Vines Over Maggiore

A vine-draped mansion sitting directly alongside Lake Maggiore, this villa earns its drama before you've even stepped inside. The colonnaded courtyard, with its central fountain, gives the heart of the home a sense of history that few stays can match – and the landscaped garden, where palms and blooming flowers frame the pool, adds to that feeling of losing yourself somewhere timeless. A separate guesthouse with its own balcony and kitchenette makes the arrangement flexible for groups. When you're ready to venture out, medieval Castello di Cison and the vineyard trails of the Valmarino Wine Route are within reach.

Home truths:
* The twin beds in the second bedroom can be pushed together to make a king – let your host know in advance if you'd prefer that configuration.
* There's a dedicated office space here. If you need to catch up on work during your stay, your host can provide a full set-up, including a computer, printer, scanner and ergonomic desk chair.
* While the seventh and eighth bedrooms aren't photographed and only the first and second of the home's six bathrooms are shown, you can expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home.
* If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, your host can provide a cot upon request.
* This house is arranged across multiple floors – it may not suit guests with reduced mobility.