Villa Meraviglia

The villa

Offering stunning views in an idyllic setting on Lake Maggiore in the Lombardy region is charming Villa Meraviglia. With just a few other neighbours sharing the shoreline here, the atmosphere is truly wonderful. And yet a small town full of amenities is just a 15 - minute walk away.

The lake and mountain views from Villa Meraviglia's lush gardens are the perfect backdrop to any outdoor occasion. Whether that's enjoying pre - dinner drinks, meal or simply a dip in the swimming pool. You can reach the water and small pebble beach from the bottom of the terraced gardens and be lake swimming in no time at all.

Villa Meraviglia impresses with its space and unique personality over various levels. It offers comfortable accommodation for up to eight people in four characterful bedrooms; making it ideal for a special family holiday. One of the great highlights is the master suite on the garden level with its sumptuous round bed, hot tub with lake views and sliding doors leading out to the swimming pool with yet more incredible vistas.

Also indulgent is the choice of indoor and outdoor living spaces in which to relax, unwind and dine. Perhaps your favourite area will be the sociable living/dining room with wood - beamed ceilings and a cosy upstairs nook for post - dinner drinks around the open fireplace. Or the dining terrace for al fresco meals with lake views and the perfume of the Italian gardens hanging in the air on balmy evenings.

As well as swimming in the nearby lake, enjoy scenic walks and bike rides close to the shore as well as sailing and kayaking nearby. Other activities on dry land in this beautiful part of Lake Maggiore include hiking, horse riding, motocross and golf. All are available nearby and provide fun ways of taking in the picturesque scenery.

The nearest small town is only 15 minutes away on foot, with plenty more lakeside spots within a short drive. These include Angera, which is home to the majestic 15th - century hilltop castle, Rocca di Angera and Laveno with its cable car up the mountain.

Located in Lombardy, on the south - eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Villa Meraviglia is set down a small, quiet road with no - through access. The villa sits right on the lake with direct access via steps to a stretch of pebble beach from the bottom of the gardens. Being able to enjoy the stunning lake views and direct lake access is surely one of the most impressive benefits of Villa Meraviglia's privileged position.

Continue following the lakeside road either on foot or on hired bikes to reach the lido in around 15 minutes. Here you'll find a lovely beach that's the perfect place to watch boats peacefully passing over the lake. There's a choice of cafes serving drinks, ice creams, snacks and bigger meals.

The village centre is also around a 15 minute - walk away. This typically laid - back village is home to several shops, bars and restaurants for stocking up on groceries and enjoying meals and drinks out. It's also a great starting point for hikes through the beautiful countryside, with a horse riding centre, golf and motocross all nearby. There is also a sailing school and kayaking centre in the village.

The town of Angera (7km) can be reached in just over 10 minutes by car. This lakeside spot is dotted with old villas and leafy green spaces. But the highlight is most definitely Rocca di Angera, the 15th - century hilltop castle. It's well worth the 30 - minute uphill walk for breathtaking lake views, a fascinating doll collection and many frescoes and paintings.

Also visit Laveno (14km), with its woodland walks high above the lake and cable car up to the mountain. From Laveno you can catch a ferry across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands and to towns on other shorelines, such as Verbania.