Maria Taglioni

The property is situated below the road in an enclosed private park of 7 acres, the only such estate on the Lake. Adjacent to Villa Maria Taglioni is Villa Maria Serena, an equally striking and luxurious villa. Together, 26 people can be accommodated in a refined, relaxing atmosphere surrounded by rich and exceptional appointments.

The celebrated ballet dancer, Maria Taglioni, owned and restored the villas in the early nineteenth century, welcoming Bellini, Rossini, Franz Lizst, Riccordi and the Italian opera star Giuditta Pasta, for whom the role of Norma was written. The artistic flavor and worldly sophistication of the property during this period has been re-created by the current owners.

Ville del Lago is on the edge of a small village, a gate opening to the old stone paths and staircases running from the water's edge to the busy road above. This position provides a characteristic and charming walk to an excellent restaurant, perched on the edge of the Lake, and the town center to pick up a paper and have a coffee. There are few residences and no other traffic in this part of town beside those coming and going by ferry. You have the convenience of an in-town location without the noise.

The estate's neo-Gothic gatehouse marks the property entrance along the Lake road. The gravel driveway curves down through the park, passing the charming old chapel with its heavy slate roof and ornamental carved-wood and iron details. Alongside is a monument dedicated to Austrian Emperor Joseph II who took refuge in the Villa's harbor during a sudden hurricane in 1769. The park was a botanical garden at the turn of the last century. Although abandoned for many years, along with the villas, it is being gradually reclaimed and improved by the exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable owners. The garden is full of towering trees - magnolias standing like oaks, rare cypress trees, thriving camellias and azaleas, and thick laurel. Wild begonias, exhuberant fall-flowering crocuses and other specimens add scale and color. Among the many meandering paths is the rustic 'arco di pietra' terrace where you can linger to enjoy the view and have a quiet conversation.

Set amongst the trees lining the drive, the owners have recently completed construction of a stunning pool (200 square meters) with waterfall and two private beach ends. An enormous deck (1,000 square meters) surrounds the pool area, affording some privacy when villas are rented separately. Along the Lake's edge, the property has direct access to the water. A dock is reached by stairs and gate from the garden for coming and going by hired boat. There are also granite stairs leading to a swimming platform. A casual outdoor living room has been created under a spreading copper beech tree for refuge from the sun. Beside the house, on a wide gravel patio, are tables for dining al fresco for groups of 12 - 22.

First Floor:

Formal reception hall with elevator access and stairs to top floor. Sitting room with satellite TV, DVD and CD player. Comfortable seating for six. Double bedroom (king) reached directly through sitting room. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, open shower stall and hair dryer). Double bedroom (king) with walk-in closet. Esuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain and hair dryer). Double bedroom (king). Vestibule to private bathroom (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain and hair dryer). Laundry room (staff use only).

Second Floor:

Central hall opens directly to sitting room and kitchen/dining room. Walk-in closet with washing machine and dryer. Elevator and spiral stairs (no railing) concealed behind doors. Sitting room with TV, CD player and comfortable seating for six. Kitchen/dining room with open corner kitchen (4-burner electric stove, oven, sink, dishwasher, small fridge). Double bedroom (twins can combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower and hairdryer). Vestibule leads to double bedroom (twins can combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower and hair dryer). Double bedroom (low twins - cannot combine) with ensuite bath (shower stall and hair dryer). Double bedroom (full) with ensuite bath (shower stall and hairdryer).

Grounds:

Enclosed estate with 7 acrea private park, Beautiful gardens, walking paths Pool (200 square meters) with waterfall and two beach ends,Large deck around pool,Private boat dock, Granite stairs to private swimming platform on Lake, Outdoor living area with comfortable seating, Outdoor patio for dining al fresco (accommodates 12 - 22 guests) Underground garage with direct entrance to Villa

Inclusions:

• 7 Bedrooms - sleeps 14
• 8 Bathrooms
• Central air-conditioning
• Full staff
• Swimming pool
• Cleaning included 4 hours/day, 7 days perweek
• Cooking & butler service for 3 meals perday, 7 days per week with 3 hour rest each afternoon
• Twice weekly bed linen change, daily bath linen change; additional linens by separate payment on request
• Elevator access to each level, including covered parking garage
• Extremely sophisticated state-of-the-art electronics throughout (remote sensor lighting, push-button control of exterior shutters, automatic interior lighting of cabinetry, etc.).
• ADSL line available for internet connection.
• Heat, gas, electricity and air-conditioning included.
• Weekday passes to the Villa d'Este Sporting Club are available; please inquire for specifics.
• Complimentary 20-minute Lake Como sightseeing tour via seaplane (4 passengers max in a Cessna 206)
• Use of Villa del Lago Estate tennis courts
• Complimentary 90 minute water ski boat excursion (lessons available at additional cost). Boat will arrive to Villa del Lago Estate’s private dock.
• Use of Villa del Lago Estate’s fleet of 3 boats. (Note: The speed boat requires a driver with nautical license.)

There are some hazards on the grounds (open lakeside, steep garden paths and stairs, etc.). Guests are fully responsible for their own safety at all times.

Owners prefer rental of Villa Maria Taglioni and Villa Maria Serena together in high season.

If rented alone, guests of Villa Maria Taglioni may have exclusive use of property and pool with additional payment; please inquire.

Villa Maria Serena may be rented to another party during your stay, in which case all guests would share use of property and pool. Pool has two beach ends and is surrounded by large deck, affording some privacy.

Private car, boat and sea-plane services can be arranged on request.

Maria Serena

Please note that there is construction ongoing at a neighboring villa, and a crane may be visable from some locations. Please contact a Villa Specialist for updated details. A discounted rate may be available.

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Location

• Como (all services, shops, restaurants, boat hires, public ferry service, train station): 10 minutes by boat or car
• Cernobbio (Villa d'Este, boutiques, restaurants): 5 minutes by boat, 15 minutes by car
• Menaggio, Tremezzo: 30-40 minutes by boat
• Bellaggio: 30 minutes by boat, 50 minutes by car
• Milan, Milan Airport: 1 hour

Bedrooms

• Courtyard Level: Primary entrance through courtyard. Formal entrance hall with staircase to first floor and elevator. Music room with Steinway grand and two seating areas for six to eight. Three arched glass doors lead to stone balcony which runs the length of the house. Formal drawing room with working fireplace and two sitting areas for 10 - 12. Door opens to balcony. Formal dining room with working fireplace comfortably accommodates 8 - 14. Kitchen (2-gas and 4-electric burners, large oven, convection/microwave oven, Amana refrigerator, separate freezer, small fridge for beverages, double sinks, two dishwashers). Glass door opens to dining terrace. Guest bath (shower stall).

Bathrooms

• 8 bathrooms = 5 bathtubs + 3 showers

Pool

• Villa Maria Taglioni Swimming pool area three separated sun decks with lake panoramic view, 160 ft wide, 26 guests, sun bath and sun protection and is fully equipped.

Staff

• Extras: Telephone/fax/internet
• Additional cook or butler hours on request 13 Euros per hour
• Food, beverages and consumables
• Personal laundry by separate payment at 12 Euros per hour.Additional linens
• Supplement for exclusive use of property and pool, if requested and available
• Refundable security deposit - $9,000

the-lakes Villa Notes

Due to limited transportation in outlying and rural areas, a rental car is essential for stays at countryside villas in Italy. We are more than happy to arrange a car for you during your stay, please just let us know at time of booking.
Please note that Italy villas rent from Saturday to Saturday. Exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis and upon request.
The Italian government has implemented a Visitor’s Tax of €1.50 per person per day and applies to all overnight stays for the first seven days in the destination. This tax is payable to the local property manager.