Between the two southern branches of Lake Como, this terracotta-roofed villa is set around an ivy-dappled courtyard. A huge, free-form swimming pool takes pride of place in the grounds and wandering across perfectly manicured lawns (or taking the golf buggy) sees you at tennis courts, a football pitch and secret seating areas. We absolutely love the loggia-style eating area, beneath wooden rafters with an old water pump and wood-burning fireplace. Or, choose to dine beneath the ivy on the veranda. Did we mention there’s a heliport? Inside, you’ll find the classic Italian dark-wood furniture and rooms livened up with Moroccan rugs and maritime paraphernalia on the walls. There are several sofa-filled snugs to hide away in, and one huge lounge with pretty 17th-century-style windows for the whole group to socialise in. One spot we found particularly intriguing was the booth-like dining set around the old hearth with its cauldron still intact. In terms of location, you’re a half-hour drive from the beautiful town of Bellagio on Lake Como, and twenty minutes from Lecco where boats leave to cross the lake.

Additional fees

• One well-behaved dog is welcome to join you for an additional €50 per week

• If you'll be arriving after 8pm, you'll be charged a late arrival fee of €80

• There may be some extra fees to pay here, such as charges for utilities, final cleaning fees, city tax and security deposits – all of which you may need to pay in cash to the homeowner. Please reach out during the booking process to confirm.

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.