Italy
Luxury Villason Lake Como
Historic villas, terraced gardens and the deep blue of the lake, framed by the first peaks of the Alps.
A slender, Y-shaped lake at the foot of the Alps, an hour from Milan. For centuries Lake Como has drawn aristocrats, writers and film stars to its historic villas, botanical gardens and villages such as Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo, best discovered by private boat.
Lake Como has been a place of retreat since Roman times, when Pliny the Younger built his villas on its shores. The lake's three branches meet at Bellagio, and its steep, wooded banks are lined with grand residences surrounded by gardens of camellias, azaleas and cypresses. Some of the finest, such as Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, are open to visitors, while others remain private family homes glimpsed only from the water.
Life here moves between the lake and the mountains. A morning might begin with coffee on a lakeside piazza in Varenna, followed by a boat ride to the island of Comacina or the gardens of Tremezzo, and a long lunch of lake fish and risotto on a shaded terrace. Afternoons are for swimming from a lido or straight from a boat in a quiet bay, and evenings for an aperitivo as the light turns gold over the water. Above the shore, ancient mule tracks and the Greenway path link hamlets, churches and viewpoints.
Como itself, at the southern tip, is an elegant city with a Gothic and Renaissance cathedral, a centuries-old silk tradition and a funicular climbing to the village of Brunate. Milan, with its fashion houses, opera at La Scala and design galleries, is less than an hour away, and the Swiss border is close by. Staying in a private villa on the lake offers a rare combination: complete privacy, a deep sense of history and the whole of northern Italy within reach.
Our properties
- Villa Gucci: A late-16th-century cardinal's palace on Lake Como's western shore, with jetty and boathouse
- Villa Pigra: Historic Liberty-style grandeur high above the blue waters of Lake Como.
Areas
- Bellagio: The pearl of the lake, at the tip of the promontory where the three branches meet, with stepped lanes, silk boutiques and the gardens of Villa Melzi.
- Tremezzina: On the western shore facing Bellagio, the villages of Tremezzo, Lenno and Mezzegra, home to Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello and long lakeside promenades.
- Varenna: A picturesque village of pastel houses on the eastern shore, with the gardens of Villa Monastero, the lakeside Passeggiata degli Innamorati and Vezio Castle above.
- Cernobbio and Como: At the southern end of the lake, closest to Milan, with grand villas, elegant shopping and the cultural life of Como's historic centre.
Getting there
Milan Malpensa is the main international gateway, around an hour by car from Como and Cernobbio and an hour and a half or more from the central lake villages of Tremezzo and Bellagio. Milan Linate, closer to the city, handles European flights and much of the region's private aviation, and is roughly an hour from Como. Bergamo, Lugano and Zurich are also within reach for those combining the lake with a wider journey.
Trains run from Milan to Como in around 40 minutes, and from Milano Centrale to Varenna on the eastern shore in about an hour. From there, ferries and water taxis connect the main villages; on the central lake the boat is often quicker, and far more pleasant, than the narrow shore roads, which can be slow in summer.
For a memorable arrival, we can arrange a chauffeured car from either Milan airport, a private boat waiting at the nearest jetty, or a helicopter transfer, weather permitting.
Good to know
The lake's main season runs from Easter to late October. Many gardens and some restaurants close or shorten their hours between November and March, and ferry timetables are reduced, so check opening times before planning a winter visit. In July and August, the roads along the western shore become congested and parking in Bellagio and Varenna is scarce: a private boat, ferries and water taxis are the best way to move around. Restaurants serve lunch from around 12.30 to 14.30 and dinner from 19.30, and bills usually include a small cover charge, the coperto. Swimming is possible from lidos and beaches in summer, with the water at its warmest from July to early September. The historic centre of Como is a limited-traffic zone, so leave the car outside or arrange a driver.
Frequently asked questions
How do we get to the villa from Milan?
The drive from Malpensa or Linate takes one to one and a half hours, depending on the shore. We arrange chauffeured transfers, a private boat to meet you at the nearest jetty, and helicopter transfers, weather permitting.
Can you organise a private boat for our stay?
Yes. We can arrange a classic wooden motorboat with a captain by the day or for the whole stay, as well as water taxis for dinners across the lake.
Can we have a chef and staff at the villa?
We can provide a private chef, housekeeping, a butler, a driver or childcare, so that every meal and outing is taken care of.
How private is a villa stay on Lake Como?
Privacy is central to what we do: stays are kept confidential, arrivals can be entirely discreet, and our team works only with trusted, vetted staff.
When should we book for summer?
June to September is the most requested period, and large villas are often reserved a year ahead. We recommend booking nine to twelve months in advance for July and August, and for weddings or celebrations.
Can we visit the famous villas privately?
Private guided visits of several historic villas and gardens can be arranged on request; our concierge will advise on what is possible during your dates.
Is the lake suitable for swimming?
Yes. From June to September the water is pleasant for swimming, whether from a lido, a beach or directly from a boat in a quiet bay.