Three generations of the Fantini family have occupied the shimmering shoreline of Italy’s limpid Lake Orta, and the family’s centuries-old love affair with its exclusive lakeside residence has recently evolved luxuriously at the hands of notable architect Piero Lissoni. 

Lissoni transformed the noble residence into an even more stunning landmark, using his creative vision to blend ancient manor with modern villa in a delicate architectural dialogue. Together, the two structures that make up this villa for rent in Italy celebrate the seamless blend of old and new.

Consisting of two lakefront residences of majestic standing, Casa Fantini reveals the architectural merging of ancient manor and new construction. The integrated residence combines the Fantini family’s noble, 19th-century home with a bold new structure, created at the hands of renowned architect Piero Lissoni. Lissoni’s aim was to create a harmonious architectural dialogue between the two expansive properties, and he succeeded. The result is a generous, lakefront residential hotel that celebrates both the nobility of the old and the creativity of the new.

Traditional artisanal materials merge across both structures, an interplay of dark local stone, patinaed wood, and sheer metal supports integrated with the addition of wide panes of glass and sleek new designer angles. This melding of old and new was also created to amplify Lake Orta’s seductive shoreline. One of the Piedmont’s most romantic locations, the lakefront is idyllic and mystical, an oasis encircled by mountains, with the magical silhouette of the Basilica of San Giulio Island rising from its center. Bedroom balconies overlook the serene lake, with sweeping views out to the island, and the rooms and suites are studies in the elegance of simplicity—spaces awash in soothing neutral palettes outfitted with chic minimalist furnishings.

The property’s contemporary lounge features picture windows that place the lake and its unadulterated shore at the center of attention, and the dining room/restaurant combines walls of stacked stones in shades of grey with refined white cloths and slipcovers, and mid-century-inspired lamps and fixtures. The property’s extensive gardens, with plots that are both delicately manicured and enchantingly wild, are home to a lean lap pool made more intimate by its backdrop of local stone made to mimic the lakeshore environment.

Created expressly to capture lake time, that definitive, meditative calm that descends when you’re on the waterfront, this villa for rent in Italy offers guests the opportunity to unwind in elegance. With the dramatic dark beauty of Lake Orta as its protagonist, the property invites deep relaxation and deliciously indulgent, undeniably luxurious self-care.

The hotel is available to BoutiqueHomes guests on an exclusive basis, including all nine rooms and two suites for a maximum of 22 guests. The restaurant's chef is available to prepare breakfast, lunch, aperitif and dinner. The rate also includes a private transfer to San Giulio Island, a private visit to the Fantini Showroom in Pella, two evening events of the guests' choice, and an exclusive gift for all guests.

AROUND

Often referred to as the most beautiful lake in Northern Italy, Lake Orta is located near Italy’s border with Switzerland, at the foot of the Alps. Set deeply into a valley within the Piedmont mountains, the lake is surrounded by dense forest and offers a rugged, rocky shoreline. Lesser known than nearby lakes such as Lago di Como and Lago di Garda, the lake feels uniquely untraveled. 

In the middle of the water, the wee island of San Giulio rises sharply and dramatically, the silhouette of its historic, 12th-century Basilica and other ancient buildings like an image from a fairy-tale storybook. One of the cleanest European lakes, Lake Orta offers several sandy beaches, hiking and trekking trails for all levels, and there are boats for rental or ferries for exploring atop the water. A place of quiet natural beauty, Casa Fantini appears isolated on the lakefront, yet its original residence is surprisingly integrated into the picturesque small village of Pella, which spreads for a few blocks inland from the lakeshore. 

Further along, the town of Orta once played home to writers, poets, and philosophers, and its cobbled streets dripping with wisteria are quiet, slightly mysterious, and undeniably romantic, lined with boutiques, artisanal shops, and markets. 

From the dock in Pella, only a few steps from the residence, boats for hire afford unique opportunities to capture the dramatic lake at sunset or sunrise. Casa Fantini offers guided experiences in classic Nordic Wwalking, art history, and photography, and features a private restaurant, on-site bar, and concierge services as well.

LOCATION

Lake Orta, Italy. Nearest airport: Milan (about 1½ hours by car)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October