The Villa Passalacqua
Year after year I walk on the grounds of the majestic Villa Passalacqua, it’s more than just a Lake Como Villa Rental, but a national monument for Italy. It was constructed in the 1700’s by Count Passalacqua who had been granted the property by the Odescalchi Family, a Northern Papal family. It’s most famous long term visitor was Vincenzo Bellini who lived here from 1829-1833 and wrote his most famous operas here (Norma and Sonnambula).
The Swiss architect, Felice Soave, designed the house to have a simple symmetrical fascade with a richly elaborate interior. The ceilings on the public rooms as well as the bedrooms are ornately decorated and painted. The floors are a beautiful mixture of Cotto Lombardo, Seminato, and dark antique wood. The Villa is filled with beautiful paintings, sculptures, rugs, tapestries and Venetian chandeliers.
This luxury Italian villa has eight suites that average over 1,300 square feet. They are all unique and beautiful. They all have high and carved ceilings, antique floors and spectacular bathrooms. The rooms are filled with antique furniture, Persian rugs, Venetian chandeliers and beautiful art. Some of the bathrooms have Philippe Starck designed wash basins, bathtubs and W/Cs while others have antique French and English large trough bathtubs and ornate wash basins.
The gardens of the two villas are considered some of the most historic and beautiful on Lake Como. The Swimming Terrace is spectacular. There are outdoor sitting and dining areas with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains, as well as a gym and a playground for children. In the evenings, make cocktails at the bar, gather in the home theater or music and billiards rooms, and send the kids to the two playrooms. For comfort and convenience, the property has a fireplace, a wine cooler, computer and Wi-Fi access. terrace is filled with lemon and Olive trees. The views of Lake Como are stunning from the pool area, which is the warmest part of the garden. Overlooking the swimming pool is Sant’ Agata’s 12th century bell tower. If pool heating is available it is at an extra cost on all properties in Italy.
There is also a beautiful 200 year old greenhouse on the terrace. There are 11 working fountains on the property that add cool freshness and sound to the hot summer afternoons. The property ends at the lake’s shore. The dock area is beautiful. It is encased in antique Moltrasio stone both on the walls and on the steps leading to the water. The dock area is filled with roses, creeping jasmine and oleander.
The villa’s grounds are the most beautiful in all of Lake Como, they are well manicured and boat large mature trees that have been there for hundreds of years. When I am there I stroll down to the private dock on Lake Como, or up to the pool terrace, which is surrounded by citrus trees, a greenhouse and a 12th-century bell tower. If you venture behind the villa you will find a quaint and beautiful town within walking distance with restaurant, shop and church. There behind the town you will find a natural water fall. There is a small church, where I went for a mass and we walked to the larger church in procession under a full moon. It was amazing and an authentic and unparalleled Italian experience. There is no Villa in Italy quiet as amazing as the Villa Passalacqua.
Please be advised the Villa is a historical property and there is limitations with AC in all of the rooms. There is AC in some of the bedrooms, not all and the Villa is not centrally air condition on the lower floors.
Check in
4:00 PM Check in – Check out 10:00 AM
Security Deposit
Security Deposit will be determined if the Villa is used for a Wedding or Family Vacation and communicated on the contract
Extra Costs
Chef services, additional maid services, shopping services, airport transfers, boating, excursions
What's Included in the Cost
Daily maid service, mid week change of towels and Linens, AC, Electricity, Final Cleaning
