General
Lago di Como; home to some of the most glamorous and elegant villas of the past centuries, is also home to Casa dell’Architetto – a small lakeside house with a touch of sixties vintage – a pure classic combination.
Occupying an enviable position on this rather magical lake, of course then offers all guests the most breathtaking views of Ossucio and the only island of Como, Isola Comacina, all from the comfort of your own private terrace.
Designed by a rather well-renowned architect in the 1960’s, and later named in his honour, the house is divided into two: the lower floors are available for all guests whilst the upper floor is occupied on occasion by the owner.
Lake Como’s popularity is seen throughout the year and therefore enjoyed in the hot and sunny summer months as well as the crisp and frosty winter period. Casa dell’ Architetto has a wonderful sitting room with an open fireplace just perfect for those colder months on the lake (firewood is included in the price) and yet a ceiling fan cools the room down during the warmer days of the summer.
Take the opportunity to have Caterina come and cook a meal for you, it is an education, a pleasure, and the food is fantastic. Payable locally. Feel free to request a menu!
Location
Casa dell’ Architetto lies on the western shore of the lake, and has always been the destination for an ‘elite tourism’ starting in the ‘belle époque’ period. The extraordinary neoclassic villas of Como, Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Laglio and Tremezzo to name but just a few, have welcomed over the centuries the most famous of celebrities from the world of music and literature and most recently the Hollywood world of film and sports personalities.
The village of Sala Comacina and Ossuccio with their array of shops and trattorias are within walking distance via the marked ‘Greenway’ path - a scenic walkway connecting many local towns and villages.
Take a short drive to the beautiful Villa Carlotta in the village of Tremezzo (approximately 10 minutes). The most famous villa on the lake, Villa Carlotta, has a perfect combination of luxurious interiors and luxuriant exteriors with inspiration and examples from all over the world. Villa Melzi, the gardens of Villa Cipressi and Villa di Balbianello are also not to be missed.
For the keen golfer, Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Course is located nearby and is said to marvel the best of golf players. This fantastic 18-hole course is open from March to November and is certainly one to add to your list. Villa D'Este also offers an 18-hole course and is said to be the most varied and difficult of the European par 69 courses.
Ferries link all major villages and towns of Lake Como, providing both a good form of public transportation and a great way to see the lake. Hop on the ferry at Sala Comacina or nearby Lenno for a trip to Bellagio, la perla del lago (the pearl of the lake), considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Or venture a little further to Menaggio; a picturesque harbour with the old and 'new', the shops, restaurants, cafes, public squares and alleyways, the tree shaded lakeshore promenades bordered by flowers, and the well-kept villas form a wonderful and serene place to holiday.
For the romantics amongst you, why not head out on your own private rowing boat and explore some of the little coves and swimming spots not seen from the shore – the owner of Casa dell’ Architetto kindly allows free unlimited use for all guests.
Inland there are various opportunities for excursions, from the easy walk of the sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso to the more difficult climb towards the basilica of San Benedetto in the Val Perlana.
For those who enjoy relaxing by the lake, the beach that fronts the house is for public use, as are all waterfronts in Italy and its size will change depending on the tides. Beach seating and towels are provided.
Casa dell’Architetto offers a very convenient short stay base for those visiting the various trade and leisure shows at the Fiera Milano, in the centre of Milan itself. Just a short train or car journey into Milan from Como it offers a much more competitive place to base oneself and allows visitors to experience the beauty of the lakes after a day of the city’s hustle and bustle.
From food to clothes, promotional items to art, the Fiera Milano offers shows throughout the year for business and pleasure. Casa dell’Architetto is available during the winter months and for short stays, please contact us for further information.
Please note: The position of this house is one of the most scenic and suggestive of the lake, which means that during the height of the summer and especially on weekends it does get a little crowded, but all you need to do is wait for the sun to set and it re-acquires its tranquillity.
Layout
Double iron gates access a short driveway and steps down to the front door:
Ground Floor: - Sitting/dining room with breathtaking views of the lake. Single bed for a 3rd person.
- Kitchen corner with hob and fridge
- Laundry room
- Covered outdoor terrace, furnished and with outdoor shower
Lower Level:
- Shower room with WC
- One twin/double bedded room with lake view*
Take the opportunity to have Caterina come and cook a meal for you, it is an education, a pleasure, and the food is fantastic. Payable locally. Feel free to request a menu!
CENTRAL HEATING IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
*Please note, the bedroom is in the historical part of the building and although spacious, its height (2.30m) could be inadequate for tall people.
Click here to check out the wheather on Lake Como (refer to Southern Switzerland):