An Early 20th-Century Villa Shares the Shores of Lake Como with a 14th-Century Castle
Located at the mid-point on the western shore of glamorous Lake Como, this villa for rent is settled just below the imposing 14th-century castle that rises protectively over the historic fisherman's village of Santa Maria Rezzonico. Thoroughly renovated in 2020, the large, traditional home dates from the early 1900s and today sleeps thirteen across its five bright bedrooms, making it an ideal spot for family and friends to luxuriate on Italy’s most glamorous lake.
Arriving directly from the castle via a cobblestone pedestrian lane, the house sits directly above the shoreline, offering an extra-large, family-friendly retreat that affords a complete immersion into the region and unparalleled views of the lake.
The large living area opens from the entrance, with amazing views on show from each window and a dining area with both indoor and terrace seating. The fully equipped kitchen has a prep island and the terrace's views encompass the north end of Lake Como.
Four bedrooms span the three stories, with a large loft space ideal for children and teenagers.
Nobilita: The sole ground floor bedroom with twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with large walk in shower.
Cielo: A second floor room with a distinctive aura, this double room features a wood beam ceiling, original features and furnishings, lake views and an en-suite bathroom with a large walk in shower.
Desiderio: Also on the second floor, with triple view windows that make it very bright and airy, this room is considered the primary bedroom with a 4-poster bed and an en-suite bathroom has a large walk in shower and a beautiful lake view.
Montagna: Another second floor bedroom overlooking the mountains and the garden of the Rezzonico Castle with a double bed and an en-suite bathroom with walk in shower.
There is also a lake view balcony on this floor, overlooking the castle gardens and a little lane to the village, ideal for aperitif hour.
Note: a baby cot is available for these three bedrooms.
The top floor attic space attic space retains its original features that have been lovingly restored, including original wood floors and beams and small windows with amazing views. The sleeping area includes four twin beds and a smaller, slightly shorter bed for the baby/youngest of the bunch! A play area offers the perfect place game playing, reading and and relaxing. There is a small en-suite bathroom with a toilet and sink for the children to use.
Outdoor spaces include an upper level balcony from which you can admire the action on the sparkling lake and the take in the lush beauty of the nearby town castle, Castello Rezzonico’s, manicured grounds. The pool set below the home, is open April to September, and there’s a gas grill. There is also a private garden just below the villa and a pathway both into the 'borgo' and down to the pebble covered beach.
Layout: Ground Floor: double bedroom with ensuite bath, living room/dining room, large terrace with dining table, kitchen with island Second Story (1st floor, Italy): Three double bedrooms with baths, corner terrace Third Story (2nd floor, Italy): dormitory bedroom with four twins, one smaller bed, living room/play area
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Around
The luxuriously Old World beauty sits right on Lake Como’s western shore in the town of Rezzonico, a picturesque village with an adjoining town castle, built by the influential De la Torre family in the 14th century. The castle served as a fortification for hundreds of years and is today privately owned by a French family. The town is lesser known than its busier neighbor, Menaggio, but no less scenic, with its roots going back to Roman times. The former fishing village's steep, narrow streets are wildly photogenic, and its arcaded and arched architecture evidence of the town’s storied history. Rezzonico is located directly opposite Dervio, it’s crenellated castle a landmark on this part of the lake, though getting there is part of the fun, as the lake’s traffic bypasses the village via a tunnel, ensuring peace and quiet and traditional Italian village life. The town’s flat beach is about 100 meters from the home, accessed via a small footpath. From here you can swim, splash, SUP or sunbath, or even take to the narrow, pedestrian-only waterfront road for a jog or bike ride. There’s a trattoria with great pizza nearby, and a local market for cheeses, breads, produce and essentials. Tourist-fave Menaggio is accessible by car in less than 10 mintues.
Activities and sightseeing around here include incomparable natural beauty, the area’s rugged mountains rising from the famed lake’s shores. With 46 kilometers of shoreline, there are dozens of medieval villages, winding alleys and steep stairs up to film-worthy villas and palazzi along the waters.
Water activities include sports like swimming, sailing, wind and kite surfing, and of course a motorboat tour of the legendary lake is a must. Mountaineers and hikers love the area for its town-to-summit styled trails, and skiers/boarders can take to Valchiavenna in wintertime. Family hikes include the flat Greenway del Lago, and cyclists can ride fat tires, ebikes or roadbikes for outstanding scenery and a rigorous work out. The lake’s architectural splendor is not to be missed, and the fashion-forward life of urban Milan is about an hour’s drive from the lake, should you want to step out or shop glamorously in the city’s historic heart.
Location: Rezzonico, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest Airport: Milan Bergamo, approximately 35 miles; Milan Malpensa, approximately 45 miles
