Lakefront Villa

Warehouse Transformation on Luxurious Lake Como

This former boatyard makes for an astoundingly spacious residence, its former slips and ship storages transformed into outdoor terraces, lawns, and decks, with an elevated waterfront swimming pool. The generous villa presents a new take on Lake Como luxury with its oversized, warehouse-cum-residence structure marrying the historic with the hip and contemporary.

A loft-like structure created to house hulls and riggings, this newly transformed boatyard stands as an unexpectedly spacious waterfront villa with a distinctly contemporary vibe. Garage-door-sized glass openings flood the former warehouse with light, and generous banks of panes cover most walls across the home’s three levels, creating a panoramic residence. 

Exposed brick and solid structural beams echo the building’s working past, yet the structure’s shipyard look has been fully updated by modern art and stylized furnishings to fit the luxurious Lake Como address. With ample space to spread out, the villa incorporates a full gym, sauna and steam room, spa and massage treatment area, and other chic quarters. Think: private wine cellar, breakfast bar with a view and a grand piano in one of several living rooms. Outside there are even two separate roof decks.

The villa features both wood decks and stone terraces, some shaded, and others private. A mooring and small boat are available to guests. And the abundance of glass sliders transform several indoor spaces into terrace-like rooms themselves—spaces such as the galley kitchen and bar, with its mezzanine library, that opens to lapping Lake Como right outside its windows. Additional five-star amenities include a private concierge, chef, and wait staff.

This lavish villa for rent in Italy has three double suites and four double bedrooms, all with air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. One bedroom is on the ground floor, four are on the first floor, and the remaining two are on the second floor. One of the second-floor bedrooms also contains a double sofa bed for children, and the other bedroom on the second floor has a private terrace. An additional eighth suite annex is available for larger groups or guests traveling with a nanny; please inquire for further information and rates.

AROUND

Located in Griante, on Lake Como’s western shore, this villa for rent in Italy offers a unique waterfront setting for those seeking out-of-the-ordinary exclusive accommodation right on luxurious Lake Como. The pretty village was believed to have been founded by Celts in 500BC, perhaps the earliest known reference to its boat-building origins. By the 16th century, the village had become the focus of raiding pirates and other invaders, yet the town’s pastel-hued homes and villas remain, making it a favored destination along the lakeshore between Menaggio and Tremezzo. 

Griante is a flower-filled stop along Lake Como’s pretty Azalea Trail, a designated Riviera Trail that welcomes sightseers who come for the colorful blossoms. Situated about 30 kilometers from Como, Griante is more or less at Lake Como’s center. The village faces the Belaggio promontory and the Grigne Dolomite mountain range. Many late 19th- and early 20th-century lakeshore villas spread along the shore in both directions, and one of Griante’s most famous residents was Guiseppe Verdi who penned La Traviata there. Queens, emperors and popes have come to Griante, emphasizing the town’s ideal central location, a base for exploring all that luxurious Lake Como has to offer.

LOCATION

Griante, Lake Como, Italy. Nearest airport: Milan (approximately 1-1½ hours)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The villa is open for rentals from April to October.