You’ve never actually been, but you feel like you know it already. That’s no surprise, given that Villa Balbiano is the archetype of classic Italian architecture. Follow us for a private tour of this jewel available to rent with BARNES Como.
Here we are at the intersection of art history, the art of living and the 7th Art. On the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Balbiano was built in the late 16th century by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who used it as his main residence (lucky man!). A century later, it was enlarged and embellished by another Cardinal, Angelo Maria Durini, who used the Villa to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one another relentlessly. Since then, each successive owner has added to the splendour of the villa, which is now the largest private residence on Lake Como. With a private pier and a boathouse, for a waterborne arrival.
Set on 5 acres of gardens distinguished by the British Society of Garden Designers, Villa Balbiano is part of the private family group The Heritage Collection, which aims to restore the splendour of historical estates in Europe. The result is truly astonishing. Each room is decorated with works of art and antique furniture, for the most part sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s. All under the supervision of Jacques Garcia, the official Heritage Collection decorator. Who, of course, has preserved the spectacular 17th century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva.
Villa Balbiano has 6 suites, each designed by Jacques Garcia. Needless to say the views of Lake Como are the type you’d sell your soul for, while the décor combining the finest materials and craftsmanship (the marble bathrooms are considered a model of their kind) will more than delight your inner aesthete. And to top it off, you can sample the local cuisine with a private chef, the ultimate luxury in this period of social distancing.
This prestigious property on the water’s edge is available to rent through BARNES Como from €60,000 for a week-end. All projects are possible, from one-day events to family holidays. Or even a lavish wedding!
Still wondering where the 7th Art comes in to all this? In spring 2021, Villa Balbiano was the set for Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, starring Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Jared Leto. A SoBARNES fact that will impress your friends when the film is released in a few short months!
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Contact :
Barnes Como - via Borgo Vico 181 22100 Como - Italie
Tél. : +39 (031) 5376202 / Barnes-como.com
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