VILLA GIORGIO
Cernobbio, Lake Como
Main villa sleeps 19 in 9 luxury suites; guesthouse sleeps 10 in 6 bedrooms, with swimming pool, Italian-style gardens, private lake access, full staff
Map | View Availability for Villa (on request) | View Availability for Guesthouse (on request)

One of the most beautiful villas on Lake Como, Villa Giorgio was once the residence of the famous composer, Vincenzo Bellini, and is considered something of a national monument for Italy. The location (3 km north of Cernobbio, between the famous Villa D'Este hotel and the villa owned by actor George Clooney) is within walking distance of a variety of shops and restaurants. The closest train station is in Como, just 10 minutes away; you can be in Milan or cross the border to Lugano, Switzerland, in just 30 minutes.

Villa Giorgio is perfect in every way. The estate consists of a main villa and a guesthouse, which is located in a completely separate area and is totally independent from the main villa. The two can not be rented together, since the owner lives in one and moves to the other when it is rented.

The gardens of Villa Giorgio are considered some of the most historic and beautiful on Lake Como. Guests are welcome to enjoy fresh flowers from the Cutting and Rose Gardens or fruits and vegetables from the Vegetable Garden and Orchard during their stay. The large swimming pool, shared with the owner, has unobstructed views of Lake Como. A 12th-century belltower overlooks the pool, and the spectacular pool terrace is filled with lemon and olive trees. There is also beautiful 200 year-old greenhouse on the terrace, as well as a fountain (one of 11 on the property) that can be illuminated at night.

For those who prefer swimming in the lake, Villa Giorgio has its own swimming dock, encased in antique stone and filled with roses, jasmine, and oleander. Two boats are available for rent (a 32' mahoghany hand-crafted boat ideal for long lake cruises, and a 19' boat for water skiing, fishing, and village hopping). Bicycles and tennis rackets are also available.


THE MAIN VILLA
More photos of the main villa
The villa (2,787 sq. m.) is built on three floors. A variety of communal spaces are balanced with more intimate, private spaces. Ceilings are ornately decorated and painted, and the floors are a mixture of traditional cotto and antique wood. The villa is filled with beautiful paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and Venetian chandeliers.

Two large, airy kitchens are equipped with every convenience, including subzero refrigerators and wine coolers, Viking and Gaggeneau ovens, grills and ranges, disposals, dishwashers, and even a steamer and a fryer. Countertops are made of Verona marble and the cabinetry is hand-carved wood. Two eight-foot high fireplaces are original to the villa and bear the family emblem. A large frescoed dining room with 16 marble columns can be arranged for formal dinners, while the more casual Tuscan family dining room is lovely for breakfast and informal meals. A separate sitting area with a fireplace and satellite TV is perfect for relaxing. Also on the ground floor are two offices with computers and Internet connections, as well as a billiard room, a cinema with a fireplace and bar, and a pizzeria with a massive fireplace and antique oven that is original to the villa.

A marble staircase leads to the second floor, where there is a workout room with stunning views of the lake and the mountains behind the villa, as well as a stereo system, TV, weights, Stairmaster, and numerous excercise DVDs. There are nine suites in the villa, each unique and beautiful, with high ceilings, antique floors and spectacular bathrooms, many of which have Philippe Starck designed basins, tubs, and WCs; others have antique French and English trough bathtubs and ornate wash basins. Three suites are located on the second floor.

There are two pianos in the villa. One is a restored antique Bleuthner that once sat in the Leipzig Concert Hall. It now sits in the Music Room, with its 30-foot high ceilings, frescoes, and magnificent lake views. The other piano is a player piano that plays jazz, modern, and classical music for lazy nights when no one feels like playing.

Villa Giorgio is child friendly. There is an outdoor play area next to the kitchen with a wooden slide, swing set, and rope climb, as well as two playrooms inside the villa.

THE GUESTHOUSE
More photos of the Guesthouse
This independent house (450 sq. m.) was designed to take advantage of one of the most wonderful views in the world. Made of Montrasio stone and wood, the Guesthouse is decorated with fine antiques and elegant Italian designer furniture. All six of its bedrooms have a lake view, and four have ensuite bathrooms. In total, there are six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two powder rooms. The spacious kitchen has every imaginable amenity, with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and an antique Tuscan dining table that seats ten comfortably and has direct access to the kitchen. The Guesthouse has cable TV (with CNN) as well as mobile and fixed telephones with a computer and Internet access. One is in the sitting room which overlooks the lake, and the other is in one of the bedroom suites.

Prices on request.

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