. Breakfast is served at each respective Villa to guests sleeping there. Lunches and dinners for 12+ are served at Villa Taglioni. TRAVELING WITH HOMEBASE ABROAD Homebase Abroad rates include our professional guidance and comprehensive travel planning - including preparation of your itinerary - for your time at your chosen villa. All arrangements are customized to the specific interests, needs and preferences of you and your guests. We draw from our extensive network of direct contacts as well as our personal travel experiences in Italy. Children under 8 must be accompanied by nanny. Older children are welcome with the understanding they are wellbehaved and well-looked after by guests or guest staff. Owners' staff is not available for child-care services. Private Venetian Taxi Boat Charter is recommended for maximum enjoyment of a holiday on Lake Como. Please discuss the nature of ground and water transportation services before booking. The underground parking garage accommodates up to 10 sedans. Vans for 8 passengers can enter but drivers must be confident and skilled. The space is narrow and has a low ceiling. Weddings and other special events are welcome. Additional fees and special conditions apply. Exclusive use of the property available. Please inquire for pricing. Saturday - Saturday rentals only; may be flexible during off season. Rentals of less than a week are available during the off-season, please inquire. Arrival time is 4 pm- 5 pm; departure time is 10 am. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Homebase Abroad Concierge who is available to you throughout your villa stay, and will be your first point of contact for any questions and additional requests regarding both your villa and itinerary. We are delighted to assist with travel planning for pre- or postvilla stays in Italy for you and your guests. Please contact us directly to discuss the applicable fees.
INCLUDED: HEAT GAS ELECTRICITY WATER AIR CONDITIONING INTERNET CLEANING 1 maid per villa, 4 hours/day, 7 days/week. LINEN CHANGE twice weekly for bed linens; daily for bath linens WELCOME DINNER Welcome Dinner, courtesy of Homebase Abroad (wine excluded) BREAKFAST Service included for Breakfast 8 am - 10 am LUNCH Service included Lunch 12:30-2 pm DINNER Service included Dinner start 7:30, no later than 9:30 pm. CHEF/COOK ADVANCE SHOPPING SERVICE TENNIS complimentary use of municipal tennis court in Blevio (5 min walk) ACTIVITIES 2 hours water skiing included with rental of Ville del Lago BOAT RENTAL Two 'Lucia' wood boats; 6 pax each, 3 mile range, slow, for transfers to Como, Cernobbio, Villa d'este and Casta Diva BOAT RENTAL Two Fiberglass 40 hp outboard motor boats (20 knots, 7 Pax each). No nautical license reqd. Gasoline and skipper (in case of need) will be at direct cost to guest. AVAILABLE: TELEPHONE/FAX based on usage at rate pre-set by phone company + 20% VAT CLEANING Additional cleaning 13 per hour LINEN CHANGE extra changes 40.00 bed, 20.00 bath PERSONAL LAUNDRY 13 per hour BREAKFAST reimburse for receipts plus their time at 13 per hour LUNCH reimburse for receipts plus their time at 13 per hour DINNER reimburse for receipts plus their time at 13 per hour PROVISIONS FOOD AND BEVERAGES payable at cost SITE FEE Additional fees on request for photo shoot, video shoot, movies WEDDING Acceptance from owner plus a Non refundable payment of 3000 required ACTIVITIES Weekday passes to Villa d'este Sporting Club avail by addl pmt at hotel reception; excl Spa. Contact Villa d'este directly to arrange. +39 031 348780 ADDITIONAL BEDS Extras beds will be charged at a rate of 150/day per bed. PRINTED: 11/6/2017