LA SELVA

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 this beautiful lake – a few kilometres upwards at Varenna – one finds, at the entrance to a large country estate, Casa Rosea, a house belonging to this same estate. The house has been partitioned off, with at the ground floor an adorable apartment for 2 + 2 persons, called La Selva (80 m2). It has its own, private entrance and a terrace. The backside of the apartment borders a local road, with ends at about 5 metres from the house. Above the apartment the before-mentioned Casa Rosea is situated, with its own terrace, garden and swimming pool. Both houses can be rented together, then offering space to 12 persons.

La Selva is a simple, but charming, recently restored accommodation. Because it has no access to the garden (reserved to Casa Rosea) and its terrace is close to the road we normally suggest to rent it together with Casa Rosea (together they can accommodate up to 12 people). But of course one can rent also the apartment separately.

Afore-mentioned Varenna has beautiful and lovely-coloured houses, situated at about a 10 min. driving distance from the country estate. It has a lido, lots of shops and restaurants. Moreover, the ferry moors here, and there is a railway station. In case you take a train to Milan, you will be in about one hour in the centre of this beautiful city.

NB: Guests of La Selva can use the comunal swimming pool on the property. They are not permitted to use the pool and garden of Casa Rosea unless the 2 units are rented together. The other swimming pools belong to other accommodations and guests of La Selva have no access to those swimming pools and gardens.The lay-out is such that those who have difficulties walking should not rent La Selva .

Facilities:
Swimming pool (together with other guests on the estat, terrace with garden equipment, parking for one car, TV-sat., DVD, VCR, CD-player, cooker with 4 burners, oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. Tennis court at extra costs, WiFi. Mobile phone available, at extra costs.

Lay-out (80 m2, 2 + 2 pers.):
Ground floor: From the terrace, you enter the living room, with sofa and easy chair. The kitchen is not too big, but has all modern comforts. Moreover, a double bedroom and a bathroom with bath and shower.

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Tennis on the property (extra costs), swimming pool 3 kms. (sportsclub Varenna), walking, biking. Golf course in Menaggio.Varenna is a nice lakeshore town in lake Como. Built on a rocky promontory it was for centuries a sentinel at the heart of the lake. Varenna today is a quietly refined town with beautiful old houses and romantic panoramas. The climate is particularly mild, as witnessed by the presence of olive and cypress trees together with other botanical specimens normally found in much warmer climates. Along the lakefront is a romantic walkway, abounding in flora, linking the town centre and Olivedo, the landing point for ferries and steamers. Varenna is the ideal starting point for a visit to the north/centre of Italy and the Southern Swiss Alps. It is less then two hours from Milano Malpensa airport and 1 hour from Milano Linate airport.
Places to visit: the castle of Vezio (a 5 minutes walk from the villa), the gardens of villa Monastero, a neo-classical garden, offering a long walk along the lakeshore. Worth a visit are Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo (20 minutes by ferry), and the famous Villa Carlotta, and of course Como with its ancient monuments, churches and shopping area.

Distances: (approx. kms.)
Restaurant 100 m, 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.