The fountain at Villa Passalacqua’s main gate.Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo
When the stately Villa Passalacqua on the shores of Lake Como went to auction in 2018, it was touted as one of Europe’s most expensive privately owned homes. This year, you can find out what all the fuss is about by booking out the villa for your exclusive use on your next vacation.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, one of Italy’s most luxurious and iconic properties, is now overseeing the 17th-century, fairytale property. Later this year following an exciting refresh, Grand Hotel Tremezzo will be opening the villa’s regal doors for overnight guests.
View of Lake Como from the villa’s central staircase. Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Starting at €8,800 per night (including a private chef and 24-hour butler), up to 26 guests can enjoy architectural splendors like original frescoes by Napoleon’s chief artist Andrea Appiani. In fact, Napoleon was one of the villa’s most esteemed guests, along with Sir Winston Churchill. Also, the property was once the home of Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini. There are 9 suites in the main villa, accommodating 18 guests, and another 4 rooms in the small guest house (called Villa Bellini), accommodating 8 additional guests.
Villa Passalacqua’s music room.Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The palatial property sits on seven acres of gardens in the village of Moltrasio, which is about 40 minutes south of Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Guests are granted access to the hotel’s world-class amenities, which include a chic spa and three pools, including one that floats atop the famous lake.
View of Villa Passalacqua from the grand entranceway. Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Within the villa’s lush, perfumed gardens of lemon and olive trees, there’s a private lakefront pool and a 200-year-old greenhouse. There are also 11,000 square-feet of catacombs and tunnels underfoot, designed to provide a secret route to Villa Passalacqua’s private marina on the lake.
Top: Manicured gardens with lake views
Bottom left: The villa’s private pool
Bottom right: Suite Bellini, one of the villa’s nine suites Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo
This is the second villa property to be handled by Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The other is the impossibly glamorous Villa Sola Cabiati, which is also available for private bookings and sleeps twelve with rates starting at €6,000. Contact Grand Hotel Tremezzo to book either villa, and don’t forget to book a few nights at the prestigious hotel as well. Rumor has it that a stay at the hotel is included in this year’s Oscars gift bag, so you may even run into a few celebrities.
Top: Villa Passalacqua’s front approach
Bottom left: A garden gazebo
Bottom right: Formal dining room Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo