Description Up the Stone Stairs: Menaggio

Sitting on the top floor of a historic villa built within medieval Castello walls, this apartment looks out across Lake Como toward Varenna and Bellagio in a 180-degree sweep that takes in the snow-capped Alps beyond. The mezzanine sleeping area adds a romantic touch – a super king-size bed tucked up under the eaves, overlooking the living space below. Step outside to a shaded corner of the back garden, or head down to the shared pool with the peaks rising all around. Menaggio's centre is right on the doorstep, with frequent boat connections making the lake yours to explore.

Home truths:
* You'll enter through a shared lobby and climb a stone staircase to reach the suite – there is no lift, so the top floor involves a meaningful amount of stairs.
* The second bedroom is on the mezzanine level and semi-open to the space below, so privacy is limited. The ceiling is also on the low side up here, so taller guests should take care.
* At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on the sofa bed in the mezzanine bedroom.