The villa was purchased in the mid-1600s by a descendent of Charles II, King of Naples, who settled his family there. During this time, the family hired the noted artists of the period to embellish the villa with Baroque touches – exceptional stuche decoration, frescoes and furnishings – all of which remain today, including a bed slept in by Napoleon and his Josephine.

Its grounds are dominated by a formal parterre, designed for enjoyment from the upper floors of the villa where you can best appreciate the colour and symmetry of its design. Beyond, along the road, is a tall gilt-trimmed gate ensuring privacy and adding an elegant foreground to the stunning lake views that can be enjoyed from every window.

The entrance drive winds through many mature plantings – cypress, laurel and chestnut trees. Pathways dappled with sunlight lead through this woodland garden affording wonderfully serene walks accompanied only by the sound of birds overhead.

The top two floors of the main villa are preserved as a private museum containing the furnishings and personal effects of the family. These exquisite and priceless rooms are not included in the rental, but can be shown to interested guests during their stay by a member of the family. Throughout this refined private home are period antiques, objects d'art, paintings, engravings and prints of exceptional taste and quality dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Villa Sola Cabiati is the perfect setting for a select few who can host glamorous family gatherings or house parties for very special friends and, of course, exceptional weddings.

Grounds

• Gated entrance into private estate
• Formal parterre garden
• Lovely woodland garden surrounding the villa with walking paths
• Gate opening to upper lawn behind the villa
• Pool (6x12m, depth 1.4-2.4m) with changing room, kitchen area, cabana, pergola and umbrellas
• Sun beds and sling chairs for lounging for relaxing by the pool
• Vegetable garden

Ground Floor

First floor

• 'Alberica' double suite (twins cannot combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain)
• 'Nora' double bedroom suite (queen) with decorative fireplace and ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain, and shower stall)

Mezzanine

• 'Andrea' double bedroom suite (twins cannot combine) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain, and shower stall)
• 'Amalia' double bedroom suite (queen) with ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain, and shower stall)
• Studio with card table, desk, fax machine and ADSL internet connection

Points of interest

• Bellagio (shopping, restaurants): 15 minutes by boat
• Menaggio (golf, shopping, restaurants): 20 minutes by car
• Como (Villa d'Este): 45 minutes
• Milan (airport), Lugano: one hour and 15 minutes
• Milan (centre), Varese, Bergamo: one hour and 30 minutes
• St Moritz: one hour and 45 minutes; 20 minutes by seaplane

Notes

Rental includes a welcome dinner. Cooking services for continental breakfast included. All cleaning included. Bed linens changed twice weekly; bath and pool towels changed daily. Second maid required for groups of more than eight guests (six hours per day, seven days per week). All additional staff hours available with extra charge. Wine may be purchased from the cellar at cost; other wines can be secured by the staff. There are private areas of the structure not included in the rental and are off-limits to guests. Complimentary WiFi provided, although there is not consistent coverage throughout the property. Fax machine available. Wall safe and fans in all bedrooms. Hairdryers provided. Private pontile available across from villa for guest use. Arrival by helicopter to villa may be arranged. No central heating; modest heating sufficient to take off a chill or reduce humidity. Rentals can begin on any day, Monday to Saturday, 1 June - 30 September. Arrival time is 4-5pm; departure time is 10am.