Villa del Lago Estate - Como Villa Rentals by Villas of Distinction

Villa del Lago Estate - Como, Italy

The Villa del Lago Estate is a 13 bedroom compound perfect for large family gatherings, weddings or corporate retreats. Located directly on world famous Lake Como, Maria Taglioni is the 7 bedroom centerpiece of Ville del Lago, an extraordinary private estate, directly opposite Villa d'Este. The property is situated below the road in an enclosed private park of 7 acres, the only such estate on the Lake. Adjacent to Villa Maria Taglioni is Villa Maria Serena, an equally striking and luxurious villa. Together, 26 people can be accommodated in a refined, relaxing atmosphere surrounded by rich and exceptional appointments.

The celebrated ballet dancer, Maria Taglioni, owned and restored the villas in the early nineteenth century, welcoming Bellini, Rossini, Franz Lizst, Riccordi and the Italian opera star Giuditta Pasta, for whom the role of Norma was written. The artistic flavor and worldly sophistication of the property during this period has been re-created by the current owners.

Ville del Lago is on the edge of a small village, a gate opening to the old stone paths and staircases running from the water's edge to the busy road above. This position provides a characteristic and charming walk to an excellent restaurant, perched on the edge of the Lake, and the town center to pick up a paper and have a coffee. There are few residences and no other traffic in this part of town beside those coming and going by ferry. You have the convenience of an in-town location without the noise.

The estate's neo-Gothic gatehouse marks the property entrance along the Lake road. The gravel driveway curves down through the park, passing the charming old chapel with its heavy slate roof and ornamental carved-wood and iron details. Alongside is a monument dedicated to Austrian Emperor Joseph II who took refuge in the Villa's harbor during a sudden hurricane in 1769. The park was a botanical garden at the turn of the last century. Although abandoned for many years, along with the villas, it is being gradually reclaimed and improved by the exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable owners. The garden is full of towering trees - magnolias standing like oaks, rare cypress trees, thriving camellias and azaleas, and thick laurel. Wild begonias, exhuberant fall-flowering crocuses and other specimens add scale and color. Among the many meandering paths is the rustic 'arco di pietra' terrace where you can linger to enjoy the view and have a quiet conversation.

Set amongst the trees lining the drive, the owners have recently completed construction of a stunning pool (200 square meters) with waterfall and two private beach ends. An enormous deck (1,000 square meters) surrounds the pool area, affording some privacy when villas are rented separately. Along the Lake's edge, the property has direct access to the water. A dock is reached by stairs and gate from the garden for coming and going by hired boat. There are also granite stairs leading to a swimming platform. A casual outdoor living room has been created under a spreading copper beech tree for refuge from the sun. Beside the house, on a wide gravel patio, are tables for dining al fresco for groups of 12 - 22.

Maria Taglione - Accommodation Details:
Courtyard Level: Primary entrance through courtyard. Formal entrance hall with staircase to first floor and elevator. Music room with Steinway grand and two seating areas for six to eight. Three arched glass doors lead to stone balcony which runs the length of the house. Formal drawing room with working fireplace and two sitting areas for 10 - 12. Door opens to balcony. Formal dining room with working fireplace comfortably accommodates 8 - 14. Kitchen (2-gas and 4-electric burners, large oven, convection/microwave oven, Amana refrigerator, separate freezer, small fridge for beverages, double sinks, two dishwashers). Glass door opens to dining terrace. Guest bath (shower stall).

First Floor: Formal reception hall with elevator access and stairs to top floor. Sitting room with satellite TV, DVD and CD player. Comfortable seating for six. Double bedroom (king) reached directly through sitting room. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, open shower stall and hair dryer). Double bedroom (king) with walk-in closet. Esuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain and hair dryer). Double bedroom (king). Vestibule to private bathroom (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain and hair dryer). Laundry room (staff use only).

Second Floor: Central hall opens directly to sitting room and kitchen/dining room. Walk-in closet with washing machine and dryer. Elevator and spiral stairs (no railing) concealed behind doors. Sitting room with TV, CD player and comfortable seating for six. Kitchen/dining room with open corner kitchen (4-burner electric stove, oven, sink, dishwasher, small fridge). Double bedroom (twins can combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower and hairdryer). Vestibule leads to double bedroom (twins can combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower and hair dryer). Double bedroom (low twins - cannot combine) with ensuite bath (shower stall and hair dryer). Double bedroom (full) with ensuite bath (shower stall and hairdryer).

Grounds: Enclosed estate with 7 acrea private park, Beautiful gardens, walking paths Pool (200 square meters) with waterfall and two beach ends, Large deck around pool,Private boat dock, Granite stairs to private swimming platform on Lake, Outdoor living area with comfortable seating, Outdoor patio for dining al fresco (accommodates 12 - 22 guests) Underground garage with direct entrance to the Villa

Inclusions:
* 7 Bedrooms - sleeps 14
* 8 Bathrooms
* Central air-conditioning
* Full staff
* Swimming pool
* Cleaning included 4 hours/day, 7 days perweek
* Cooking & butler service for 3 meals perday, 7 days per week with 3 hour rest each afternoon.
* Twice weekly bed linen change, daily bath linen change; additional linens by separate payment on request
* Elevator access to each level, including covered parking garage
* Extremely sophisticated state-of-the-art electronics throughout (remote sensor lighting, push-button control of exterior shutters, automatic interior lighting of cabinetry, etc.).
* ADSL line available for internet connection.
* Heat, gas, electricity and air-conditioning included
* Weekday passes to the Villa d'Este Sporting Club are available; please inquire for specifics.

Extras: Telephone/fax/internet
Additional cook or butler hours on request 13 Euros per hour
Food, beverages and consumables
Personal laundry by separate payment at 12 Euros per hour. Additional linens
Supplement for exclusive use of property and pool, if requested and available
Refundable security deposit - $9,000

Villa Maria Serena is part of the astonishing and unique estate of Ville del Lago near Como, a charming, intimate vacation villa on its own or in conjunction with Villa Maria Taglioni for groups of 26. Luxury appointments and state-of-the-art renovation create a refined but relaxing atmosphere for vacations of family and friends directly on the eastern shore opposite Villa d'Este. Professionally trained full-time staff provides unparalleled service.

Villa Maria Serena is a charming and beautifully designed, 6 bedroom villa accompanying Villa Maria Taglioni along the eastern shore of Lake Como near Como. These villas are the centerpiece of Ville del Lago, a prestigious estate directly across from Villa d'Este. Set amongst the trees lining the drive, the owners have recently completed construction of a stunning pool (200 square meters) with a waterfall and two private beach ends. An enormous deck (1,000 square meters) surrounds the pool area, affording some privacy when villas are rented separately.

NOTE: In some instances when the sister villa - Maria Taglioni is rented with pool exclusivity, only Villa Maria Taglioni guests can have access to the swimming pool. Villa Maria Serena guests will then be offered the use of the pool at Villa dEste.

In cases where both Maria Taglioni and Maria Serena houses have simultaneous bookings to two separate groups, without esclusivity to Maria Taglioni, then both villas can share the property swimming pool. The owner's experience has proven that thanks to the size and the multiplicity of the differents sun decks, and to the typical use of the swimming pool by guests, that no inconvenience at all is ever noticed.

The property also includes a 7 acre park, a harbor and dock for boats, as well as a direct access point for swimming. The owners of the estate have invested some 10 years in bringing the properties to the highest standard of contemporary living, and are now offering the estate selectively to guests.

Villa Maria Serena lies alongside the Lakefront to the south of Villa Maria Taglioni. Both homes share the same handsome neo-Classical architecture with its appealing detail and scale. Plane trees, potted plants and shrubbery create a privacy screen between the two buildings, where the owner has added benches on the lawn for the enjoyment of the stunning view across the water. Just beyond Villa Maria Serena is the facade of a third villa (currently unoccupied) which is also part of the estate. Adding to the appealing composition of the view is the handsome bell tower of a nearby town rising behind. Villa Maria Serena borders the village itself, with its shallow stairs and walking paths of stone. Just below is a private dock for swimming and boating. Stairs lead up past pool towards the main road and town shops. A short stroll into town brings you to the public boat dock and an excellent restaurant. Direct arrival to Villa Maria Serena is via the private garage. Here, the owners have kept the ceiling open around the perimeter for natural light, and lined the edge with planters of bamboo. A tall gate marks the entrance to the Villa.

This charming villa has been refinished with the same absolute dedication to style, sophistication and comfort as Villa Maria Taglioni. There are automatic room lights and interior cupboard lighting, beautifully restored family antiques, and marble-finished bathrooms. The owners have very carefully calibrated the colors and details to achieve the overall effect. Each room has its own soothing shade and a mix of modern and classical design touches. Villa Maria Serena has an intimate charm and contemporary appeal.

Maria Serena - Accommodation Detail:
Courtyard Level: Entrance from courtyard linking Villa Maria Serena with Villa Maria Taglioni and the town. Central hall open up to first floor. Double doors open to balcony along Lake. TV room with working fireplace, comfortable seating, HDTV with satellite (SKY), DVD. Double doors open to courtyard. Can be used as double bedroom (twins) on request. Private bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) with marble finishes. Double bedroom (king can separate) with walk-in closet. Double doors open to balcony running length of house. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Double doors open to stone railing. Double bedroom (king) with double doors opening to the above-mentioned balcony. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Double doors open to a balustrade.

Lake Level: Iron gate from garage to patio set for breakfast al fresco. Primary entrance hall. Stairs lead to upper level (open landings could be a hazard for young children; please inquire). Dining/living room with five sets of double doors opening to surrounding terrace and walkway. Dining table seats 10. Two seating areas with their own working fireplaces. Eat-in kitchen (4 gas- and 2 electric-burners, large oven, microwave, GE double door fridge, separate freezer, 2 dishwashers) with table for six. Adjacent pantry. Double doors open to breakfast patio and walkway surrounding house. Vestibule to guest bath (open stall shower, no curtain). Laundry room (washing machine and dryer).

First Floor: Center hall. Double bedroom (twins can combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Double bedroom (twins can combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Private bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain). Double bedroom (twins can combine).

Grounds: Enclosed estate with 7 acre private park, Beautiful gardens, walking paths Pool (200 square meters) with waterfall and two beach ends, Large deck around pool, Direct access to Lake swimming, Outdoor living area with comfortable seating, Outdoor patio for dining al fresco (accommodates 12 - 22 guests), Underground garage with direct entrance to Villa

Inclusions:
* 5/6 Bedrooms - sleeps 10/12
* 6.5 Bathrooms
* Central air-conditioning
* Cleaning included 4 hours/day, 7 days perweek.
* Cooking service for breakfast included 7 days/week.
* Heat, gas, electricity and air-conditioning included.
* Twice weekly bed linen change, daily bath linen change; additional linens by separate payment on request.
* Extremely sophisticated state-of-the-art electronics throughout (remote sensor lighting, push-button control of exterior shutters, automatic interior lighting of cabinetry, etc.).
* ADSL internet connection available.

Extras: Telephone/fax/internet
Food, beverages and consumables
Personal laundry by separate payment at 12.00 Euros per hour.
Additional cooking, butler and cleaning services. Additional cook and butler service on request at 400 Euros per day
Additional linens
Refundable security deposit ($5,000)

Please Note: At both properties children under 8 must be accompanied by nanny. Older children are welcome with the understanding they are well-behaved and well-looked after by guests or guest staff. Owners' staff is not available for child-care services.

There are some hazards on the grounds (open lakeside, steep garden paths and stairs, etc.). Guests are fully responsible for their own safety at all times.

Villa Maria Taglioni may be rented to another party during your stay, in which case all guests would share use of property and pool. Pool has two beach ends and enormous deck affording some privacy.

Private car, boat and sea-plane services can be arranged on request.

Weekday passes to the Villa d'Este Sporting Club are available; please inquire for specifics.

Location Information: Como (all services, shops, restaurants, boat hires, public ferry service, train station): 10 minutes by boat or car
Cernobbio (Villa d'Este, boutiques, restaurants): 5 minutes by boat, 15 minutes by car
Menaggio, Tremezzo: 30-40 minutes by boat
Bellaggio: 30 minutes by boat, 50 minutes by car
Milan, Milan Airport: 1 hour