CASA RIVA

Description:
The Lake Como was born, as it were, during the Ice Age and has more or less the shape of the Greek letter Y upside down. Our remote ancestors quickly learned to appreciate the climate: mild and sunny, and never too cold in winter. And another bonus: in summertime it is never too hot because of the agreeable winds. A luscious flora is one of the results of these weather conditions; the often grandiose camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and, especially, the magnolias and mimosas are more than sufficient prove. For instance, the Villa Carlotta, in Tremezzo, is world-famous for its fairy-tale like garden. The middle of the lake, where the three “branches” come together, can boast of the mildest climate as well as the loveliest views.

In a village, directly on the border of the lake, we found the Casa Riva, a former fisherman’s house which has been completely restored. This house exists of three floors and next to the house an independent studio-apartment with own entrance, for two extra guests. There is a living with dining area and a wonderful view on the lake, very nicely furnished and provided with TV-satellite. There are two bedrooms with the traditional wooden beams on the ceiling, as well as two bathrooms. The kitchen, situated one floor down, is well equipped, also with a dining area, also a lovely view on the lake and, last but not least, a very special decoration hanging from the ceiling: a small boat! Outside at your right hand, you find a covered loggia (which can be locked) with an electric barbecue and on the left side a fabulous sunning terrace. Right next to the entrance you will find a mini-garden with kitchen herbs; you are invited to make use of these.
The studio-apartment, existing of but one space, including sitting/living/sleeping and dining facilities with a modest kitchen corner, and moreover a separate bathroom with shower and a small terrace.

Before we continue our praises about these accommodations, honesty obliges us to mention the eventual “hidden” disadvantages. We have already explained that this accommodation is very special and romantic. But ... You will have to park your car at a parking in the neighbourhood of the castle. Then, you and your party, with all your luggage to carry (there will be assistance until 05.00 pm), will have to walk down (at least 250 m.) an ancient street, and “take” a flight of stairs before entering your holiday-home. In front of the house there is landing space for some small boats as well as a small beach (depending on the water level); a location which will be very difficult to better as far as views, peace and quiet is concerned. But for those who start panting whilst walking the distance (up and down) we strongly advise against renting this accommodation, and the same is applicable for young couples with children at the “discovering phase of life”. Babies in a carrying cot, no problem; children of about eight, 10 years, no problems either. But if your child is of an age striving to discover the world and thus trying out even your slightest lack of attention to walk away from you, we think (maybe) you’d better not spend holiday here.

The village is ancient, with a lot of local “feeling”. There are the remnants of an ancient castle dating back from the year 1000. In the village there is a pizzeria; all kind of shops are at a distance of 2 kms.

Our conclusion: A unique holiday location at one of the most beautiful lakes of Italy.

Facilities:
Main house: Depending on the water level, a small, rocky beach with pebbles, laundry room, sauna, TV-satellite, Internet (WiFi), dish washer, fridge, gas stove with 6 hobs, oven, bathroom with hydro-massage bath, terrace, covered loggia with large, wooden table and chairs and electric barbecue. Unforgettable views on Lake Como.
Studio-apartment: Terrace, small fridge, gas stove with 4 hobs, oven, TV-satellite.
New! Starting from 2017: One Bio Allergy Friendly room (allergy free).
More information on this you can find on this website

TIP:
In the harbor there is a mooring available at extra costs of € 50,00

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
As a matter of course, all water sports (sailing, swimming, surfing, boating). Boats for rent in Menaggio, at about 6 km. distance. Also at about 6 km. from this location, there is a golf as well as a tennis course.
Excursions to be made: Possibilities too many to mention them all. For instance, to the city of Como, with a visit to the cathedral and the Piazza San Fedele, surrounded by buildings of at least 400 years old. Before you leave the city, take the cable-train to Brunate for the enjoyment of a spectacular view. A visit to the town of Cernobbio, with Medieval houses and very narrow streets, should not be excluded. (Here, the movie “A Month by the Lake” was shot.) Close-by, you find one of the most famous, expensive hotels of Europe, the “Villa D’ Este”. This exclusive hotel is much too famous for any tour operator to do business with; it is always full-booked. But you might want to taste a drink here, regardless of the expenses, or just have a look at the building from the outside. Interesting is in Torrigia the Villa Passalaqua from the 18th century, once the residence of Vincenzo Bellini. And then Bellagio, the so-called Perla del Lago, the Pearl of the Lake. Many consider this as one of the most beautiful little towns of Europe, with narrow streets, breathtaking beautiful views and a lot of imposing villas from yesterday years. From Menaggio, there are ferries to several towns on the lake and the islands. The church of Santo Stefano in Menaggio boasts of several paintings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries and fresco’s by Tagliaferri. Close by the river Senagra you will find the ruins of the Castello di Menaggio.

Distances:
Shops 2 kms, Como town 30 km; Menaggio town 6 km.

Lay-out:
Main house (110 m², 4 + 2 pers.):
Basement: Washing machine and sauna.
First floor: Kitchen/dining room with balcony and entrance to the terrace.
Second floor: Living room with balcony; 1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and a separate bathroom with hydro-massage bath.
The bath lies a bit elevated, so some difficulties to get into it could be possible.
Third floor: Double bedroom with vide on which two single beds (specially suitable for children), with en suite bathroom with shower.
Studio-apartment (25 m², 2 pers.): Small studio-apartment with double bed and kitchen corner, bathroom with shower. Separate entrance and terrace.