Lake Orta, Novara, Piedmont, Italy

In the charming hamlet of Corconio overlooking Lake Orta, this imposing villa built in 1679, boasts frescoed ceilings, original floors, and elegantly curated gardens. Completely renovated in 2019 by a well-known local contractor, the villa is now fully heated, with new electrical wiring, roof and a lift. A once forgotten gem has been given a new lease of life, moving it into the 21st century, remaining in sympathy with its most exquisite historical features. Upon entering the villa you are welcomed into a private courtyard, the white walls bathed in sunlight, and it is immediately clear the villa celebrates all that is Italian. Nowhere is this more evident than on the sumptuously frescoed ground floor, work of several renowned painters from northern Italy; as well as in the marvellous Venetian Stucco which adorns the grand staircase. Once home to the wealthy Bonola family, and built by Giorgio Bonola, this stunning property was renovated to a high standard by his descendant, Antonio Bonola, in 1901. The record of his intervention remains etched above the fireplace in the dining hall. Upstairs, caisson ceilings, hand-painted walls and sun-drenched balconies take you back in time as you drink in the view of the lake over the rooftops of the houses on the hill below. Over 8000m2 of land has been transformed into a botanical garden with rare Asian species such as rhododendrons and magnolias. Two well-proportioned guesthouses, both tastefully renovated, allow ample room for friends and family to stay, the independent entrances affording them the ability to come and go as they please. This villa is the perfect combination of old and new with the possibility of creating a boutique hotel with restaurant. Immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of a property built to last, without sacrificing the modern comforts we have learned to expect.