Lake Como Accommodation

Overall:
We had a lovely time at Casa Antonella, one of the properties on a gated estate, located high above the village of Varenna. Living in the large and comfortable house and enjoying the many views it afforded made for a memorable vacation.
Enjoyed Most:
THE VIEWS OF LAKE COMO and the surrounding mountains. Some of the higher peaks were snow-capped in late September and early October. The dining room and terraces were the perfect perches for watching the cloud formations, sunsets, and changing weather patterns. The small swimming pool was still filled with ice cold water for a bracing dip during a warm day and the pool area had several chaise lounges for taking in the sun. The hot water heater in the entry way produced lots of hot water for doing the dishes and showering.
Enjoyed Least:
This being Italy, the electrical system is underpowered by US standards and appliances such as the oven and electric coffee maker and kettle often blew a fuse if used at the same time. But there is a fuse box in the entry way to access to flip switches and power up. We did not use the electric dishwasher or washing machine (couldn't figure out the dials) but did some hand laundry and used the drying rack on the top floor terrace for drying the old fashioned way. Also, some of the shower stalls leaked but not so bad that it caused floods. The bathtub in the largest bathroom is simply too narrow for any normal sized person so we didn't bother using it.
Surrounding Area:
The location of the villa high above Varenna next to the tiny hilltop village of Vezio was unique. Vezio has the look of a medieval village with stone streets, tiny stone houses, and the ruins of a medieval castle complete with resident raptors. Access to the town via automobile is along a series of narrow switchback roads. By foot, one must hike up a precipitous pathway to get from Varenna on the lakefront to the villa.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is located high above the village of Varenna in Vezio. One must drive up a steep switchback road to reach a single lane road to reach the villa which is located directly behind and above a large white gate. One opens and closes the gate with a key. It is possible to hike up to the villa from Varenna but one must be physically fit to make it. Therefore, a car is a necessity for reaching the property from Varenna. No cars are permitted in Vezio - it's accessible by pedestrians only. But that's part of the charm of the place.
Tips or Restaurants:
Rent a car and be prepared to nimbly walk around natural stone pathways and staircases which dot the villa. Buy food and wine in EuroSpin supermarket south of Varenna in Lierna or Mandelo del Lario or buy small supplies of things in the shops in Varenna. If driving a car, note that parking is very limited. White parking lines are free, blue require paying for a parking ticket, and yellow lines are for residents. Our party cooked and ate at home which allowed us to savor the excellent food and wine of the area but there are many formal and informal spots to eat in town. If renting in the autumn bring several warm sweaters because there is no heat in the house despite having two fireplaces.
Directions:
If driving from Malpensa airport, drive directly to Como then head east to Lecco and up the east side of the lake. This allows you to avoid taking the ferry from Menaggio to Varenna. Our rental car had GPS in Russian so we couldn't use it and had to rely on our trusty Michelin map and own sense of direction. On returning to Malpensa, follow the same route. I made the mistake of taking the autostrada to Milan and ended up in the central city and no where near the airport.
Check In Out:
It was seamless since I called the property owner the day before we left and told her when we expected to arrive. Upon arrival at the villa gate, we rang the doorbell and were met by Stella, one of the keyholders. She signed us in and took our security deposit and gave us a quick tour of the house. Although she didn't speak English, we managed to get the gist of her information.

Adriane, October

Overall:
The villa was PERFECT. I had high expectations based on the views, description and materials presented on the web site but the reality of the villa and its locale exceeded my high expectations.
Enjoyed Most:
The grounds of the villas and the views were the best feature of the property. Views of Lake Como and Castello Vezio were stunning. The pool was private and was a very comfortable place to relax. The front porch was beautiful with a dining table situated under a trellis of wisteria. There were flowers blooming everywhere.
Enjoyed Least:
The property sits just above the gate that leads to the private entrance to the surrounding villas. There was more traffic coming in and going out of that gate than we would have liked as it was occasionally rather noisy.
Surrounding Area:
The best feature of the surrounding area was the easy access to the Sentiero Del Viandante. This is a "hiking path" that runs the entire length of lake Como. We hiked from Vezio north to the town of Bellano. It was 90 minute hike each way that wended its way through small communities, forests and meadows. About every kilometer or so there were quaint little sanctuaries that were very interesting.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town is the village of Vezio. It was about 100 feet from the villas front door. There is not much in Vezio although there is a great local restaurant called Porticello. The family that runs the restaurant is the same family that owns the villa and also owns the Castello Vezio. The next larger town was Varenna. It is only about 1/2 mile from the villa but it lies about 600 feet down hill. There is a walking path that leads to the town. It takes only 10 minutes to walk to town but takes 15 to 20 minutes to hike back. The hike back is a little strenuous given the slope of the path.
Tips or Restaurants:
We did not have a car and hiked into Varenna every day. This was no problem except when trying to bring groceries back to the villa. There are plenty of taxis in town that you can hire but a car would have been more convenient. There are many beautiful villas along the lake that one can tour. The most beautiful, in our opinion, was Villa Balbianello. For those that are Star Wars fans, this villa was used as the backdrop for the romantic scene between Natalie Portman Queen Amidalaand Hayden Christenson Anakin Skywalker.

Greg, July

Overall:
Marvellous. A great site, comfortable house and excellent service and help from the housekeeper, Mrs Stella. With 4 couples and a 2 yr old child, we thought we might suffer from lack of space but the layout and facilities were ideal.
Enjoyed Most:
The situation is magic. The elevation gives a great perspective of the Lake Como lifestyle with the adjoining local village of Vezio offering an insight into the past 900 years, yet still being so functional today. Also the views across to the other towns on the hills both near and far added to this feeling of being part of the scene
Enjoyed Least:
The only downside was having one bedroom opening off another. With kids it would be OK but even with close friends you felt a little intrusive having to pass through
Surrounding Area:
Drive to Varenna and then ferry to wonderful towns like Bellagio and Mennagio- not to be missed. Also the ferries to Como and Lecco offered more great sights.
Nearby Events or Locales:
As mentioned, Vezio was adjoining and it was marvellous. From the very old castle to the narrow walkways and old people and their homes -yet it possesses a great little restaurant where the owner went out of her way to accommodate us.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just as per your book, but don't forget the shops close 12:30 - 3:00 and some half days as well. Stock up in the mornings! Re restaurants - as above, the 'Il Portichetto' in Vezio and we had a great time with excellent food and service at the Hotel Metropole in Bellagio.
Directions:
Perhaps a warning not to be daunted by the narrow uphill road that seems to go on forever the first time up!
Check In Out:
The housekeeper met us at the gate and although she speaks no English we were able to communicate OK and she was very attentive and efficient.

Brendon, June