Lombardy, Varese, Varese, Italy

Arriving at the medieval village of Velate, a few kilometres from the centre of Varese, is like diving into another world, made up of greenery and silence, patrician villas and historic residences, with paths leading to chestnut woods and an extraordinary view of Sacro Monte and Campo dei Fiori. In this evocative context we find Villa Bortoluzzi, a charming historic residence surrounded by an enchanting park. The building is currently divided into a main body and five flats. The main body, measuring 1,197 square metres, has four floors, connected by a stone staircase: ground floor, mezzanine floor, first floor and attic. The interiors are embellished with splendid frescoes dating back to the late 18th century, restored in the 1970s, depicting angels, still lifes, noble figures and landscapes. The spacious halls have high frescoed ceilings, one of which is vaulted with lunettes, period floors with lovely terracotta mosaics and French windows overlooking the garden. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, two large halls, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom, while on the mezzanine floor there is a study, a bathroom and a laundry room. The first floor is divided into two wings: the east wing consists of three spacious rooms with decorated ceilings and two bathrooms, while the west wing includes two rooms and a bathroom. Most of the rooms overlook the garden, while those facing the street offer a view of the Church of Santo Stefano and Sacro Monte.