About this property
Built in the 1950s, Villa Allegra is an authentic holiday home set above the enchanting town of Bellagio, with stunning views of the Alps and the famous Lake Como in northern Italy's Lombardy region.
Inside, the property oozes elegance, history and innate style. The first floor is ideal for socialising with family members or friends and boasts a fully equipped kitchen with enough space to cook as a group. The serene living room is connected to a dining area with a large table for 12 guests and features an impressive view of the natural panorama outdoors.
Each bedroom and bathroom is exquisitely decorated– expect bourgeoise wallpaper, velvet headboards and ornate chandeliers as well 24k gold-plated taps by Czech & Speake! History lovers and art connoisseurs will rejoice in the halls dressed in paintings and unique decor such as wrought iron works by Alessandro Mazzucotelli and Carlo Rizzarda, alongside antique furniture and historic artefacts.
When looking for a quiet corner, you will be pleased to find a beautiful library with bookcases bursting at their seams with interesting reads collected by the owner himself. Once you have made your choice, make yourself comfy on the sofa and relax by the fireplace as the evening melts into the night. Alternatively, head to the lovely veranda with views of the Alps and watch the day go from a birdsong-filled sunrise to sultry, flower-scented dusk. On balmy evenings, get cosy under a hand-woven blanket in your own winter garden – or take control of the telescope and trace the stars across a black-velvet sky with an aperitif always by your side.
Outside, a stunning 12000m2 garden awaits, inviting you to unwind in natural surroundings filled with plants, statues, fountains and countless viewpoints from which you can admire the panoramic vistas. Hidden away and set amongst the trees, a stone path leads you to the cutting-edge pool. Here you can swim before relaxing on a lounger and admiring the backdrop of mountains immersed in greenery.
Despite enjoying a privileged hillside position, Villa Allegra is just a stone's throw away from the centre of Civenna, a village boasting traditional amenities and breathtaking views. Just a 10-minute walk (via a road) or a few minutes in the car allows you to explore epic vantage points, parks, wine bars and cafés.
Or, if you are looking for a bit more atmosphere then head to Bellagio. The town is made for wholesome afternoon strolls and days spent exploring its cobbled lanes lined with pastel-hued houses and Juliet balconies before dining in a fantastic local restaurant.
Just over an hour's drive away, Milan, the capital of fashion and design, is full of high-end restaurants, boutiques and piazzas to visit and see, making it great for a day trip. Don't miss the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci's famed mural 'The Last Supper'.
Villa Allegra enjoys an ideal location perched above the charming town of Bellagio and surrounded by magnificent views of the Alps and Lake Como. Set in its own landscaped garden, it is within easy reach of many of the major villages and cities nearby.
A 10-minute walk along a road or a quick 2-minute car journey takes you to Civenna, a small village where you can find local amenities such as a supermarket, some wine bars and cafés. There is a lot of walking on offer here, whether around the village’s winding paths, through alleyways of pastel-coloured houses or in the local park, Parco Bellavista.
If you want to soak up the sunshine by the water, then head to Bellagio to bathe on Lake Como’s shores. The Lido di Bellagio, is a 15-minute drive away and has crystal-clear water inviting you for a swim or paddleboard. You can even hire a private motorboat to sail across the lake and stop in other villages and towns dotted along its shores, such as Menaggio and Varenna.
To escape the blazing Italian heat, you'll want to recharge your batteries with the help of a delicious lunch and refreshing aperitifs in Bellagio - and you will find many wine bars that spill onto the street, popular with both sun-kissed tourists and locals alike. Make sure to spend a good few hours exploring the waterside promenade and cute little eateries that line the paths too.
Nature lovers can head further inland towards the forested area surrounding Erba, a town at the foot of the Lombard Prealps and close to Monte Bollettone. Only a 30-minute drive away, there are many hiking and walking trails that will excite all outdoor enthusiasts, such as the Alpe del Vicerè, a mountainous area with splendid lake views, and Orrido di Caino, full of fascinating trails with elements of rock climbing.
Only a 45-minute drive away you can find Como, home to Renaissance architecture such as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta – Duomo di Como, one of Italy’s most iconic 14th-century Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals. Peek inside to spot a medieval rose window and a meticulously carved main altar. Alternatively, climb to the top to get spectacular holiday photographs of the city and its surroundings.
For more magnificent spots, be sure to visit Castello Baradello and admire the vistas across the twinkling Lake Como. Or, take the funicular railway and travel up to the village of Brunate. At the top, Art Nouveau-style villas await, as do pleasant walks amidst the vegetation, with many vantage points offering yet more wonderful views.
For a slice of the bustling city life, hop in the car and drive to Milan, home to museums, shops, centuries-old architecture and a first-class restaurant scene. If you can only dedicate one day to the city or you happen to be passing by, make sure to visit the Gothic Duomo cathedral standing tall and proud. This 14th-century church is the city’s most important landmark with plenty to see inside and unbelievable skyline views at the top. Right next to it, you can also find The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of. Just wandering around this city allows you to soak up the chic atmosphere radiating from every corner.
Accommodation
Villa only - 10 guests (6 bedrooms)
Villa and Guest House - 13 guests (8 bedrooms)
Villa Interior (660m2)
Ground Floor
- Kitchen equipped with a fridge, freezer, hob, oven, dishwasher, kettle, microwave, grill oven, coffee machine and a breakfast table
- Open-plan dining room with a dining table and chairs
- Living room with a sofa, TV and fireplace, with doors opening to the large terrace
- Master bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with bathtub and WC
- 2 x double bedrooms with double beds
WC
- Bathroom with a shower, bathtub and WC
- Laundry room
Lower Ground Floor
- Living room with a sofa and fireplace
- Wine cellar
- Library
- Bedroom with queen-size bed
- Bedroom with single French bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with single bed
- Bathroom with shower, bathtub and WC
- Winter garden with sofas, dining table and chairs
Guest House(120m2)
Ground Floor
- Living/dining room with fireplace, dining table and doors opening to patio
- Kitchen
- Bathroom with shower and WC
- Wine cellar
First Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and terrace
- Bedroom with single bed and TV
- Bathroom with TV and en-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower attachment and WC
Outside Grounds 12000m2
- Heated pool (84m2, max depth: 1.40m)
- Pool terrace with sun loungers and parasol
- Patio with a garden table and chairs
- Outdoor shower
- Sun loungers
- Garden furniture
- Barbecue
- Table tennis
- Fountains and statues
- Bocce (boules) pitch
- Garage with parking for 4 cars
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (3 villa ground floor bedrooms and Guest House bedrooms only)
- Smart TVs with Netflix, Prime Video
- Sound system
- Hair dryer
- Safe