Lake Como
The local area
Luxury Villas and Property Investment In Lake Como, Italy
Regardless of the motivations of entering the luxury second home market - as a business investment or purely for pleasure - there's no doubt that having access to a selection of international properties is synonymous with success and a jet-set lifestyle. Our Members enjoy exclusive access holiday homes all over the world, including our beautiful piece of luxury real estate in Lake Como, Italy.
Famed for its waterfront villas, Lake Como is a place of 19th century elegance. Lying at the feet of the Rhaetian Alps Lake Como is inordinately beautiful - a peaceful world of exquisite villages and vividly green mountain sides, it's one of the most stunning locations in the world. The promise of extraordinary surroundings and the leisurely pace of life has made Lake Como a fashionable destination for years. Drawing starry-eyed visitors since Roman times, this unique spot in northern Italy has been admired by romantic poets, painters and frequently enjoyed by the rich and famous.
Overlooking one of Italy's prettiest towns our luxury villa has breath taking views, and it's easy to see how Wordsworth fell in love with the place. He described it as "a treasure whom the earth keeps to herself", but while Lake Como may have grown in popularity, it has lost none of it's magic.
The History of Lake Como
Ever since prehistoric man roamed the surrounding hills, visitors have been drawn to the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake. Some of the first to build lakeside villas were the Romans, before powerful dynasties maneuvered to take control of the region throughout the Middle Ages. Finally in the mid-19th century, the power games ceased and Lake Como became a destination for world famous poets, musicians and romantics of all ages.
Como Cathedral is one of the most important historical building in the area. It's thought to be the last Gothic cathedral constructed in Italy and contains some important tapestries made in Ferrara, Florence and Antwerp. Silk is another big part of Como's long history. Beginning in the Middle Ages and using silkworms originally smuggled out of China, today the remaining silk houses still produce fabric for some of the most luxurious fashion brands in the world.
What to See and Do in Lake Como
The inhabitants of Lake Como have a very relaxed attitude to time and it's said that the clocks on official buildings can vary by up to 15 minutes.
"Why worry about such a little matter - we are going to be late anyhow".
This local attitude towards punctuality is often a welcomed change from the demands of modern life, making Lake Como the perfect destination to unwind and relax. You can serenely sail across the lake, enjoy lunch in one of the many hidden villages and discover the secluded wooded paths before visiting the magnificent terraced gardens of Villa Balbianello. For those in need of a little excitement, the lake offers numerous watersports and the elegant nightlife ensures that there's always something for everyone.
Food and Drink in Lake Como
Lake Como has more than its fair share of great restaurants, and in true Italian style its cuisine has been made remarkable by the delicious local produce that's harvested from the lake and surrounding mountainsides. The result is a gastronomic treasure trove. The freshwater shad are caught and dried in the sunshine, creating the culinary speciality Missoltini. Maccheroncini with tench, risotto mixed through with perch, pike fillets and lavaret roe are all treats you can savour during your stay in our luxury villa.
Popular cuisine also includes the local cheeses made in traditional dairies (often still using copper pans and wood-burning stoves) and boasts some excellent butter. Chestnuts, mushrooms, snails and freshwater shrimp are also gathered around Lake Como, with polenta and game making delicious additions to many local meals. Dishes to try include cassoeula (pork and savoy cabbage) and rustisciada, a mix of pork loin, sausage and onions. All complimented with a beautiful glass wine from the local vineyards.
