Villa Donizetti
Property # 8455

Location: directly on the shore of Lago Maggiore, close to Riviera Cannero.

Special Characteristics: a nice and tasteful art nouveau villa directly by the lake. Excellent view from this sunny side of the lake. Former residence of the famous 18th century composer Donizetti. 5-minute walk to the romantic village Cannero.

Villa Donizetti is a 100-year-old, 3-story villa perched right on the shores of Lago Maggiore. This villa is unique because it is one of the few properties on Lake Maggiore with its own private shore. Here you have direct access to the lake, only a few steps away from the house: A narrow path leads down from the terrace to the water. In summer, when the water table is lower, there is even a small gravel beach. The house is flanked by palms - while jasmine and wysteria wind their way past the bright blue shutters.

The villa is located in a beautiful garden. The huge garden (4000 m2) is a symphony of colours: tree-high azalea and camellia line the path, there are lemon trees and palm trees and thick bamboo provides for a tranquil spot... This rich tropical flora, the still blue lake and the yonder mountains you can see from the terrace are full of enchantment - it will be hard to find more atmospheric impressions. In the beginning of the last century it was the residence of Gaetano Donizetti, the romantic composer of great operas still resonating in the theatres of Milan: Elisir d'Amore and Lucia di Lammermour. A postcard of 1925 of this Villa gives evidence that already back then it was a small attraction for the small number of travellers in this region.

The owner had the villa restored only recently, but left its patina. Great care was taken to preserve the villa's historic character, as can be seen in details such as its wood and terra cotta floors. The rooms are whitewashed. The authentic furniture is freshly polished and well located. The wrought iron beds are manufactured according to the old trade. The bathrooms are nicely decorated and seamlessly fit into this tasteful house. A collection of beautiful paintings of the lake give the ambience a touch of the wistful nostalgia and romance of the past century.

Villa Donizetti is an atmospheric house by the lake, bare the formal and cool elegance found in some fresco-decorated villas along the lake. The interior is comfortable and relaxing. All rooms on the ground floor have direct access to the garden, and each bedroom features large windows to the south with a view to the garden and the lake. The garden offers sun lounges, chairs, a green coffee table in a bamboo grove and a seated area on the panoramic stone terrace. A wide sunshade and other garden furniture are also available - the garden is large enough for guests to retire to a variety of different niches and relax ...

ACCESS:
2 private parking spaces and a garage above the villa, on the shore road. Garden gates: a narrow garden path (approx. 100 m footpath with a few low steps) leads down to the villa, through a dense wood of flowers and trees. Although there is traffic on the shore road, this "wood" between the road and the villa provides an excellent noise barrier. Privacy is guaranteed.
Table tennis table in a small extra room (half loggia/half tree house) under the garage.

GROUND FLOOR:
Access from garden path to dining room with fireplace. Views of garden and lake.
Country-style kitchen (4-burner hob, fridge with freezer compartment, double sink, dishwasher, toaster). View of garden. A small barbecue can be found outside, in front of the kitchen.
Living room with fresco decoration on ceiling and sofa suite. View of garden. TV (regional reception).
Extra living room with round coffee table.
Bathroom (with shower).

1. FLOOR:
Twin bedroom (two single beds can be arranged as double bed). Wash basin behind a curtain.
Twin bedroom (two single beds can be arranged as double bed). Wash basin behind a curtain.
Double bedroom. Wash basin behind a curtain.
Queen sized bedroom.
Bathroom (with shower).
Bathroom (with tub and hand held shower).

ATTIC ROOM:
Utility room (washing machine and drying rack).

Please note: From the parking to the gate there are approx. 30 m. Then you have to walk downhill through the garden footpath for approx. 100 m (with some low steps) to reach the villa. Therefore the accommodation is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.

Ocean View
Mountain View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Stereo
BBQ
Ceiling Fans
Golf
Fireplaces
Telephone
Moscito screens
Cable TV
BBQ
Large garden
Private lake access
Private small beach
Mooring on the lake
1 garage and outddor space for 2 cars

Villa Donizetti is only 5 minutes away from Cannero Riviera with its typical fishing port, cafes, and promenade. The ferry from Cannero brings you to the Borromea and Brissago islands. Riviera Cannero may well be the nicest village on the western shore, just behind the Swiss-Italian border and little known. The restaurants have a touch of class, and even in August there is room enough in the narrow streets around the harbour. The village is located in a small protected bay with an especially mild climate, where lemons, bougainvillea and even bananas grow - a flair of the Mediterranean...

Touring Ideas:
Cannero Riviera 1 km
Cannobio 10 km
Pallanza (railway station) 11 km
Verbania 16 km
Locarno 25 km
Como 90 km
Milan 120 km

Airports approx. distance/time:
Switzerland/Lugano Agno 68 km/1 hr 10 min
Milano Malpensa 111 km/1 hr 40 min
Milano Linate 140 km/2 hrs
Milano Orio al Serio 170 km/2 hrs 30 min

Sports:
Golf, tennis, horseback riding, trekking, swimming, sailing, surfing, water skiing, summer skiing in Switzerland 90 km.