ISOLA VILLETTA
Pallanza Verbania on Lake Maggiore
Sleeps 8+2 in the villetta or 2 in Duet, 2+2 in Trio, and 4 in Quartet
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Scattered about the great Alpine valleys north of Milan, the lakes of Lombardy and Piemonte are unsurpassed in their beauty. Lake Maggiore, on the border with Switzerland, is particularly admired for its lavish villas and lush gardens, and for the exquisite archipelago known as the Islands of Borromeo. The archipelago can be seen just across from the little villa, ideally positioned on Maggiore's western shore. Once a favorite vacation spot of the great conductor Toscanini, the islands are a joy to explore, from Isola Bella's grand palace and gardens to the many scrumptious informal seafood establishments of the Isola dei Pescatori. Boat trips are launched from nearby Stresa, a charming little town that hosts an important international music festival each August. And given Maggiore's proximity to the Alps, it would be a shame not to take advantage of Stresa's cable car to the summit of Monte Mottarone for some breathtaking views. But Pallanza itself is home to some notable attractions: the Villa Taranto boasts a world-class botanical garden; and the eighteenth century Palazzo Dugani houses a civic museum with a fine collection of paintings and Roman artifacts. It is an easy walk to the alimentary shop or ferry dock. Milan is 100 km (60 mi.) and Milan's Malpensa's airport is 90 km (54 mi.) away. Easy day trips are possible by rail to Milan or Switzerland, including Zermatt. Guests can find hiking, tennis, golf and all water sports nearby.

While not quite on the scale of the Villa Taranto or the Palazzo Dugani, the grand villa on the grounds could itself fairly be called a palace and the gardens surrounding are a botanical treasure. The grand villa is used occasionally for wedding receptions, but when it is not in use for a wedding, guests of the apartments have access to these beautiful grounds and gardens.

The villetta is located in a smaller house on the property that is entirely private because of the lush plantings. It is divided into the owner's home and three very special apartments with terraces facing the lake, ideal for dining or simply sitting in peace, enjoying the color and fragrance of the garden's abundant azaleas and rhododendrons. It comes supplied with a boat for rent (25 Euro or about $30 per day), kept in the small secret harbor attached to the property a few footsteps away. The villetta is lovlingly restored by the owner-architect on a spacious open plan. It is ample for six people with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens, two living rooms, several dining areas and terraces, perfect for three couples or a family that wants lake-views, lake-access via a tiny private harbor, and a lush and entrancing tropical setting.

There is also the flexibility of dividing the Isola Villetta into three apartments:

DUET is perfect for honeymooners of any age. It has a living room with has high arched ceilings, and an elevated double bedroom separated from the living room by an arch (no door). The bathroom (with tub) is located downstairs, accessed by narrow winding stairs. There is a full kitchen with dining area opening onto a beautiful veranda, utterly romantic and charming in every way. Because of the staircase, Duet is not suitable for oversized guests, or for those with walking problems.

TRIO is similar to Duet in style and arrangement, and in fact, the two accommodations can be connected when they are rented together. Trio has a living room with large windows, a kitchenette, and a double bedroom separated by an arch (no door). Downstairs (narrow stairs) is a bathroom with shower and another room with French doors opening onto the garden that can accommodate two extra beds upon request. Like Duet, Trio is not suitable for oversized guests, or for those with walking problems.

QUARTET, the lower apartment, opens directly to the garden. Guest have (all on one level) a small living room, a bedroom with joinable twin beds, a little kitchenette with dining area, a bathroom with shower, and a twin bedroom. Quartet can be connected to Duet when the two units are rented together.

Arrival Day: Saturday
Minimum Stay: one week

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