Grand Imperial Splendour
The beloved lakeside summer residence of one of Europe’s Grand Dukes remains the most majestic property on the lake-front and now makes one of the most unique and impressive luxury villas, anywhere in the World. Standing proudly on the left bank of Lake Como opposite Bellagio (5-minute boat ride), this historic and imposing baroque property comprises a sixteenth century centrepiece – rising 3 floors with also a deep subterranean level – and two lateral wings that are later additions from the 1700s. The villa remains in the ownership of the original family and is vast enough to house a sizeable private museum: arguably the only private residence on the planet with such a unique feature. The museum itself has the distinction of a vast collection of historical memoranda: from books and manuscripts by renown authors – at different times tutors to the children – to Meissen porcelain and items belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, including bed, furniture and even a stunning dress of the Empress Josephine inlaid with platinum. Befitting such magnificence, you will arrive in the grandest of style either by: a helicopter touching down in the vast terraced back garden; a vaporetto docking at the private jetty on the lake and directly opposite the property; or a car entering through ornately gilded sentry gates that open to a gravelled Italianate parterre flower garden laid out before a magnificent façade of rounded tympana, pastel blue window shutters and balconies. The central driveway arrives at an entry staircase up to the front door that opens to the deep and palatial entrance hall, which ends at a similarly enormous doorway to the back garden. With both doors open simultaneously the lake breeze will effortlessly glide throughout and along the pearl-grey stone interior that was refurbished in 2005 and retains all original features and furnishings. Divine fresco ceilings hover above bright and formal living areas and sumptuous damask-clad walls suitably distinguish flamboyantly dressed bedrooms. Even the bathrooms retain all original features and fixtures that remain in perfect working order! At the back is a multi-levelled garden, which includes a secluded swimming pool on an upper terrace.
The villa is available for only six months of the year and is arranged to accommodate up to a maximum of 12 guests in its 6 stately bedrooms en suite, which are all on the ground floor of the building. The upper floors are home to a private museum of and guests may view these collections only if accompanied and with the consent of the owners. This unique luxury villa ought to be a “must visit” for lovers of resplendent and patrician heritage. It is apt to note that this residence can be quite overwhelming and may prove daunting even to history aficionados! It is definitely not a suitable place to bring children due to the priceless historical furnishings.
The astounding luxury villa basks in great lakeside tranquillity, with a magnificent elegance and splendid lake view. It is an extraordinary experience that will impress and delight connoisseurs of history and of elegance. This is a destination with an abundance of ravishing photographic settings and presents a most suitable setting for distinguished corporate events.
LAYOUT
| MAIN BUILDING | |
| Ground floor: | Double entrance; large living room flanked by 2 small drawing rooms; dining room; kitchen; double room with bathroom; little bathroom |
| First and second floors (private): | Museum of the owner’s private collection (with 24-hour alarm) – guests may visit upon appointment and only in the presence of member of owner-family member who will accompany and act as guide |
| WINGS (Ground/Second floor): | 3 double and 2 twin mini-suites; extra double bedroom en suite; staff quarters |
| OUTDOOR: | Formal Italian garden (front side); large garden with swimming pool (back side) |
FEATURES
| • Near the town | • Outdoor pool | • Flatscreen TV |
| • Near the lake | • Garden | • Satellite/Cable TV |
| • Parking | • Private mooring | • DVD player |
| • Safe deposit | • Al fresco dining area | • Hi-Fi |
| • Children accepted over 12 years old | • Heliport | • Telephone and fax |
| • Children under 12 subject to approval | • Internet connection | |
| • No pets allowed | ||
| • Security alarm |
SERVICES INCLUDED
» Luxury accommodation on your chosen dates
» Exclusive use of the property and its facilities
» All linen, towels, and utilities
» Private chef and host
» Daily continental breakfast
» Use of the hotel amenities*
» Daily cleaning
» Evening turn down service
» Final cleaning
» Luxury bath products
» Wi-Fi Internet access
» Concierge service
*Spa (cost of beauty treatments not included), tennis court, gym, private beach, 3 heated pools (2 outdoor and 1 indoor)
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: | Milano Linate (LIN); Milano Malpensa (MPX) |
| – Airport: | 1.5 hour by car |
| – Town: | 45 minutes by car – 20 minutes by boat (Como); 15 minutes by public vaporetto (Bellaggio) |
| – Lake: | 10 metres |
| – Golf course: | 20 minutes by car (Golf Club Menaggio) |
PHOTO GALLERY
