Villa Peduzzi

Albano Daminato's Masterful Restoration of a 1909 Liberty Villa With Jaw-Dropping Lake and Mountain Views from Every Balcony

Soaring above the village of Pigra and built on the site of a former medieval watchtower, Villa Peduzzi – exuding grandeur, elegance and utter perfection – sits on nearly five acres of gardens, almost a kilometer above the lake.

Rocco Peduzzi, the family patriarch, constructed the hilltop estate in 1909. His name is memorialized to this day, in an ornate Art Nouveau mosaic on the home's ground floor porch. The home was enjoyed by the family for many years, then underwent a mysterious inheritance, and was finally abandoned in the 1960s.

Discovered again in 2015, architect and designer Albano Daminato was called upon to tap the home's former glory and gently usher it into today's context. He did an exceptional job, restoring the frescoed ceilings, terrazzo and marble to perfection with the help of dedicated artisans (it took four years).

Enter through wrought-iron gates and into the entrance hall which branches out into the living areas: the formal dining room (featuring an oak dining set by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture), the library and a piano salon (featuring a 1901 Steinway and a Saarinen Womb Chair).

A muted and pastel-heavy Liberty-era color palette creates a peaceful ambience, while curved furniture and clean lines were chosen to be in dialogue with the fresco motifs and were inspired by the minimalist paintings of Giorgio Morandi.

This exquisite villa in Lake Como has 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, accommodating up to 14 guests, making it a perfect vacation rental for large families or groups of families or friends.

Each bedroom – they are divided among the three floors – has its own balcony and furnishings include that of the likes of Hans Wegner and midcentury Birgitta.

On the top floor, and you'll find the former attic that was transformed into an entertainment areas, with a billiard's table and games, while a loggia off the ground floor takes you to a caretaker's quarters, housing a wellness/yoga area with exercise equipment including a rowing machine, and a steam room and shower.

Outdoors, there is a pergola and a terrace, and a 22-meter-long heated infinity pool with a Jacuzzi, all overlooking the lake. Children may play to their heart's content on the private playground with a treehouse and trampoline. A recently-added pool house includes a bathroom and chef's kitchen, adding to the al fresco entertainment possibilities.

Along with all that there is to do here, we do recommend one daily ritual: taking part in the quintessential experience – sipping an aperitif on the rooftop terrace or sun deck as the orange ball sets and all is bathed in golden light - while taking in the views of the impossibly green hills and the cobalt blue waters. They'll stay with you forever - trust us.

Additional features

Underfloor heating. Sonos audio system, PS4 and Wii game consoles, an assortment of board games. The villa comes with a villa manager (6 days a week), a housekeeping staff (8 hours a day), and a chef and assistant (6 days a week, serving lunch and dinner every day). Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome drink and snack of Italian pizza and charcuterie.

The villa has its own Axopar 28 Brabus luxury boat, moored at the bottom of the funicular in Argegno. Travel to the lakeside restaurants, or spend the day zipping around or using it to enjoy water sports. There are also six adult mountain bikes on-site.

Services with additional fees

Private driver, additional staff, personal trainer, massage, tennis coach, shopping assistant or tours.

Around

For centuries this exclusive enclave has been a celebrated destination for royalty, aristocrats and celebrities to play and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of Italy's northern lake region. Based at the foothills of the Alps and offering dramatic scenery of the surrounding mountains and the crystal clear waters, Lake Como's iconic character and natural beauty are uniquely atmospheric and impressive. Dotted with charming villages (Argegno is just 1km away) and spectacular villas along both legs of the waterfront, the eponymous town of Como is less than a 10 minute drive from Peduzzi. The ferries are the best way to take in the many lake vistas and visit the famed towns of Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Varenna.

Location

Lake Como, Italy. Closest airport: Milan’s Malpensa (75 minute drive) and Lugano International (60 minutes drive)

Best time to visit

April through October