Stars over Balbianello

Lake Como has a way of stopping you in your tracks, and this apartment in Tremezzina puts that feeling front and centre. The terrace looks directly out over the water, and on warm evenings the shared pool comes into its own – swim as dusk turns to night with the mountain silhouettes above. Inside, the living space opens onto those same views, calm and considered enough to make staying in just as appealing as heading out. Villa del Balbianello's famous terraced gardens are a twenty-minute drive, and the lakeside piazza at Lenno is a thirty-three-minute walk along the shore.

Home truths:
* Both entrances to the apartment involve a climb – twenty-one steps from the private garage, or around forty more gently inclined steps from the pedestrian entrance. If you have mobility considerations or heavy luggage, it's worth planning ahead.
* There is an ongoing construction project close to the apartment, so you may notice some noise during your stay.
* The communal pool is open from 15th April and 30th September. Please note, the water is unheated, so the temperature will depend on the weather.
* This home welcomes guests aged 12 and above only, so it isn't suited to families travelling with younger children.
* Before arrival, you'll need to complete an online check-in form, share passport photos for all guests, sign the tourist-use lease, and join a quick video call with the host to verify your documents.