About this property
Situated in Carate Urio, close to the site of an ancient Moltrasio stone quarry, the four-bedroomed Ailanto offers an authentic and atmospheric lakeside break for up to eight guests. It’s almost as if this villa has been hewn from its adjacent crag, with its fabulous, sloping garden and stone steps leading to its entrance.
There’s a welcoming, homely feel to this villa from the moment you enter, offering a relaxing contrast to the breath-taking scenery just outside its doors. There’s a large, sumptuous sofa and equally comfortable armchairs to melt into after a day exploring the lake and its hills, with a wall-mounted television and large patio doors to provide a feast for the eyes. The balcony view here is truly exceptional, extending across the emerald water that’s as stunning by night as during the day.
The kitchen is a foodie’s delight, with large marble worktops for preparation, excellent integrated appliances and easy access to both the indoor and outdoor dining areas. Treat yourself to some of the region’s fantastic produce and make the most of it, the salmon from Lake Como itself is delicious when served with the local speciality of polenta. Carate Urio isn’t the largest town on the lake’s shores, but you’ll find a mini-market and a superb butcher here. For a wider selection of produce, head a little further south to Como, where you’ll find a fantastic market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Just don’t forget to pick up a bottle or two for the wine chiller!
You’ll find beautiful wooden furniture throughout, not least in the bedrooms – one of which features floor-to-ceiling doors that open up to a private terrace. This is an incredible room to wake up in, with the spectacular eastern shore greeting you as you throw your curtains open in the morning.
An air-conditioned study provides a quiet space to catch up on emails, while Ailanto’s locus of relaxation can be found outside. The view from inside the lake view pool is quite spectacular, with its hydromassage and counter-current features adding additional layers of indulgence. The poolside terrace is a sun-worshipper’s dream, and there’s even a barbecue provided – perfect for a sunset supper by the pool. The outdoor lighting adds to the magical evening atmosphere, with the lake becoming illuminated by the villages and towns that line its shores once the sun has set.
If you prefer to take a break from driving during your stay at Ailanto, boat transfers to other towns can be easily arranged. There is a superb network of ferries and private boats, so if there’s a particular town or landmark around the lake you’d like to explore – don’t be afraid to ask! You can even take a ride on various types of vessel, with the chance to hire one yourself and take to the waves in style. Many companies offer cruises around Lake Como, with romantic, beautifully lit evening boating tours that are not to be missed.
Those enjoying outdoor pursuits are guaranteed a fantastic base for their break at Ailanto. You’ll find extraordinary hiking trails at Monte de Urio and Monte di Carate close by, along with numerous other peaks that dominate the lakeside skyline so majestically.
Just across the water from Carate Urio, and easily accessible by boat transfer, Faggeto Lario’s Water Experience Centre (WEC) is a great place to explore the high-powered end of aquatic thrills. Open throughout summer, the WEC caters for everyone from beginners to seasoned hobbyists, with wake-surfing and water-skiing experiences behind powerboats available to try, along with jet ski hire. If that’s a little on the extreme side, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding offer different kinds of experiences on Lake Como’s crystalline waters.
It’s not all high speed aquatic adventures and mountain trails around Lake Como, this is a superb place for couples to visit, with the lake’s magical ambience providing a picturesque backdrop to a romantic break. Relax on your private grassy beach in total privacy, take walks along the winding streets of the gorgeous hillside towns and villages, and enjoy an evening cruise under the lights, with the illuminated Nesso Bridge in particular delivering unforgettable views.
The super-stylish town of Como, twenty minutes by car from Carate Urio (or by boat if you prefer), is a shopper’s delight. Whether you’re gathering mouth-watering local produce at the thrice-weekly farmer’s market, browsing boutiques and wine outlets along the Via Vittorio Emanuele II, or simply scouring familiar high street stores for bargains on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
Savour an artisanal gelato cone on the Lungolago Mafalda di Savoia, take the weight off your feet on the waterfront with a delicious coffee and pastry, or sample some Lombard cuisine at one of Como’s superb eateries. You’ll find a broad range of choice, from haute cuisine and phenomenal seafood from the Amalfi coast, to rustic trattorias and osterias serving hearty dishes – all with superb wine lists, of course!
Accommodation
Villa Interior
Ground Floor
- Bedroom with double bed
- Kitchenette
- Bathroom with shower, WC, bidet
First Floor
- Lounge with sofas, television, dining table
- Kitchen with hob, oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, Nespresso coffee machine, wine fridge
- Bedroom with double bed, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, washbasin, WC, bidet
- Bathroom with shower, WC, bidet
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Attic
- Study
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (6x3m, depth: 1.70m) open approximately beginning of April to end of October
- Goods lift
- Barbecue
- Dining table
- Sunbeds and parasols
- Private mooring
- Private parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Iron with board