Driving down the leafy, winding entrance to Villa Passalacqua on the shores of Italy’s sparkling Lake Como is like arriving inside your very own Fellini movie. The elegant grandeur of this secluded 18th century villa — formerly one of Europe’s most expensive homes — has undergone a renovation and is now available as a five star private holiday retreat complete with a personal butler and chef.
Acquired in 2018 by the de Santis family, the stately home, located a short drive from the township of Como is set on seven acres of lush garden overlooking the azure waters of Italy’s most famous lake. It’s the latest property to join the de Santis family’s portfolio — alongside the palatial art nouveau treasure, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and the stunning 17th century Villa Sola Cabiati. This means guests who book Villa Passalacqua for their exclusive use can also have access to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s offerings a short drive or boat ride away — including a choice of three pools, world-class restaurants and a sensational spa that features a sauna with quite possibly one of the best water views in the world.
One of Italy’s most renowned stately homes, Villa Passalacqua is recognised as an Italian National Trust property and has played host to Napoleon Bonaparte — his favourite artist, Andrea Appiani painted many of the neoclassical frescoes throughout the villa — and Sir Winston Churchill. The famous Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini also called Passalacqua home during the 1800s.
Originally constructed in the 18th century by a wealthy count who commissioned the leading designers and architects of the time to create a grand residence specifically for entertaining, the villa is resplendent with soaring ceilings, ornate wall carvings, Venetian chandeliers, incredible tapestries and antique furniture.
A nine-bedroom main residence and a four-bedroom adjoining guesthouse, Villa Bellini, can accomodate up to 26 guests and with the recent modernisation visitors can now enjoy a movie theatre, billiard room, music room and for those who can drag themselves away from cocktails on the terrace overlooking that incredible view — a workout studio.
The surrounding gardens, suffused with fragrant lemon and olive trees, romantic follies and charming fountains include a heated lakefront pool, a 200-year-old greenhouse and an expanse of winding underground tunnels and catacombs that provide secret passage down to the lake and the Villa’s marina.
Scroll down for more photos of the grand estate.
Visit: grandhoteltremezzo.com
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