Villa Balbiano is one of the most historic and iconic villas on the shores of Lake Como. Its long history dates back to the 16th century, as the lakeside home to several famous Cardinals. More recently, the villa was bought by the owner of Villa Astor - our gem in the crown of the Amalfi Coast - who engaged legendary French designer Jacques Garcia to undertake a transformational restoration. Garcia, known for his restoration of Villa Astor and some of our favourite hotels, including sexy Maison Souquet in Paris and the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo, is a master at creating sumptuous, elegant interiors, using the finest materials imaginable. Villa Balbiano is now arguably the best villa on Lake Como.
Villa Balbiano's transformation into an exclusive lake-side retreat establishes new standards for Lake Como luxury this season, with guests marvelling at its perfect location, magnificent baroque frescoes, opulent marbles floors, fine art and antiques counterpointed with contemporary flourishes.
This sumptous palazzo is actually an estate, comprising the main house, the Villino and the Dependence set in expansive lakeside gardens extending to 3 acres.. The main villa has six bedrooms over three floors and is perfect for a group of up to 12. The Villino and Dependence add a further 8 bedrooms so the Villa Balbiano estate can accommodate up to 28 guests in palatial style.
There is a music room with Steinway piano, two exquisite swimming pools, outdoor and indoor, plenty of terraces and al fresco dining areas where one can enjoy beautiful cuisine with lake views.
As you would expect, Villa Balbiano is going to be popular for special events and celebrations, including, of course, exceptional weddings. For those looking for the best luxury villa on Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is the one.
The villa has a direct access to the lake, with its own polished wood Venetian taxi, so you can get everywhere you need to be by water. Immediately beyond the villa's gates is the Greenway - Lake Como's famous lakeshore path which extends to 10kms of beautiful walks along the lake, through beautiful villages and, always, with a spectacular view of the lake.
The Villa's grand entrance halls and reception areas are decorated with original floor to ceiling baroque frescoes, dating back to the 17th century. Jacques Garcia has restored every beautiful detail and furnished the entire property with beautiful antiques, paintings, silks and exotic velvets. Bedrooms are invitingly romantic and many have exquisite lake views and four poster beds. Bathrooms are marbled to perfection.
5-star service is provided by a dedicated team, whose passion is for every guest to enjoy every moment of their stay at this most magical and extraordinary villa on the lakes of Italy's most famous lake.
Ground floor
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Grand entrance hall with original floor to ceiling baroque frescoes
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Living room with original frescoes
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Sitting room with fireplace and frescoes
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Library with frescoed ceilings
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Formal dining room with fescoes wall and ceilings. From here there is access to the outdoor alfresco dining area, under a pergola
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Fully equipped kitchen for guests
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Professionally-equipped restautant-style kitchen for staff to cater for guests
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Private gym fully equipped with Precor equipment with full bath
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Guest bathroom
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Pre-pool room with splendid octagonal table. From here the guests can access the indoor pool (fully heated) with floor-to-ceiling windows with views overlooking the lake and the garden
First floor
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Landing with sofas and lake views
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Music room (two-stories high) with Steinway grand piano
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Guest kitchenette (self-service; for snacks and beverages)
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Master bedroom suite: king size bed, living room equipped with TV and a view overlooking the garden, en-suite marble bathroom (shower)
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Chinoiserie suite: king size bed with access to the terrace, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite marble bathroom (bath and shower)
Second Floor
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Double en-suite bedroom with TV, wardrobe and views overlooking the lake
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Double en-suite bedroom with views of the town
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Double en-suite bedroom with views of the garden
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Double en-suite bedroom with views of the mountains and the pool
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Guest kitchenette (self-service; for snacks and beverages)
Outside
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Outdoor swimming pool (8x15ms)
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Outdoor BBQ
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Helicopter pad
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Private dock
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The Lake Como Greenway passes the entrance gate of Villa Balbiano, so guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the lake through the passage, either with gentle strolls or for jogging
Notes
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For a larger party, Villino provides additional accomodation for another 8 guests, available on request. Living room, dining room and a conservatory with views overlooking the lake
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The villa includes full time staff including: housekeepers, butlers, waiter, villa manager, porter service, concierge service and night guard
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There is air conditioning and heating in all bedrooms. Electricity and gas are included in the rates. Personal laundry and chefs are available at additional charget. Site parking available for up to 10 cars
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The villa can be rented in two ways. The second floor is only available when booked with a 6-bedroom option or more. When booked as 2 or 3 bedroom property, the upper floor will not be accessible.