Villa Ponti Bellavista

A 1960s Nautical-Inspired, Gio Ponti-Designed Villa

Spread across three acres of verdant cedar forest and gardens, this 1966-built luxury villa in Lake Como exudes privacy and nature, with plenty of opportunities for family gatherings or wellness retreats.

Bellavista was designed in collaboration with the iconic Italian architect Gio Ponti, designer of Milan’s Pirelli tower, and during the post-war boom of ocean liners, elegant naval interiors. You’ll see his nautical passion throughout, especially in the wall of curving windows that offer 180-degree views of both the Lake and Grigna mountain range, replete with original midcentury furnishings including an original Formanova dining table and Arturo Alvarez designer lighting. Other highlights are a sunken, Mad Men-esque conversation lounge surrounding a grand fireplace, and a 1960s original spiral staircase.

This home is perfect for entertaining: the kitchen has a brass and bespoke cherry wood island, pink marble flooring and a Smeg oven, and there is both a garden and a lake terrace for enjoying meals among panoramic views. For gathering ingredients, the pristine grounds have an organic vegetable, fruit and herb garden. And an infinity-edge pool invites languid swims, followed by a contemplation in the sauna or soak in the hot tub. Recreation can also be found in the original restored bocce ball court.

Ponti Bellavista’s two-bedroom lake view apartment – located in the main house but with a separate entrance – is perfect for staff or teenagers, topping off all the reasons that this home is truly a design-lover or entertainer’s dream on Lake Como.

For a conversation with the owner, visit our Stories section here.

An hour north of Milan, Lake Como is a favorite vacation destination for both Italians and international travelers alike. This luxury villa in Lake Como, located specifically in Bellagio – often called “The Pearl of Lake Como” – is unlike any other in the area, with its curving, ship-like façade and breathtaking 180-degree views.

With six minimalist, well-appointed bedrooms and sitting and dining areas galore, plus a fully-equipped chef’s dream of a kitchen and ample wellness facilities, this house is the perfect backdrop for a postcard gathering.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Enjoy internet, Wi-Fi and television. All beds include the same linens as Milan's premier Principe di Savoia Hotel. Suitable for events. Amenties include TV, heating, hot tub, washer, dryer, indoor fireplace, smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit. There is parking on the premises. 

The owners have an excellent local cook who can prepare lunches for 20 euros/head (primo, contorno, bread, wine) or dinner 35 euros/head (primo, second, contorno, bread, glass of wine). He delivers to the villa but does not serve. There are also Bellagio chefs for 60-150 euros/head but these need to be booked well in advance. Full catering can also be arranged – again, this needs to be booked ahead.

AROUND

The surrounding area offers boat, seaplane and helicopter rides. Walk and shop for local delicacies and goods in the colorful, cobblestoned town center, visit the exotic gardens of Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni, and if you have children, consider a visit to the Lake Como Amusement Park.

LOCATION

Lake Como, Italy. Nearest airports: Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo are all suitable.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: There is no bad time to visit Lake Como. June-September is high season and prime for boating and water sports, while winter is romantic with snow-capped views of the Alps and no-wait restaurants with comforting winter pasta dishes.