“What’s the use in going to such lengths to find happiness when it's right there in front of me!”, the hero of Stendhal's The Charterhouse of Parma exclaims. Here in the foothills of the Pre-Alps, to the north of Milan, Lake Como is the ultimate romantic destination. Its shoreline dotted with pastel-coloured villages and majestic villas dating back to the classical era, lined with lush gardens overlooks the sapphire blue waters. From Bellagio to Varenna, Tremezzo to Leno, each hamlet is like an exquisitely preserved jewel, reminiscent of a way of life that has long since disappeared and tinged with sophistication and carefreeness.
The real estate market
Prices have increased by 3-5% over the past few years, with proximity to the lake and the view proving to be the key factors in determining the value of a property. The average price of an apartment in the centre of Como is €5,000 per sq. m, while villas with lake views reach or even exceed €10,000 per sq. m. Art Nouveau homes with gardens and swimming pools are the most sought-after.
Our advice
There is a growing demand for lakeside properties, which are becoming increasingly sought-after among a prestigious foreign clientele, meaning that now is the time to invest!
The towns and villages in this area have been protected from modern-day urban development and generally best reached by car. Choose the location of your property wisely to take advantage of the peaceful surroundings and various assets that the region has to offer. Prioritise the view.
Recommands Angelina Malerba, CEO BARNES Como.
Art of living
Lake Como simply oozes sophistication, due in part to its Lombard heritage rich in amazing culture, delightful cuisine and striking luxury.
Culture
Teatro sociale de Come
@teatrosocialecomo
Bellini, Liszt, Verdi... Melody and nature exist in secret harmony here in Lake Como. You too could experience this magic with a musical evening at the Teatro Sociale di Como, where audiences come to marvel at the piano repertoire of Alessandro Martire.
Via Bellini, 3, 22100 Como
Villa Carlotta
@villacarlotta_lakecomo
The botanical garden at Villa Carlotta is a real vision in a thousand and one shades of pink. Beyond the arbours, this architectural gem is home to marble masterpieces from the workshop of Antonio Canova.
Via Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzina
Fondazione Antonio Ratti
@fondazioneantonioratti
This swirling collection of textiles, from 18th-century silks woven in Como to Egyptian Coptic fabrics and 19th-century braids, certainly offers plenty of inspiration, and it's not surprising that the place also houses a residence for contemporary artists.
Villa Sucota, via per Cernobbio 19, Como
Shopping
10 corso como
@10corsocomo
Rediscover the spirit of the lake in the heart of Milan at 10 Corso Como, the most cutting-edge concept store in the Italian fashion capital. Complete with luxury brands, a contemporary art gallery, a bookshop and even a restaurant.
Corso Como 10, Milan 20154
Santa Maria Novella
@santamarianovella
This fragrance house has been filling the streets of Italy with its wonderful scents since 1221. You'll find a whole host of aromatic fragrances, intoxicating skincare products and wax tablets that gently scent the air as they melt.
Via B. Luini 11, Como
Benzoni Gioielli
@benzonigioielli
A bloodline of goldsmiths who still live on the shores of the lake. Fine jewellery pieces and Chinese antiques all to be discovered behind the discreet façade of this exclusive little boutique.
Via Adamo del Pero, 20, 22100 Como
The hottest reservations in town
Il Platano
@villadestelakecomo
There’s still a definite air of Visconti’s The Leopard at the Villa d'Este, where guests can savour Michele Zambanini's fine, sun-kissed cuisine overlooking the Italian gardens.
Via Regina, 40, 22012 Cernobbio
L'Aria
@mo_lagodicomo
A sense of merriment reigns here on the terrace of this Mandarin Oriental restaurant, where Massimiliano Blasone serves up an explosive combination of Italian and Japanese cuisine including line-caught fish dishes finished with a ponzu sauce.
Via E. Caronti, 69, 22020 Blevio
Mistral
@villaserbellonibellagio
Ettore Bocchia’s avant-garde cuisine combined with the generosity of traditional Lombard cooking, resulting in dishes such as peacock breast tortellini.
Via T. Olivelli, 1, 22021 Bellagio
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