La Riva, Lombardia and The Lakes - Italian Villa Vacations

La Riva is a renovated fisherman’s cottage of about 130 sqm perched right on a narrow pebble beach along Como’s western shore in Santa Maria Rezzonico, just 6 km north of the fashionable town of Menaggio.

The visitor needs to park the car a little way from the village and walk the last few yards (approx. 250 m, please have a look to the pedestrian road with steps leading to La Riva). The way to the house leads along several cobbled paths (vicoli) with steps that can be slippery when wet or icy therefore the house is not suitable for elderly guests or people with walking difficulties. A porter service is available to help with your luggage, but leave your high heels at home and bring a pair of good walking shoes. In the village you will find a pizzeria, and other shops can be found two kilometers south.

Being right “on the water” La Riva offers beautiful lake view from the interiors and from the large terraces.

Please note that the lakefront is public, not private property: you might see occasional walker or fishermen, and they have a perfect right to be there.

La Riva develops upward: it consists of two, not connected parts, each with an independent entrance. The ground floor (about 25 sq) features a nice studio flat with a double bed, kitchenette, bathroom with tub, lovely terrace with a great view of the lake.

Behind, on the other side of the house is the entrance of the main part: on the first level is a dining room with a great view and an open-plan fully equipped kitchen with access to an outdoor large panoramic terrace. Up one level is the living room with satellite TV; full bath with Jacuzzi and telephone shower; Double bedroom with en-suite bath (shower only). The top floor contains a second double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (shower) plus a lofted area with two additional twin beds - we suggest this loft for kids.

In the basement there is a washing machine and a sauna.

Outside there is an additional gated terrace solarium with BBQ. La Riva is charming accommodation. Its stylish interior has been nicely decorated for the comforts of guests.

There is a Pizzeria close to the parking. All shops are 2 km southward.

The Area

In the small village of S. S.Siro you will find a grocery store, a pizzeria, a restaurant and a bus stop. On shore of the lake there are water sports facilities (boat rental, sailing, surfing), and there are a number of scenic trekking routes that begin at the lake. Furthermore, S.Siro is a pretty, antique hamlet where you can still feel the atmosphere of the ancient past and view the beautiful castle with arcades dating back to the year 1000. In Menaggio, located 5 km from the house, there is a golf course and a tennis court. From Menaggio there are ferries to other villages on the shore and the lake islands.

Como is located 30 km to the south.

Lake Como is renowned for its luxuriant vegetation and its mild climate. In winter, in the sunniest areas such as Tremezzina, the temperature is never too cold. In summer, it is mitigated by a very nice breeze.

What to see:

In Como. the Cathedral and Piazza S.Fedele with many 400-year-old buildings and the Basilica, one of the masterpieces of the maestri comacini (masters of Como). The very austere church of San Abbondio or the early Romanesque Basilica of San Corpoforo.

Before leaving Como, be sure to take the cab up to Brunate for a truly spectacular view

From Como, going north along the left shore it's just a short drive to Cernobbio, whose old town features a delightful collection of picturesque houses and narrow alleys. This is the site of the fictional Villa Balbianello, the elegant family-home-cum-pensione featured in the film "A Month by the Lake." Nearby is one of the grandest hotels in all Europe, the Villa D'Este), whose rooms are almost like museum galleries and whose grounds boast Italy's only "floating swimming pool" Up the road is Toriggia, where you can visit Villa Passalacqua, a late 18th-century home where Vincenzo Bellini once stayed.

As you travel north you'll see Como's only island, Isola Comacina (St. John's Day, the week end after June 24th is celebrated with a mass in the ruins of the S. Eufemia basilica, followed by a costumed procession and night-time fireworks.

On the southern shore is Bellagio, the pearl of the lake, considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villas make it a most enchanting spot to spend your own unforgettable "Month by the Lake."

Pricing

* Prices are quoted in Euros and calculated according to the CBA selling rate. Prices are subject to change in AUD due to currency flucuations. (Currency converter)

Pricing Notes

Final cleaning included

- Maid service 2 hours Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

-Heating Included  

- Baby bed Euro 100

- Bath linens changed on Wed and Sat

- Bed linens changed on Sat

- Telephone not available

- A cell phone is available

- Internet access available Adsl

 Pets not allowed

 Security deposit Euro 600

Special notes and restrictions:

Upon request and approval of the owner a late arrival is possible between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm for an extra fee of 50 Euro

Availability