Lenno Light on the Hill

Perched on the hills above Mezzegra, this villa looks out over the bay of Lenno and the Villa Balbianello promontory – a view that's the backdrop to every meal in the vaulted dining room and every afternoon by the shared pool. The garden wraps around with generous places to settle: a shaded portico, a secluded corner, and a round table for alfresco dinners. The two portico suites each have their own sitting area and en-suite bathroom, giving the villa a flexibility that suits groups who value a little breathing room. The lakeside is a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk downhill.

Home truths:
* Two of the four bedrooms are accessed via the portico rather than through the main house, so those guests will step outside to reach the living areas – worth bearing in mind if you're allocating rooms.
* You'll have access to the on-site pool and tennis court here. They're shared with the building's other residents.
* You're up on the hills above the lake, so the waterfront is a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk downhill – and a steeper return trip. We recommend hiring a car to make the most of the area and reach nearby villages with ease.