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Villa sul Lago stands above Stresa in the pretty village of Massino Visconti. The villa dates back to around 1400 and is connected to the nearby Visconti castle. The front of this impressive red house reveals rows of stately pillars, opening onto a courtyard - with three arches at ground level and a loggia on the first floor. This courtyard is home to a magnificent century-old magnolia tree, taller than the house itself.
The pool, bordered by palm trees, is only a few steps away from here. This shared pool provides the bather with an outstanding view, over the deep blue water of the lake and across to the mountains in the background. The owners have recently renovated their house with great care and particular attention paid to the preservation of historical details.
The spacious house consists of two wings: one reserved specially for guests, while the rest of the house is occupied by the owner’s family, who stays on weekends and in August. The wing offered here has been divided into three residential units for two and four people - each unit opening onto a seated area under the shared loggia. Rented together 10 people can be accommodated. The villa faces the lake and is surprisingly peaceful, although it is close to the center of Massino Visconti, where small grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants can be found. Larger stores are available in Gignese (1 km), a supermarket in Invorio (7 km). There is an excellent restaurant about 100 meters from the house.
Massino Visconti is a peaceful village, situated above the lake (approximately 400 meters above sea level). It is well known throughout the Lombard region as it used to be a center for the umbrella repair trade. The sights of the region and many inviting shops are all within easy reach: Arona and Stresa are a brief car journey away. Why not take the ferry from Stresa (10 km) to the picturesque Borromaic islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori), with the exquisite art gallery in the Palazzo Borromeo and the surrounding botanic gardens (opens from April 1 to October 31 ). The botanic gardens at the Villa Taranto, near Verbania (15 km) are also well worth a visit.
Highlights on the Lake:
This villa is not only a personal tip for holiday-makers looking for a quiet spot, or for all those hooked on the most beautiful lake panoramas, but it is also a paradise for golf lovers. World-famous and fully-equipped golf courses, which are visited by the best international golf players, are in the immediate vicinity of the villa: Alpino golf club (6 km) and, primarily, the renowned Des Iles Borromées golf club (4 km), which is an enchanting landscape park with fascinating vegetation and a mild microclimate all year round. The nearest tennis court and equestrian club are 4 km away in Lesa.
Trekking tours through "Val Grande" are a real experience; this wildlife park is the largest uninhabited area in Europe; however, you should make sure you are hiking only in the company of an experienced tour guide. Summer skiing can be done in Switzerland (90 km), Alpine-like and rock faces for free climbing can be found on the mountain slopes of Ossola (70 km), and those of you who aim higher still will find ideal wind conditions there for delta and hang gliding. Additionally, a multitude of water sports is offered on the nearby lake (3 km down the hill). The only thing you won't find is boredom.
PARTE A 100 qm (Four people):
Ground floor: One large living room with fireplace and dining table to seat eight, one kitchen with access to the elegant pillared courtyard. Wooden stairs lead to the upper floor.
Upper floor: One double bedroom, one twin bedroom, one large modern bathroom (shower). This apartment is particularly spacious. It has been decorated in Mediterranean colors and equipped with telephone, satellite TV, stereo, piano, microwave, coffee percolator, iron, hairdryer, dishwasher, and washing machine.
PARTE B 35 qm (Two people):
Upper floor: One double room, one small room (walk through to other room), with writing table, one large modern bathroom (with bathtub) - no kitchen/living room. The double room has access to the outdoor loggia, which runs along the entire length of the villa (shared with the owners of the house).
Apartment B: is connected to apartment A by a door - the two apartments together comfortably accommodate five.
PARTE C 85 qm (Four people):
Upper floor: One living room, one kitchen, one double room, and one bathroom.
Attic floor: One twin bedroom.
This apartment is equipped with telephone, TV (regional reception), stereo, coffee percolator, iron, and hair dryer. The double room has access to the outdoor loggia, which runs along the entire length of the villa (shared with the owners of the house).
Additional Information:
Shared loggia with seated areas, terrace, garden and pool. One cot and one high chair available on request. Guests can use a computer/call-up e-mails in the house and hire out bicycles. A public carpark in available nearby, in the village. |
