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Villa Visconti - Lake Maggiore
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Accommodates 4-10 — 2 to
5 Bedrooms — 3 Baths — swimming pool
Here’s the story on Villa
Visconti: It’s a lovely property dating from the 16th
century and now divided into 4 units: one for the friendly
owners when they’re there (generally August and some
weekends); two 2-bedroom flats (Rocco and Senso)
which can be rented independently; plus Gattopardo
which is essentially a one-bedroom suite without kitchen which
can be rented only as an adjunct to Rocco or Senso or both.
In our opinion, Villa Visconti
is best when you take it in its entirety. That is, Rocco plus
Senso (in which case Gattopardo remains empty) which gives
you a total of 4 bedrooms, 2 baths; or you take all three
accommodations together, for a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 baths.
This villa is really perfect for an extended family and ideal
for two families traveling together: you get both togetherness
and privacy. Otherwise, if you take just one of the accommodations,
we think that there’s just a little too much “togetherness”
for our taste. But we tend to be unfriendly. If you’re
more outgoing folks than we are (and it wouldn’t take
much), then by all means go for it: Either Rocco or Senso
would be just fine for a couple or for a small family.
Villa Visconti has so many pluses:
The pool. A nice garden. A gorgeous view overlooking the lake
(it’s not on the lakefront itself). The fact that
it’s right in the village of Masino Visconti walking
distance to absolutely everything: shops, services, coffee
bar, and restaurants. And yet it totally secluded and quiet.
What more could you ask for?.
Rocco: On two floors.
From the lower-level patio, you enter into a good-size living/dining
room with lovely tile floors, fireplace and table for 8. The
eat-in kitchen has stovetop, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer,
dishwasher, washing machine, and American coffee maker. Upstairs,
at terrace level, are two bedrooms, one matrimonial and one
twin, plus a modern bathroom with shower. Internet access
(via the owner’s computer, so meant for collecting emails,
not for sitting on-line for hours at a time planning your
next vacation), stereo/CD, satellite TV, piano, hairdryer,
midweek housekeeping. You need to bring your own cell phone.
Gattopardo: On the upper
level off the terrace and connectable to Rocco: small but
gracious sitting room, matrimonial bedroom, and bath with
tub and telephone shower.
Senso: On the upper level
off the terrace: Nice living/dining room with great views
of the lake and pool; more than decent kitchen with dishwasher
and washing machine; matrimonial bedroom; and bathroom with
shower and two sinks. Upstairs, under the eaves, a twin bedroom.
Internet access (see above comment), stereo/CD, satellite
TV, hairdryer, midweek housekeeping. Again, you need to bring
your own telephone.
Where is Villa Visconti, precisely?
It’s about halfway between Arona and Stresa, above
and overlooking the lake. There’s also a back
road leading down to Stresa and good access as well to the
autostrada.
What’s to do? Well, sunbathe
by the pool for one thing. That’s about as active as
we like to get, some days. And enjoy the fine dining afforded
throughout this region. More active? Go down to the lake shore
where you’ll find swimming in the lake, tennis courts,
sailing, boat rentals, windsurfing, and water skiing. Or,
in the country, tons of hiking and climbing opportunities
from the mountains to the Ticino River valley. Gardens? The
Borromean Islands are magical, as is the Botanical Garden
of the Villa Taranto in Pallanza. Shopping? Stresa, for elegant
boutiques. Motoring? Get out the map and go, but the valleys
to the west of Lake Maggiore, including the excursion to the
Matterhorn, are musts. Rail? Take the train from Stresa to
Domodossola where you can then catch the Train of the Hundred
Valleys all the way to Locarno in Switzerland (bring your
passport), from which you can then take the boat back down
to Stresa. Makes a wonderful day’s outing. Another don’t
miss daytrip: Lake Orta, actually our personal favorite in
Italy, and Orta San Giulio one of Italy’s most charming
towns. Have a look at our Sample Itinerary for a complete
list of our ideas on what to do.
Rates:
|
Rocco
|
Senso |
Rocco
+ Gattopardo |
Senso
+ Gattopardo |
All
3 together |
| Jun 28 -
Aug 30: |
1,700
euros per week |
1,600
euros per week |
2,600
euros
per week |
2,500
euros
per week |
3,900
euros
per week |
| Other periods: |
1,380
euros per week |
1,350
euros per week |
1,980
euros
per week |
1,950
euros
per week |
3,000
euros
per week |
| Extras: |
Crib 100 euros; extra bed 150 euros; late arrival 50 euros
|
| Arrival: |
Saturday generally, but inquire
|
| Minimum
stay: |
1 week |
| Pool open: |
Mid-May
through September |
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