Palazzo Novara

The villa

Palazzo Novara is a 17th century mansion in Lake Orta that underwent a total refurbishment in 2012. All the original architecture has been restored with luxurious finishes and all modern comforts. There are large fireplaces, coffered ceilings, incredible wall art and sumptuous furniture throughout. Every bedroom has its own en - suite bathroom, flat screen satellite TV and an audio system.  Spread across three levels the ground floor contains the study, kitchen, dining room, guest bathroom and spa with all areas opening out on to the garden. The spa features an indoor pool (12mx2.5m), waterfall, steam bath, two showers and a WC, all directly accessible from the garden. Up on the first floor is a spacious living area with fireplace, two en - suite bedrooms and a guest bathroom. The second floor has a further two en - suite bedrooms, a library and music room, guest bathroom and laundry. From the top floor you have wonderful views across Lake Orta, the Island of San Giulio and the Monte Rosa.  Outside there is a courtyard and columned garden with seating for eight, perfect for romantic candlelit dinners and daybeds for catching some rays. The entire property is surrounded by high walls ensuring ultimate privacy.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Como and Maggiore is tiny, bewitching Lake Orta. This is truly the stuff of fairy tales, crumbling baroque buildings and wild gardens set against the glittering lake. The streets and surrounds burst into flower every spring, and in autumn the foliage turns to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Nearby Vacciago lies just above Orta San Giulio and overlooks the lake and San Giulio Island. Vacciago has been a popular holiday haunt for the noble families of Milan and Piedmont for centuries and features stunning 16th and 17th century buildings. Lovers of contemporary art will enjoy the Calderara Foundation where several hundred pieces collected by the Calderara family are on display.

While staying at Palazzo Novara, a trip to the Sacro Monte of Orta is a must. This remarkable site is perched on a hill, 360m above sea level, and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Set in botanical gardens, the site consists of 21 chapels built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The chapels are extravagantly decorated with frescoes and statues, dedicated to the life of Saint Francis. Walking around the site is meditative with incredible views over the town and lake.

The town of Orta San Giulio is picturesque, the maze of narrow streets full of incredible restaurants, bars, craft shops and art galleries. You can catch a boat across to San Giulio Island and enjoy a meal at its only restaurant - vine - covered and stunning at sunset. 

The Palazzo is in close proximity to golf courses, horseback - riding facilities, cycle paths and water sports with all services and amenities within easy reach. The area is renowned for its choice of restaurants, from rustic trattorias to Michelin - star establishments. The vibrant and stylish city of Milan is a little over an hour's drive from the villa and is full of boutiques, well - known fashion brands and fantastic restaurants. Take a day trip and soak up the chic atmosphere. The stunning shores of Lake Como, one of Italy's largest lakes, are also just over an hour's drive away and are not to be missed! There are plenty of different water sports and activities to try out and lots of lovely lakeside villages to explore. You can even take a ferry across the lake to one of these villages, giving you the chance to see the lake and its magnificent surroundings from all angles. Como itself is home to impressive gothic architecture and there's also a fun funicular!