CASA ROSEA

Description:
During the “high tide” of the Roman Empire the fleet was divided into five admiralties; one of which had its headquarters in Como, with the most important duty of maintaining and protecting the commerce over the water between the valley of the river Po and the great lakes. During the next 2000 years, Lake Como has not significantly deteriorated in importance as waterway and its green, steep slopes have been “visited” by numberless armies, travellers and commercial fleets. The shape of the lake, with three legs, makes one think of a fjord in the high North of Europe, and Lake Como has this fact in common with these fjords, i.e. the depth. Around Argegno the lake is about 400 m. deep, thus establishing it the deepest of all the lakes in Europe.

The two most important towns of Lake Como are situated on its southern legs. The bay of Como can, since ancient times already, be proud of a harbour, making the city of Como of strategically importance. The old city-centre of Como, with origins from before the Romans, namely the Celts, is still partially surrounded by imposing city-walls. The shores of the town itself are filled with imposing villa’s, still showing off the fact that the lake’s surroundings have always been the crème de la crème to live. And this fact has been extended along all the shores of this lakes; imposing villa’s, with adorable little villages and churches, galore!

Our most ancient forefathers, dating back as far as the Stone Ages, already appreciated the climate; mild and sunny, even in winter, whilst the summer is never unbearably hot because of the agreeable winds. A luxuriant flora has been the result: camellias, azaleas, magnolias and mimosas; shrubs and trees like these have, around here, often grown to majestic proportions and blossom profusely. For instance, the Villa Carlotta, in Tremezzo, is world-famous because of its beautiful garden. The middle of the lake, where the three legs join, has the best climate and also the most gorgeous view.

Also the “rich and famous” love this area; for example actor George Cloony was so taken with the surroundings that he bought a villa here. We all know that those who can spend a lot of money always chose the loveliest spots for a dwelling, so can we say more about this lake and surroundings?

Close-by Lake Como, at just a few kms. uphill near Varenna, one finds, at the entrance of an estate, Casa Rosea, which forms part of the estate. The house (160 m²) has been renovated and carefully refurnished. The garden has old cypresses and olive trees and on the patio one finds table and chairs for meals outside or just to sit and relax. This house can be rented together with Casa Selva, in that case both houses can thus accommodate 12 persons.

Note: The terrain is absolutely not flat, and the entrance to the house can only be reached, from the parking space, via a staircase of about 20 steps. We therefore cannot recommend this house for those with lung-/heart or walking problems.

Lay-out (160 m², 8 + 2 pers.):
Ground floor: At garden level, the patio, with a lovely, old wisteria, gives entrance to the hall. The living, with large windows, has an open fire place, comfortable sitting-corner, TV-sat and stereo-set. Moreover, a study-corner with book-case, in open connection to the living. On this same floor, the dining room with lovely view on the lake plus table sitting 8, kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven, 4-pits stove and dishwasher. Toilet.
First floor: Loggia/balcony with view on the lake. To be enjoyed! Furthermore 3 bedrooms (2 double bedrooms and 1 bedroom with 2 beds and exit to a terrace at the back), 2 bathrooms, one with shower and one with bath and separate shower (with washing machine). Please note: one of the bedrooms only to be reached via another one.
Second floor: Bedroom with 2 beds plus 2 extra beds (pull-out), and view on the lake.

Facilities:
Garden, swimming pool, tennis court (extra costs), covered parking, terrace with garden furniture, TV-sat, stereo- set, oven, fridge/freezer, 4 pits stove, dishwasher, washing machine, telephone, WiFi-Internet. Pool towels available (no extra charge).

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Varenna is a nice little city, build on a rocky promontory which served as a kind of military look-out for ages. Nowadays, the city is quiet, refined and cosy, with beautiful old villas and romantic views. The climate is very mild, as one can see from the flora which normally only grows in warmer regions. Along the lake, there is a road only for walking from the centre of the city to Olivedo, where the ferries dock.
Varenna is an ideal place for lots of excursions, e.g. the Southern Swiss Alps. At about 5 minutes walking distance, you can visit the castle of Vezio. Golf in Menaggio.

Distances (approx. in kms.)
Restaurant 100m, Varenna (all kind of shops, restaurants, mooring for the ferry and railway station) 4 km, Airport Milano Malpensa 110, airport Milano Linate 81, Como 58, Lugano 95, Stresa 147. The cities of Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo best to be reached by ferry, in about 20 min.