Lombardy, Lecco, Varenna, Italy

Luxury penthouse apartment located in the village of Fiumelatte, just 1 km from the beautiful town of Varenna on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The apartment features top-quality fixtures and fittings throughout, and boasts gorgeous panoramic views of the lake, including the 'Golden Triangle' (Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna). There are quite a few steps up to this newly renovated building that leads to the apartment. Open the front door of this top-floor penthouse, and you will be overwhelmed by the wide and stunning view of the lake, with the town of Bellagio perfectly framed in the front windows! The interior of the apartment is stylishly furnished, and everything has been designed to maximize your enjoyment. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the exclusive lake views and is large enough for al fresco dining and relaxing with a glass of Italian wine. It includes a spacious dining area and an additional lakefront eating area. There is also a very stylish bathroom with a shower, bidet, and WC. The apartment is fully air-conditioned and Wi-Fi-enabled, with a comfortable double sofa bed in the lounge for additional guests, as well as a fire and gas alarm system with automatic gas turn-off.

Varenna is home to Italy's shortest river, the Fiumelatte. Only 250 meters long, it rushes, frothy and milky-white (hence the name), down the rock face and crashes into the lake from the end of March to the end of October each year. And then it stops—just like that. Leonardo da Vinci climbed down to find out where the water came from, but neither he nor anyone else has ever been able to figure it out. Varenna is one of the most picturesque towns on the lake, with its steep, winding alleys lined with charming homes, flowering balconies, and lace-curtained windows. Just above it is the ancient castle where Theodolinda, Queen of the Lombards, is said to have died in the 7th century. Two famed villas to visit here are Villa Cipressi, with terraced gardens cascading right down to the shores, and Villa Monastero, a true showcase of botanical gardens. Skiing in the area is bountiful, with resorts such as Madesimo, only 1.15 hours north of Colico, and the local ski resort of Piani di Bobbio, just 40 minutes away.