Tended to by local virtuosos all willing to share their crafts, this 18th century farmhouse thrives in quiet equilibrium with nature for a stripped-back and soothing retreat.
Passalacqua
Italian LakesPassalacqua
Italian LakesSauntering along Lake Como’s soothing water’s edge in the gardens of this former Italian gentry and genius hangout, even the freest of spirits are sure to take comfort in its homelier than home feel.
Sauntering along Lake Como’s soothing water’s edge in the gardens of this former Italian gentry and genius hangout, even the freest of spirits are sure to take comfort in its homelier than home feel.
Starting out as the 18th century summer haunt of Count Passalacqua and his inner circle, this lakeside retreat revives the Italian tradition of ‘la villeggiatura’ – the annual ritual of leaving the city for the countryside to experience something far deeper than just a holiday.
Its verdant banks have invited the likes of Napoleon, Bellini and Churchill to get creatively inspired and unwind, starting a ripple effect for the deep-pocketed still looking to recharge. While time may have marched on though, current custodians the de Santis family are keen to preserve this sacred heritage at every turn, rolling out a red carpet of Italian interior design that’s befitting of nobility, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels just as warm as a family fireside.
- 24 suites
- There’s a quiet solitude among the expansive grounds, that are carefully thought-out to comprise a pool terrace, tennis courts and olive grove gym
- Experiences are bespoke, including a spa tucked away in a 300-year old tunnel, wine and cheese tasting with sommelier Valerio, and an open-air cinema under the stars
- Take a short walk to the cafes and restaurants in sleepy Moltrasio
- Visit the historic city of Como, where ornate palazzos play host to high-end dining and shopping boutiques, either a 10 minute taxi or 20 minute ferry trip away
- 24 suites
- There’s a quiet solitude among the expansive grounds, that are carefully thought-out to comprise a pool terrace, tennis courts and olive grove gym
- Experiences are bespoke, including a spa tucked away in a 300-year old tunnel, wine and cheese tasting with sommelier Valerio, and an open-air cinema under the stars
- Take a short walk to the cafes and restaurants in sleepy Moltrasio
- Visit the historic city of Como, where ornate palazzos play host to high-end dining and shopping boutiques, either a 10 minute taxi or 20 minute ferry trip away
A sense of
place
Family crests lining the ceiling, silk-tiered lampshades by Barbini and hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers; few casas can compete for being such a window into the soul of Italian artistry.
Carefully curated by the design visionary Valentina de Santis (whose other ventures include sister property Grand Hotel Tremezzo), each feature has been hand-picked and finessed to such fine detail, even the sewing kits are worth gushing over. Making it rare to stop by without seeking a little inspiration for your own abode.
Its essence...
In pursuit of...
From foodies being encouraged to go foraging for ingredients in the fruit and vegetable gardens, to the adventurous types being taken for a spin on the lakes aboard vintage boats with Beppe the boatman, cartwheels full of space to go roaming encourage the pretence that you own the place. In fact, if it weren’t for the odd glimpse of another guest at breakfast or beneath a parasol, it’d be easy to forget that you’re sharing these grounds with another select few at all.
On location
There’s no such thing as an Italian haven without some seriously gastronomic cuisine. And while Chef Alessandro Rinaldi’s talent is in his blood (he’s a 4th generation chef after all), the proof is in the pudding that these farm-to-fork dishes are some of the tastiest to hit Como’s shores. Being known to lure the Clooneys in whenever they’re passing, plates are savoured while drinking in whatever surrounding takes your fancy, spanning candy-coloured magnolia groves to the fragrant scent of a jasmine-shrouded terrace. Best of all, with Alessandro’s kitchen operating an open-door policy; there’s plenty of time to stand pan-side and gossip over the secret recipes.
A Carrier
curation
While it’s easy to wax lyrical about all the ways we’d get lost in the terrace gardens alone, there’s no denying that all this space makes sparks fly for special occasions. Down by Como’s waters, the old garden cottage of Casa al Lago is intimately attached to its surroundings and makes for the perfect buyout for everybody to cosy up and embrace the meaning of “la villeggiatura”.
Snuggling into the converted lobby and lounge area with a vino and not a care in the world while the serene birdsong and gentle lapping lake soundtrack the solitude.
Explore
more places to stay
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