Terracotta over Como

A century-old villa set into the Lake Como hillside, this is the kind of place where you step through arched doors and the lake simply opens up below you. Terracotta floors, exposed stone walls, and wooden beams anchor the interior in its history, while a panoramic terrace and private garden give you uninterrupted views over the entire basin. The upper bedrooms wake you with mountain and water light through open windows. Como Cathedral is about fourteen minutes by car, and Villa del Balbianello's terraced gardens are a seventy-five-minute drive away when you're ready to explore.

Home truths:
* The main living area, kitchen, and dining space are on the lower floor, while the bedrooms sit on the floors above – you'll need to be able to climb stairs here.
* The tower is open to visit on arrival with a member of staff only – access won't be available after that point, so make the most of it during your welcome tour.
* The villa is only accessible on foot via a short uphill walk of around five minutes from the road. Your host recommends comfortable footwear for arrival and departure.
* There's no private parking here – you'll find free public spaces along the main road at the bottom of the pedestrian path.