Menaggio holiday villa rental with golf, walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, jacuzzi/hot tub, disabled access, balcony/terrace, air

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Villa Camellia (villa)

Home description

Villa Camellia is a modern south facing home on a hillside overlooking Menaggio with breathtaking views of Lake Como and the mountains all around. There is a secure, totally enclosed secluded terraced garden with pine and olive trees and extensive balconies and terraces flanked with orange and lemon trees. The spacious terrace with delightful views of Lake Como and the Alps beyond is furnished with outdoor teak tables and chairs with a barbecue and has lighting for evening use.

The villa is extremely spacious (around 240 m2 - over 2500 sq ft ), on three levels, light and modern in style with spectacular timbered ceilings, tastefully decorated with quality furniture (maple with glass and chrome inserts) and leather sofas and armchairs. Because the villa is south facing there is a light attractive atmosphere throughout the summer and winter.

All the principal rooms have french windows onto balconies or terraces and those facing south offer a panoramic view of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, breathtaking at any time of the year but especially when snow capped during the winter months. The living/dining room, almost 32 ft long (9.7m), is impressive with a large log fire ideal in autumn and winter (we supply the wood!). This room together with the principal bedrooms are air conditioned. Villa Camellia is available at most times of the year and is fully centrally heated in winter.

The home is well equipped with two 24" and one 34" Plasma TV's, an outstanding sound system in the living room together with a full Sky Italia package including sports and movies channels. A separate digibox provides BBC national and regional TV and most UK radio programmes together with ITV channels and many European stations. We also have DVD/CD players with an extensive collection of DVDs, video tapes and CDs, and there are top quality hi fi systems to enjoy.

We have a fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room equipped with all the appliances you could wish for - stainless steel hob, fan oven, dishwasher, integrated fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster and two cofee making machines. There is a luxury bathroom with jacuzzi, power shower, wc and hand washbasin. The separate shower room has a power shower, wc, and bidet plus a deep sink for hand washing clothes and an automatic washing machine.

There are five double bedrooms, three with kingsize beds, one with a standard double bed and a further bedroom with twin single beds. Additionally there is a mezzanine children's bedroom also with twin beds. Two of the double bedrooms are at the lower garden level and each has its own adjacent shower room with power shower, washbasin, wc and bidet.

In four of the bedrooms there are TV and DVD players whilst the fifth has a CD player. For the children there are a variety of games and books to entertain them and the adults also have a decent library - not that you are likely to have time to do much reading!

Villa Camellia	Aerial view of Menaggio and Lake Como beyond
Quality modern furniture provides a luxurious environment	South facing balcony and terrace,perfect for sunbathing

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/54769

The Lombardy / Lake Como Area

This area of Lake Como has for many hundreds of years been a major destination centre for people from all over the world. It was an essential stopping off point for "The Grand Tour" during the Victorian era when wealthy aristocrats spent the season journeying through Europe. Because of its warm, balmy climate the Lake has been a welcoming place since Roman times when Pliny made it a favourite place to stay. In more recent times Churchill often stayed and painted in the region. Today it is the home of George Clooney and Richard Branson as well as the Versace family. It's also a highly desirable place of retreat for those living in Milan, 40 miles away, escaping from the summer heat!

Because of the effects of the Lake it is warmer in the winter than predicted (snow is a rare event) and a little cooler in the height of the summer- temperatures in August are generally in the low or mid 30's . We do have short thunderstorms from time to time - every 8 or 10 days and generally at night(!) - which keeps everything green and fresh. In short it is a perfect climate for the family to enjoy themselves.

With a car there is an immensely varied choice of interesting places to visit. Lugano and its lake is 30 minutes drive along an amazing scenic country road. Lake Maggiore and picturesque lakeside towns such as Locarno, Ascona and Stresa are an easy hour and a half away. There is a network of little mountain roads giving ready access to the surrounding mountains with spectacular views of the Alps and if you are lucky on a clear day, of Tuscany 150 miles away! There are also cable cars and mountain railways to take you to the tops of some of the mountains. The all-the-year round elegant resort of St Moritz is another must-do trip for those on holiday in the area.

Visitors can drive to Lake Garda for the day or drop in to Verona and see Juliet's balcony. Venice is for the enthusiast but with a direct motorway from Milan, is within 3-4 hour's drive. But those wanting a gentle relaxing holiday shouldn't stray too far from Menaggio - there's no need!

Menaggio area

The centre of Menaggio is less than a mile away from the villa and regular ferries provide easy access to all parts of the Lake. We are around 12 miles from Switzerland and Lugano, around 20 miles from Como City, 50 miles from St Moritz and, just across the lake in Varenna, a regular and inexpensive rail service whisks you to the heart of Milan.

Culture is the life force of the area and any excuse is enough for a celebration! Visitors should not be surprised at the events taking place - there's lots of concerts, open air festivals , and it's near enough to hop over to Lugano in August when the city has a major Blues festival. Lake Como must be one of the few places in the world when, during the summer, there is a fireworks competition amongst the towns when the mountains echo to the roar of thousands of rockets and shells being set off! Don't be surprised if some of the area may seem to be a little familiar - the area has been regularly used to make films including Ocean's 12 with George Cluny who has a villa just down the Lake at Laiglio and the recent James Bond film, Casino Royal.

The scenery surrounding Menaggio is totally captivating as well as being a visual paradise, certainly unique in Europe. Those enjoying the water there are ample sailing boats and motor boats for hire. Regular ferries take holidaymakers across the Lake to Varenna and Bellagio or visitors may also go for a cruise up to the top of the Lake - about an hour and a half's sail away. Alternatively Como itself is an hour away by or less on the hydrofoil. For those who delight in the mountains, there are well signposted walks with good access to many of the surrounding landmarks and full information is available from the tourist office in Menaggio's piazza.

There are often music concerts taking place in most of the surrounding towns, in town squares, churches hotels or historic villas and many of these are free. Again the tourist information centre in Menaggio is a mine of information and its helpful, friendly staff speak most languages.

There is an outstanding nature reserve close by - Lake Piano in nearby Piano Porlezza which is an idylic place to visit with cool quiet foot paths wending their way through the woods where you can, if you're very lucky, see wild deer and boar - be careful if they have young with them! In winter the lake freezes over in time for Christmas providing a vast free open-air skating rink!

How to get there

An excellent choice of budget airlines - Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2 , Flybe, Fly BMI and bmibaby etc fly from most parts of the UK. Many major national airlines such as BA and Alitalia also fly from the UK and Europe to Milan's three international airports. From London's City Airport, Air One and BA Cityflyer fly to Milan Linate and Malpensa airports.

Bergamo (Orio al Serio) and Malpensa are both within easy travelling distance of Lake Como and Menaggio. Linate Airport, to the south east of Milan, is a little further away but has a good motorway network giving fast access to Lake Como either through the City of Como or via Lugano in Switzerland. If holiday makers wish to hire a vehicle, all three airports have the usual car hire companies such as Hertz and Europecar etc and full details will be sent on request.

For those travelling by car it is almost all motorway from Calais right through to Lugano on the Swiss/ Italian border. We are just 12/13 miles ( around 40 minutes via a picturesque country road) from Lugano. We can provide detailed information on recommended routes from northern France right to the front door - either the direct way on the French peage or alternatively via a more scenic route through the Ardenne and Alsace which we prefer. That way you are able to take advantage of much cheaper fuel in Luxembourg! We are also able to provide comprehensive hotel information for those wanting to stay overnight on the way.

Depending on the time of year you should normally allow 11 hours drive time from Calais to Menaggio so, adding in the time to reach Dover and cross the ferry, it is a comfortable 1 1/2 days travel, perhaps a little more with young children. If you go via the Tunnel and have 2 drivers, the journey can be done in a day - as we have done from time to time but if you regard the journey as part of your holiday as we do, you should try to drive through the Alps on the Swiss fast and modern motorways in the daylight - it's one of the most spectacular journeys you are likely to experience!

Activities near Menaggio

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Children's bedroom (bedroom 6) with two single beds is at mezzanine level above one of the double bedrooms

a cot bed with sprung mattress and high chair (all from Mothercare), Britax Asis car seat (new-born to 4 years), and comprehensive range of everyday items for babies and toddlers are available at no charge - please give us a call before the start of your holiday

mezzanine office with internet wi-fi access

The house is fitted with a modern security alarm

Further details outdoors:
Garden teak furniture on large balcony with barbecue plus separate barbecue in garden

secure car parking and remotely operated electronic gates for pedestrians and cars. External lighting on all terraces and balconies

totally enclosed secluded garden with lots of shady places in summer

Further details

Villa Camellia is located on the hillside above Menaggio and has two internal levels. The upper level faces onto the little street at the front of the villa and its three bedrooms have sleeping accommodation for six plus two children in the mezzanine bedroom having full size beds.

The rear of the house faces on to a south facing terraced garden and is one level below. This level has two double bedrooms each with its own adjacent shower room equipped with power shower, washbasin, wc and bidet. An internal staircase links the two levels so the villa is ideal for the larger family who perhaps have a nanny or au pair. The arrangement is also perfect for two families wishing to share the accommodation whilst at the same time, retaining a degree of privacy.

The rates for Villa Camellia are fully inclusive - all utiliies - gas, water, electricity, air conditioning in the summer and central heating plus logs in the winter. The villa is completey cleaned prior to arrival of guests and all the linen is 100% Egyption cotton and the towels are soft and luxurious as are the bath robes provided for each bathroom and shower room. Unless requested otherwise, the villa will be cleaned mid-week as well as the end of every week for those guests holidaying for longer periods.

By the late spring, 2009, a luxuriously equipped south facing garden room with french windows leading onto a patio will be available. This totally separate spacious room will have comprehensive cooking facilities - a full kitchen including hob, oven, microwave, American style fridge freezer, dining for six with an attractive Provence style table and appealing dresser, lounge facilities - two sofas - and cinema surround sound DVD player, television and hi fi system. An adjacent separate lounge with french windows overlooking the garden and patio will be available during summer 2009. Up to date details can be obtained directly from the owners.

We send a welcome pack prior to the holiday with comprehensive information about the region and what it offers plus useful tips to ensure a great holiday.

Bookings are normally Saturday to Saturday during the months June to the end of September unless agreed beforehand. At other times of the year we can be more flexible.

A 25% non refundable deposit is payable on making the booking with the balence due no later than one calendar month before the start of the holiday.

Cheques or electronic payments should preferably be made in Euros but if made in sterling, dollars or any other currency, holiday makers are advised to check beforehand with us on the current exchange rate.

Conditions

We do welcome well behaved small dogs but on the understanding that the owners are fully responsible for any damage or losses that may ensue and the dogs are not left unattended in the house. They should also be excluded from the bedrooms.

The garden is totally enclosed and acess is via electronic pedestrian and drive gates onto a quiet private road.

We allow smoking on the balconies and terrace but not in any of the internal areas.

A refundables breakage deposit of 200 euros is required on arrival which will be refunded within one week of departure subject to a satisfactory inspection of the property.

All the main rooms are at ground level giving easy access and two of the bedrooms are at the lower garden level ( the house is on a hillside and street level is one level above the rear garden level). There are also stairs within the twin bedded room which parents of youngsters should be aware of (we do have a stair gate which we can fit if asked). This leads to the mezzanine children's bedroom and, because of the stairs, this sleeping area is not suitable for the very young. If you have any requests for special equipment please make these at the time of booking - we will do our utmost to meet your requirements!

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
November - December	1 Nov 08	20 Dec 08	950£ 864	0-	0-	4 Nights
December - January	20 Dec 08	3 Jan 09	1200£ 1,091	0-	0-	1 Week
January- March	3 Jan 09	10 Apr 09	1450£ 1,318	0-	0-	4 Nights
April- May	10 Apr 09	6 Jun 09	1850£ 1,682	0-	0-	4 Nights
June- August	6 Jun 09	5 Sep 09	2450£ 2,227	0-	0-	1 Week
September- October	5 Sep 09	31 Oct 09	1850£ 1,682	0-	0-	4 Nights
November- December	31 Oct 09	19 Dec 09	1450£ 1,318	0-	0-	4 Nights
Christmas	19 Dec 09	9 Jan 10	1850£ 1,682	0-	0-	1 Week
January- April	9 Jan 10	10 Apr 10	1450£ 1,318	0-	0-	4 Nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Guestbook for Villa Camellia

Edwina and David!
Thank you so much for making our stay such a great success. Lovely villa, lovely location, lovely weather, and lovely restaurants - we had a great time and will come again and again!
Alistair and Judith, Derbyshire. UK

We've been three times now and enjoy it more and more each time. We were looked after like princes! Thanks a million - see you next time - hope it's soon!
Isabel and Stephen, Notts, UK

Thank you so much for making sure we had a perfect stay in your lovely home. It was a magical two weeks and we will come again I promise. Hope you like the pictures I made for you!
Ruth and Eckerhart, Emmendingen, Freiburg, Germany

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your help and guidance during our trip to Lake Como. I have to say it was fantastic and we will definitely be back. Diana and I are dreaming of buying a place there some day. I'm sure we will be in touch with you All the very best and thanks again.
Dan and Diana, London, UK

Hi David:
Rob and I have been back from Italy for about a week now ... We wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks once again for showing us such a wonderful time.  Your house was stunning (everything we could
possibly have asked for) and Lake Como was utterly enchanting.  We also really enjoyed having the opportunity to spend time with you.  Your knowledge of the region, warmth and hospitality contributed 
substantially to making our trip a  magical and memorable experience. I can't wait for the next trip to Italy!
Wishing you all the best,

Sandra and Rob, Toronto, Canada

Availability

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To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/54769

Contact details for the advertiser of home 54769
Name:	Dr David Riley
Tel:	+39 0344 30479
Mobile:	+39 366 171 3139
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Advertiser joined: Apr 2008