Lakes & Veneto

The Lakes, Mirrrors of Heaven

“…This lake, as far as beauty is concerned, overcomes anything else that I have ever seen… It is long and narrow and resembles a magnificent serpentine flower between mountains and ridges… the mountains between Como and that town (Tremezzo), or rather groups of towns, high up and covered with chestnut woods, sometimes reaching the edge of the lake…” - (Percy Bysse Shelley

The Italian Lakes have for centuries enchanted and fascinated travelers, writers, historians, artists, heroes and conquerors. From the most famed lakes, Como and Maggiore, to the lesser-known but equally beautiful lakes Orta, Lugano, Varese and Garda, each has a distinctive character and its own breathtaking scenery. The Italian lakes have been backdrops to books and Shakespearean plays and to architectural follies such as Gabriele D’Annunzio’s luxurious Liberty-style villa on Lake Garda. In recent times wealthy families built imposing villas and magnificent gardens on the shores, islands and hills above these beautiful lakes creating a paradise on earth.

Veneto, The Land of the Doges

Though Venice is the queen of the Veneto region, there is an infinity of lesser-known towns and villages to discover. Padua is one of the region’s major art cities – a bustling place with a medieval nucleus and seat of a famous university founded in 1222. Throughout the region one encounters the signature of the 16^th century architect, Andrea Palladio, whose name is the root of the tern “Palladian”, which has come to signify gracefully incorporated elements of classical architecture – columns, porticos and domes – into a style that reflected the Renaissance celebration of order and harmony. Many of his works can be admired in Vicenza and along the bank of the Brenta river where he designed summer residence for wealthy Venetian families. Veneto is an amazing place to discover!

LAKES

Palazzo sul Garda	7 people	Lake Garda
Splendid apartment in a period villa on the shores of the lake, frescoed ceilings, elegant décor, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Villa Bambu	8 people	Lake Maggiore
On the water’s edge of Lake Maggiore, set in a lovely fenced garden and with private beach, stunning views, walk to village
Villa Concetta	8 to10 + 2 people	Lake Como
In the picturesque village of Argegno, an elegant villa in a sunny, elevated position with stunnng views of the lake, 1 km from the lake shore
Villa Lisa	8 people	Lake Maggiore
Charming villa in a panoramic position on Lake Maggiore near the town of Lesa, spacious and well-furnished
Villa Mimosa	6 or 8 people	Lake Como
Recently refurbished small villa on a hill overlooking Lake Como, with large garden, charming family home.
Villa Ridente	8 people	Lake Como
Delightful Liberty style villa with garden and panoramic terrace, comfortable, spacious, ideal for families
Villa San Giulio	9 people	Lake Orta
Charming large old-fashioned family villa on the beautiful small Lake Orta, private dock, lake access, garden and terraces
Villa Tremezzina	16 people	Lake Como
Magnificent, newly refurbished villa on the shores of Lake Como with pool and tennis court, ideal for large family reunions, weddings, fully staffed

VENETO

Casa Asola	6 people	Asolo
A dream property in one of the prettiest villages in Italy, refined and elegant in a superb hilltop location with pool and views
La Barchessa	8 - 9 people	near Castelfranco
Beautiful private apartment in a 16th Century Palladian villa, recently refurbished and brimming with precious objets d'art, paintings and family heirlooms. For the very discerning....
La Selvatica	2 to 6 people	near Padua
Simply delightful villa with four apartments sleeping 2, 4 or 6 people, pool, garden, superb location and charming owners
Villa Olimpia	8, 10 or 14 people	Asolo
Newly restored 18th century villa in the foothills of Asolo, in a beautiful 6-acre park, excellent location in the centre of the Veneto region