Villa Splendente

About this property

Time seems to stand still as you gaze out to the views of Lake Como from this exceptionally beautiful and unique Lombardy home near Bellagio.

Contemplate the serenity surrounding this mid-century villa, set in private woodland close to a charming hillside village and enjoying panoramic vistas of the lake and mountains. Yet it’s not just the villa’s incredible setting that will inspire you – its vintage style also adds to the aesthetic beauty of this special place, originally designed by one of Italy’s most iconic 20th century architects.

Start off in the top floor living and dining space with 180 degrees lake views, also featuring an original 1960s bar, sunken lounge, mid-century dining table alongside designer fittings. The elegant kitchen includes bespoke interiors alongside contemporary appliances such as the two Smeg ovens and double fridge with ice-maker whilst doors lead to the prettiest of garden terraces where you can breakfast or barbecue beneath the shady pine trees.

Across the six bedrooms guests can expect 5* hotel quality beds and delicately embroidered linen whilst most of the five bathrooms feature original 1960s tiles. Two of the doubles lead to the mid-floor balcony, a wonderful spot for your morning coffee overlooking Lake Como at any time of year.

Indeed, you can follow the seasons at Villa Splendente from snow-capped mountains in the winter to azaleas and trailing wisteria in local villages as spring approaches. In the summer it’s a privilege to be able to escape the lakeside tourists and relax by your private pool surrounded by hydrangeas and idyllic lake scenery, then come October the estate’s woodland is breathtaking with autumnal tones as local restaurants serve chestnuts and good wine.

No matter when you visit, Bellagio is always full of such charm across its narrow, steep lanes, famous Salita Serbelloni and lakeside promenade, home to the historic Villas Melzi and Serbelloni. Only a 15-minute drive away, Bellagio is also home to summer lidos, a pretty public beach and watersports such as sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Alternatively, arrange a private boat excursion, the perfect way to explore this magical lake.

Ferries will whisk you away to other gorgeous lakeside towns including Varenna and Menaggio or head across the lake to Villa del Balbianello, a stunning 18th century house and gardens where scenes have been filmed from Star Wars and James Bond movies. Of course, away from the glamour there are ample opportunities for long hikes, bike rides, swimming from pebbled beaches followed by long lunches in authentic osterie – there are so many experiences to appreciate during your time at Lake Como.

Enjoy magnificent Lake Como and mountain views from Villa Splendente, set on a hillside in private wooded grounds just outside a small village, around a 7km drive from the lakeside town of Bellagio. You can walk up the hill to the local village where there’s a cake shop and gelateria, a couple of café-bars and a small supermarket.

Bellagio is of course one of the most loved lakeside towns in Lombardy - it’s a joy to explore with its narrow lanes filled with charming trattorie and little shops including the much photographed Salita Serbelloni. Be prepared for lots of steps or head straight to the lakeside promenade and wander along the lake’s shore, admiring beautiful historic villas and their gardens such as Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. Look out for lidos and watersports, especially around Pescallo where you will find sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

From Bellagio, take the ferry across to Varenna, an authentic and picturesque village with traditional colourful houses and pretty cobbled lanes. The most energetic can walk up the steep hill to admire the medieval Castello di Vezio where there’s the most stunning views of Lake Como.

Also accessed via ferry, take a stroll down the elegant lungomare in Menaggio or wander to the heart of the town and enjoy the shops, cafes and restaurants. Explore the old quarter with its characterful buildings or head further inland to discover some of the magnificent walking trails through Parco Val Sanagra. 

18th century Villa del Balbianello is another beautiful gem on the shores of the lake with picturesque terraced gardens – many famous movies have filmed scenes here, including Star Wars and James Bond, and the backdrop is truly spectacular. Approach by taxi-boat or footpath from Lenno (take a ferry from Lezzeno or Bellagio).

One of the owner’s recommended restaurants, Trattoria del Segrino, can be found in the village of Canzo not far from the Parco Lago Segrino, a picturesque spot for walking following the trail around the small lake. This is just one of the many beautiful walking spots in this part of northern Italy, not to mention cycling opportunities, horse-riding and boat rental – all spectacular ways to appreciate the stunning landscapes around Lake Como.

Accommodation

Villa Interiors

Top Floor

-    Main entrance
-    Living room with sunken lounge and fireplace, sofas near lake-view windows, 1960s original bar and dining area
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including Smeg ovens, two sinks, hob, microwave, dishwasher, double fridge, ice-maker and doors leading to garden terrace and barbecue
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (200x200cm), doors leading to lake-view top balcony and en suite 1960s bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, separate shower, bidet, WC and two sinks
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (can be made into twins) and en suite 1960s bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, separate shower, bidet, sink and WC

Middle Floor

-    Open-plan living and dining area with small side kitchen including fridge, microwave, sink, two hotplates
-    WC
-    Bedroom with a king-size bed (can be split into two singles), a single bed, seating area, doors leading to lake-view mid-floor balcony and seating area and en suite 1960s bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, separate shower, bidet, WC and dressing room*
-    Bedroom with double bed (140x180cm) and door leading to lake-view mid-floor balcony and seating area
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm, can be separated into twin beds)
-    1960s bathroom with bath/shower, bidet and WC
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed, door leading to gardens, small room with large portable TV (that can be wheeled into the mid-floor living area) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC
*An extra chair-bed can be added to this room on request, subject to an additional fee

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (12x4m, depth: 1.1m) and children’s pool (2x4m, depth: 1m), both open approximately June to September
-    Sun-loungers (x8) and lounge chairs (x5)
-    6-person sauna and dressing room
-    Lawn
-    Terrace with lake views
-    Garden terrace with al-fresco dining table (for 6) and barbecue 
-    Mid-floor shaded balcony with al-fresco dining table (for 6 – more chairs possible) with lake views
-    Bocce court (25x2.5m)
-    Organic vegetable garden
-    Private grounds/forests (3 acres)
-    Access to shared tennis court
-    Parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning (on request)
-    Heating
-    Sauna (with dressing room)
-    Shared tennis court
-    Bocce
-    Indoor games
-    Hairdryer
-    Washing machine