Villetta Alessia, San Siro, Italy

It is hard to imagine a more delightful setting than this little cottage, tucked away down a cobbled path, close to the shores of Lake Como. The stone house sleeps 6 people and makes an idyllic retreat for a family or friends who want a taste of “la dolce vita” in this famously beautiful part of Italy.

The decor inside the cottage is relaxed with some alpine touches. The living room has a tiled bar with bar stools and a corner sofa and a second banquette sofa, next to the wood-burning stove. There is a flat-screen TV and a pretty spiral staircase leading up to the bedrooms. A door leads out onto the private terrace, which has breathtaking views over Lake Como. There are two sun loungers where guests can relax and take in their surroundings. A flight of stone stairs leads down to the path to the lakeside beach.

Back inside, there is a separate kitchen/diner. The simple kitchen, which has wooden cabinets and a tiled floor, is equipped with a cooker hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and coffee machine. Next to this is a granite table for casual meals. Outside the kitchen is a cool loggia with a large dining table for memorable meals al fresco.

Sleeping

Bedroom 1: The master bedroom has a double bed with a smaller single bed and a wardrobe. Large windows offer gorgeous views of Lake Como.
Bedroom 2: This cosy bedroom has two single beds and a large wardrobe.
Extra: The sofa in the living room converts into a double bed.

Bathrooms

Bathroom 1: This ground-floor bathroom has a shower, basin, bidet and WC.
Bathroom 2: The bathroom on the first floor is equipped with a basin, bidet and WC.
Extra: There is a charming outdoor shower in the garden, ideal for washing off the sand after a day on the beach by the lake.

Additional

• Free wifi • Outside dining • BBQ • Private garden • Central heating • Flat-screen TV & DVD player • Child-friendly • Hair dryer • Suitable for elderly guests • Pets possible • Free public parking - car essential for your visit

Location

The enchanting village of Santa Maria Rezzonico is on the western shores of Lake Como. It is a medieval jewel with its own castle and winding cobbled streets, where guests will find delicious restaurants and enticing shops. There are two beaches within walking distance of the house. In the summer you can swim in the lake, windsurf and sail.

The larger town of Menaggio is a 10-minute drive down the lake shore. From here you can catch a ferry to the famous beauty spot - Bellagio, one of the most popular towns on Lake Como. On the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, Menaggio hosts a farmers\' market where you can find the best local produce. During the summer, from the end of May to late September, the town also has a night market every Friday evening.

For children and adults in search of an adrenaline rush, head to Lake Como Adventure Park (30-minute drive) (open from spring through to autumn) for zip-lining through the alpine forests.

Milan’s international Malpensa Airport is a 1-hour 25-minute drive from the villa.