Outstanding idyll of luxury high above Lake Como
Superlatives are multiple and the norm for a beautiful luxury villa high on a hill overlooking the lakeside village of Torno. This property is highest and the building is the very last of the village; in a preeminent position right at the very edge from which woodland and forest takes over the landscape. The villa is a two-minute drive uphill from the village centre and with the elevation comes unimaginably picturesque and panoramic views over Lake Como and across to the village of Moltrasio on the opposite shore. Immediately behind the garden of the villa, starts the forest, which along with higher up in the mountain is accessible via garden paths. The main walkway leads from the parking area (for 4 cars) up to the main entrance (a 50m stroll) of the building, which is a well-restored and refurbished “rustico”; the oldest part of it dates back to 1700. Added and connected to this is a new section of which the interiors present a very modern style, yet the exterior finish is near seamless not distracting. In fact, the planning of the interior design and a contemporary décor is of the highest quality. The same can be said for designer furnishings that are finely showcased in the light that filters through glazed walls to the outside, which bounces off the resin flooring and warms pristine white walls. The owners have also lovingly incorporated their passion for primitive art and Bali art. An eclectic selection of rare objects d’art from Africa is on proud display throughout the villa, as are original pieces by one of the owners who also is a distinguished artist. There is another admirable feature to this villa. It is a basement level carved into mountain rock. A corridor is the only thing separating ancient hard rock from the sauna and one of the two bedrooms en suite. Glazed walls and imaginatively placed lighting has created a subterranean sanctuary and the owners put the excavated stones to good use: as the foundation for a Balinese garden with a mini-waterfall and shade provided by tropical trees.
This is a unique luxury villa that accommodates a maximum of 6 guests. The master bedroom on the first floor is under the eaves in the old section of the villa and, subsequently, has a more rustic style and its privacy enhanced by direct access to a garden terrace. The combination of original exposed stone on walls and ancient wood and beam ceiling is a prime feature of this bedroom and also the kitchen, which is directly below. The kitchen’s modern appliances are craftily arranged into the original structure and, from there, glazed doors provide seamless connection to the contemporary living/dining area (with fireplace) in the annex and to the garden. Outside the main garden terrace is a lovely and tranquil setting, with a simply stunning view, for indulgent relaxation, or massage, or yoga. An al fresco dining area, with large stone table (sits 8) and barbecue, is arranged on a terraced lawn for guests to enjoy the scenery over long and leisurely meals. You can burn up the calories with a walk up to the top of Monte Piatto (‘flat mountain’), of which the main path is conveniently close to the villa or enjoy the silence of nature by the new outdoor pool and the terrace with hot/cold water shower and relaxation area.
Here is a “must see” and “must stay” luxury villa for anyone seeking privacy and blissful seclusion, particularly those who enjoy trekking up through forested mountains and scenic walks high above and around an alpine lake. As a holiday rental it may be less suitable for families with infants and small children due to the amount of vigilance required outside and within: there is a steep drop from the roped garden terrace and a main stone staircase with open bannisters.
LAYOUT
Lower ground floor: | Double/twin bedroom en suite (shower); Bio-Finnish sauna; Guest bathroom; Laundry room |
Ground floor: | Open plan living and dining area (seating 8); Kitchen; Guest bathroom |
First floor: | Double bedroom and twin/double bedroom sharing a bathroom (shower); Master double bedroom en suite (shower) opening onto garden |
Outdoor: | Al fresco dining area; Barbecue; Outdoor chill out area with shower (hot and cold); Swimming pool with jets; Garden; Parking (4 cars) |
FEATURES
• Near the town | • Outdoor pool with jets (12.5×3.6m; 1.3m deep) | • Flatscreen TVs |
• Near a lake | • Bio-Finnish sauna | • Satellite/Cable TV |
• Lakeview | • Central heating | • DVD player |
• Fireplace | • Underfloor heating | • Hi-Fi |
• Safe deposit | • Al fresco dining area | • Wi-Fi |
• Parking (4 cars) | • Outdoor chill out area | • Telephone |
• No children under 6 years old allowed | • Outdoor shower (hot and cold) | • Docking stations |
• Pets subject to approval | • Barbecue | |
• No smoking | • Garden | |
• Fenced property |
SERVICES INCLUDED
» Luxury accommodation on your chosen dates
» Exclusive use of the property and its facilities
» All linen, towels and utilities
» Cost of daily cleaning not included
» Final cleaning
» Luxury bath products
» Wi-Fi Internet access
» Concierge service
OPTIONAL SERVICES
We are able to arrange all the services that you would find both in a five star hotel and in a private home run by professional staff. Our concierge and client servicing team can arrange airport transfers, in-resort transport, vehicle rentals, yacht charters, child care, massage and beauty treatments, sport and leisure activities and reservations to ensure a memorable stay. Please let us know what your requirements are or call us for more information.
LOCATION
– Nearest Airport: | Milan Malpensa (MPX); Milan Linate (LIN) |
– Airport: | 1 hour by car (MPX, LIN); |
– Town: | 2 minutes by car (Torno); 20 minutes by car (Como); 1.15 hours by car (Milan) |
– Lake: | 4 minutes by car |
PHOTO GALLERY