Location: Careno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy, Europe (15 kilometers Northeast of Como, 1 hour North of Milan) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4-6)
Keywords: Apartment
"La vecchia casa del Prete," (The Old Priest House) is so called because for many years it was the residence of the local priest.
The building was constructed in the early 1600s like a good part of the houses that climb from the lake forming an upside down triangle which characterizes Careno. The origins of the village are dated back to the Roman times when the region was conquered by the Empire.
Famous is the church of San Martin, built by the maestri comacini in 1100 circa. At the entry of the village from the state road is the 16 century parish "dell'Assunta."
Careno is halfway from the cosmopolitan town of Como and Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake for its beauty, and it is easily accessed by car as well as by the excellent public bus service and also by ferry and water taxi.
From every window of the apartment one has a breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains that surround it. The disposition of the rooms make the house ideal for two couples but it could be comfortable for six adults.
The apartment has split-level floors separated by five steps. The kitchen, bathroom, and a spacious bedroom with two single beds are on the lower floor. The living room and master bedroom are located in the upper part. The living room has sitting chairs, a sleeper sofa, and a table that accommodates six. The original 400 year old floors made of terra-cotta tiles and the thick stone walls gives the house a warm feeling bringing you back in time. Some of the windows are ceiling to floor high and have an iron railing. For this reason and the fact that the village is quite vertical and full of steps and cobbled paths, we discourage bringing children.
During summer a small bar, restaurant is open not too far from the docks (the owner is also the ferry attendant). Careno has one of the few beaches on the lake making swimming and sunbathing a favorite past-time.
Careno is a pedestrian zone; various parking areas are available along the road and a large plaza close to the cemetery is just 50 meters away from one of the entrances into the village. Few steps down will take you to the "Vecchia Casa del Prete."
It is not necessary to have a car: as anticipated, buses come by regularly and the bus-stop is located a couple of minutes from the house; the ferry gives an alternative way to reach the localities on the other side of the lake.
A series of trails will allow the more active vacationers to explore the mountains, part of the Pre-Alps chain, that overlooks Careno.
A number of activities are available on site or nearby, from trekking to mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis, sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, canoeing, parasailing, aerial sightseeing and tours of the Patrician villas and gardens. Well renowned is Villa Carlotta with its botanical garden, easily approached in just fifteen minutes from Careno by ferryboat.
Many celebrities choose lake Como for their summer house; visible from our house is Villa Oleander, George Clooney residence. In Bellagio, 20 minutes away, visit Villa Melzi, explore the splendid gardens of Villa Serbelloni, once a getaway for European monarchs and now owned by the Rockerfeller Foundation. In Bellagio you can catch the car ferry to the other side of the lake and reach Switzerland in half an hour.
Como, which is famous for its silk industry, is at 15 kilometers of distance. A must see is the museum of Alessandro Volta, inventor of the battery , and the light-house built in his honor that overlooks the city from the locality San Maurizio, connected to Como by a cable car. From San Maurizio it is possible to walk to Careno using one of the many trails previously mentioned. In three hours you could reach Torno, a little town before Careno, where you will find many restaurants and continue home by bus or make it a day long excursion into Bellagio.
Theaters and cinemas are easily found ether by car or walking through Como�s historical district, full of fashion stores. A few kilometers from Como there are a number of outlets: Armani Factory Store and Emporio Lario 1898 among others.
In front of the bus station is the train station Nord which connects Como to Milano in half an hour, plummeting you into one of the most fashionable and vibrant towns in Europe. There is also the National train station, making trips to the rest of Italy and Europe quite simple. The Milan Malpensa airport is served from Como by train in two hours or by a direct bus in one hour.
Bars, grocery stores, pharmacy, bank, and post office are located in Nesso, two kilometres north of Careno. At the "Vecchia Casa del Prete" a variety of information about restaurants, itineraries and schedules are available.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : There is a 2 level parking area, just 50 mt. from the appartment
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- View/Location
- Lake View
- Mountain View
- Other Amenities
- SPECIAL!!! If you would like to receive a massage, please let me know and i will ask Marina, massage therapist specialized in Ayurveda touch to come to you. 1 hour 60 euro, 2 hours 110 euro. Send me an email at cbsivli@gmail.com She is available in all Como area.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- SPECIAL!!! If you would like to receive a massage, please let me know and i will ask Marina, massage therapist specialized in Ayurveda touch to come to you. 1 hour 60 euro, 2 hours 110 euro. Send me an email at cbsivli@gmail.com She is available in all Como area.
Rate Details (In Euros)
Weekly Rate €450/week + €65 Final Cleaning up to 4 persons (upon arrival)
Dec. Jan. Feb. 550/week Payment due 60 days before arrival via pay-pal
Each additional person +15Euro. Check-in Sat.2:00pm/check-out Sat.10:00am.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Property Photos
-
- view from the livingroom - Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy Apartment Rental
-
- - Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy Apartment Rental
-
- - Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy Apartment Rental
Traveler Reviews (22)
careno
Guest: philip
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11
Review Submitted: 10/04/11
This is a lovely, welcoming refuge high above lthe lake with beautiful antique furniture and fantastic neighbors. The refreshing beach at the foot of the hill kept our kids happy on hot days and the boat trips are a blast. We do not hesitate to recommend this neat place for a family!
Recommended for:
careno vacation
Guest: Robin
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11
Review Submitted: 10/04/11
We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 days at your apartment. The place was unique, and what a flavor we got of the people and culture in your area. It will be an experience to cherish. Many thanks. Robin Sent from my iPhone
Recommended for:
A charming apartment close to the heart of Lake Como
Guest: Tom
(St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11
Review Submitted: 06/07/11
This apartment is very nice for 2 people and would be a lot of fun with about 4 people. It is in great shape for something built in 1600 era. The owner has added many new touches to make it feel like home. There is a great stock of movies and other entertainment along with a wealth of travel information, maps and schedules of the ferries and local transportation. This is not a place for the average American tourist, but we loved it since the walking with steep hills is just perfect for us. The only drawback is the roads, which are narrow and people tend to drive too fast in Italy. However, the bus service is excellent. Everything that was described in this listed was correct and the owner was very helpful in finding the place and suggesting some sites. It was a very good value, although we never saw George. I live in Colorado part of the year and the roads were easy for me and we were able to make side trips to Venice and Milan without much problem. There is a ferry right below the apartment so exploring the lake area would be very easy. It is a lovely romantic place and has all of the charm of many more expensive places around the lake.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Incredible views, but furnishings and decor a bit 'blah'
Guest: The 2 O'Bs
(Savannah, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/27/10
Review Submitted: 08/16/10
My husband and I stayed here for four days as part of a 7-week European tour and enjoyed ourselves, but were a bit disappointed at the level of furnishings and decor. The area was beautiful, but we ended up having to go to Bellagio each day to get Internet access (though we were told it was available at the apartment), because it was necessary for us to check on our businesses while away. On the good side, the owner was very helpful as we made our plans and we loved the views--especially being able to see down the lake from the bedroom! There was also a nice little swimming beach right in Careno and a lovely local restaurant right down on the water. We would probably come here again, but would love to see a nicer furnishings and decor throughout, and a little closer attention to cleaning detail.
Owner response:I take your point and will make sure that no other renter will be disappointed regarding the cleanliness of the apartment. Fausto, our neighbour, would have you check the Internet every day for a minimal cost, i am sure cheaper that a Bellagio's cafe. Unless the info were taken away, they should have been on the information board, in the corridor. As for the decor, it goes both ways. We had a much better set of furniture in the beginning of our renting.... we had to change few things around. So, I hope that a nice comfortable Ikea's sofa will do for the view that you can see seating on it. Safe travel, no matter where you'll go. Silvana
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children.
Devine, Magic
Guest: Larissa
(Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10
Review Submitted: 06/19/10
This stay was magic and very special for us. We were amazed at the stunning views from EVERY window. The Church out the kitchen window was also very special. The age and authenticity of the building had us mezmarised. We felt like we had stepped back in time and just enjoyed soaking up the sence of history and closeness to nature. The floor to ceiling shutters in the bedroom were a big favourite, making for a romantic stay. A big thanks to the owner who is very helpful, answering all our questions and sugesting things to see and do. and who maintains the property to a wonderfully comfortable, high standard. There is much to see and do in the area, and it is a definate advantage to have a car, to do some of the beautiful drives and day trips arround the lake to the stunning little villages. Our stay here was a definate highlight, of our 2 month European adventure. The Family from Canberra, Australia
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.
A Magical Place
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/20/10
Review Submitted: 06/12/10
Thank you, thank you, Silvana, for sharing your home with us. It is a magical place in the most beautiful setting, We felt fortunate to stay in a house with so much history; every day was a new adventure. Although shopping and dining were a bit challenging because we are used to having a car and a supermarket a few blocks away, we would not have traded places with someone staying at Villa d'Este!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
Guest: scott morse
(florida)
Date of Stay: 09/03/09
Review Submitted: 09/03/09
This was my wife and I's first trip to Lake Como. Arriving to the village by our own car from Zurick Switzerland was an experience we will never forget. It was a great drive of about 5 hours with stops along the way. The unit is at the top of the village and very close to the road which is nice so you dont have to walk so far down the walk way. The unit is very secure and safe. The people in the village are very nice and friendly. When you open the windows the view is unforgetable. I felt like I was in a hot air balloon floating over the lake. Everything is there in the unit and more. The church bells really let you know where you are, back in time 400 years ago. This is a special place for those who want the "real old world village" on lake como experience. The private gated parking spot was a life saver. Bellagio was a short 20 to 30 minute drive. There is a bus that runs and a ferry but good luck figuring the schedual out. This is a great place for two couples as the living room is between the two bedrooms. You will have to share the bath though. The owner has taken pride and great care to make the guests as comfortable as possible. The walk down to the lake is a must and there is one resturant near the water, otherwise you have to go to nearby towns for whatever else you might need. Last but not least this place has the view you could only dream about.
Recommended for:
Guest: Carole and Dennis Mick
(Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/28/08
Review Submitted: 06/28/08
From the moment we opened the shutters and looked out on the view of the lake, our stay in at the Casa del Prete became a vacation of a lifetime. We took advantage of the ferries, buses and our feet to visit and explore Careno and the communities surrounding the lake. The sights were breath-taking, the people were helpful and friendly, the adventure was thrilling and the overall mood could not have been more relaxing. The apartment is charming and well equipped. We would recommend not having a car as the transportation system is easy to use (once you get an understanding of all the codes on the schedules) and the roads are quite challenging. This is a vacation place to be sure not to miss.
Recommended for:
Guest: Shelley Matulick
(Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/16/07
Review Submitted: 07/16/07
Your photos do not do this beautiful place the justice it deserves. Our stay was so wonderfully romantic, my partner proposed to me here. Thankyou for a perfect stay.
Recommended for:
Guest: agnew
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/16/06
Review Submitted: 10/16/06
Silvana and Jeff, thank you for the unforgetable time with you on our visit to Italy. We have taken it all in at a fast pace. You both have given us a trip of a life time. Your family and friends were so enjoyable to be with. You are so loved by all that you touch. We could not have experienced all that you have shown us, while we have been here in Italy. Your home is a perfect fit to you lifestyle and flavor. We are so lucky to have had a chance to see the other side of life. Enjoy your tray! See you at Cayo Costa, our other paradise. Love, Sherry and Rick Agnew, Columbus, Indiana USA
Recommended for:
First (10) of (22). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #53741
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - Friday, February 03, 2012
