VILLA LA CASSINELLA

Accessible only by boat, La Cassinella could easily be mistaken for a private island retreat. Perched on a secluded peninsula along the western shores of Lake Como, this resplendent 19th-century villa — guarded by grand wrought-iron gates, towering cypress trees, and ivy-wrapped stone pillars — is steeped in exclusivity and privacy, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after villas on the lake.

Sleeping up to 13 guests within the main house, with a further four accommodated in a separate annexe tucked away within the manicured gardens, the villa has been impeccably restored and filled with Italian antiques and priceless works of art sourced from across Europe. Grand, marble-clad lobbies lead through to a suite of formal living rooms, while a beautiful jasmine-draped loggia offers the perfect setting for alfresco dining, complete with peerless views over the lake. A separate pool house includes a cinema and state-of-the-art gym, while the striking 22-carat gold-tiled infinity pool is cleverly positioned out of view from day-trippers boating past on the lake.

A dedicated staff of 10 ensures every guest’s whim is catered for. The villa’s in-house chef creates outstanding dishes using the finest local, seasonal produce, while the villa’s concierge team can arrange anything from a masseuse to a private tennis coach. With so much to enjoy within the grounds, there’s little reason to leave, though a motorboat remains at guests’ disposal for water sports on the lake, or leisurely days spent exploring the region’s string of picturesque lakeside towns and villages.