Lake Como Living
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"When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como," Liszt mused. Indeed, with its backdrop of the Alps, sapphire blue water and necklace of villas, romance is always swirling in the fresh air of this enchanted destination.
Herewith, some BoutiqueHomes as dazzling as the region itself.
With charm in spades, this historic two-story villa was divided into two vacation home rentals. Both overlook a pretty little harbor with gorgeous views across the water and direct access to a private pebbled beach.
Set along the shores of Lake Como's Zoca de L'Oli gulf, this 18th-century villa is an elegant and homey house that has been in the same family for decades. Most of the bedrooms have lake and island views; sleep with the doors open and tell Siri not to set any alarms.
It's always nice to have a legend in the collection. This home was designed in collaboration with the iconic Italian architect Gio Ponti, designer of Milan's Pirelli tower. For Bellavista, you can see echoes of his nautical passion, especially in the curving windows that offer 180-degree views of both the lake and Grigna mountain range.
Drink a tea while watching the light glitter across the water from one of two master bedrooms in this striking villa; each with its own terrace that overlooks the lake. Alternatively, wander down to the private boat slip, set sail for the day, and enjoy your lunch on the lake itself.
A perfect escape for two, this colorful and beguiling lakeside apartment is housed in a grand former hotel. Enjoy the views of Bellagio from the palm-filled garden, go for a swim (the shoreline is steps away) or just cozy up in your glamorous hideaway.
Imagine morning laps in this pool, followed by breakfast inside your villa that was built in the shadow of a 14th-century castle that rises over the historic fisherman's village of Santa Maria Rezzonico. This family-friendly retreat delivers such simple pleasures with a grandeur that will remain with you forever.
This late 19th-century stone quarry cottage is much more than the home library of our dreams, it's where novelist Giuseppe Guin came to write. Inspiration surely abounds, with its wooded surroundings of laurel, olive and magnolia trees, lake views and shelves brimming with prose.
Pale hues and contemporary lines define this villa that stands proudly atop a hill at the southwestern leg of Como. The amenity-forward home has a chef's kitchen, sauna and gym, while also indulging the evergreen pleasures of a life outside: ample terraces, al fresco dining spots, and panoramic views.
Sunny and spacious, this open-plan apartment is the perfect Como nest for two. It was carved out of a 19th-century palace and is replete with personality, while throwing the doors open to stunning lake and Bellagio views.
Life feels like it's in soft focus at this historic 19th-century palace apartment with lake and Bellagio views, quietly enjoyed from the private balcony. The interiors are just as dreamlike, with gauzy light filtering in and a cool, contemporary style.
For more vacation home rentals and small hotels in Italy, click here.