If you’re looking for luxury in Lake Como check out this fabulous apartment with stunning views.
Although I’m a frequent traveller to Italy for some reason I’d not made it to the beautiful shores of Lake Como before this year. As with any trip, whilst you can plan the logistics, aside from reading reviews and viewing pictures you never know what to expect from a villa or hotel until you arrive. And by then it’s too late to do anything about it.
I came across Villa San Giuseppe by way of Airbnb, a service I had not used before but one I had only ever heard good things about from family and friends. It seemed a very good price for a property that - at least online - looked stunning.
Villa San Giuseppe sits in the hills about a 1km walk from the lake itself close to the village of Molina, which is part of Faggeto Lario and the first thing to bear in mind is that transportation is a must if you’re planning on staying here. Although there is a bus service it is infrequent and means getting into Como (which is the closest major city) becomes a chore although not an impossibility.
We picked a car up from the airport (Milan Malpensa Airport is 26.7 miles away) and were soon thankful that the vehicle was fitted with a sat nav as it’s a difficult place to find without one.
After a scenic drive up into the mountains about 20 minutes away from Como we finally came to Villa San Giuseppe and our host Marcello was on hand as we arrived. He helped us with our luggage and showed us through the lush gardens along a winding path to the entrance of his house.
Standing halfway on the Como side of Lario, opposite the property you can see the steep mountains of the east side and below it affords inspiring views of the lake from Cernobbio to the gulf of Argegno.
The apartment, which sits at the top floor of this elegant residence (built at the end of the 19th Century) is a converted attic space and certainly does not disappoint. The main door opens into a spacious living area that is a lounge and kitchen/diner with magnificent views of the lakes and there are two large bedrooms (with a double bed and two single beds) each equipped with their own bathrooms. Finally, an ingenious metal staircase leads to a small tower with windows all around its structure that allow you to capture some breath-taking views of the lake.
The sense of space was incredible and the decor – wood flooring throughout with tastefully selected furniture and accessories - could not have been better matched.
All in all, Villa San Giuseppe really lived up to its billing. In fact I would go so afar as to say that it exceeded our expectations. Marcello really has thought of everything – from electronic Velux windows and shutters to the very latest induction hob – and you get a real sense of luxury and comfort in a modern but thoughtful design. This conversion certainly was a labour of love.
As an introduction to Lake Como I couldn’t have wished for anything more and I would not hesitate to recommend this property to anyone wanting a retreat that puts you in perfect proximity to the lake without the flood of tourists at your doorstep.
Prices might seem a little on the high side initially but when you see what you get for your money you realise Villa San Giuseppe actually offers excellent value for money and it is certainly a place I will be returning to in the future.
Prices start from £121 per night (although are seasonally adjusted) and the property comes with a host of facilities, including:
Parking
WiFi
Dishwasher
Washing Machine
Fridge/Freezer
Induction Hob
Fan Oven
Iron
Hair dryer
Owner Marcello is also on hand to assist with the booking of boats, cycles etc and can advise on public transport, restaurants and places to visit close by.
If you’re looking to live it up with the social sect on Lake Como but also keep a little privacy then Villa San Giuseppe is certainly the place to be.
For more information visit the site here.
George R Vaughan