Villa la
Romanica
Cosmopolitan elegance on Lake Maggiore
Where the Alps meet
the shimmering waters
of Lake Maggiore.
In the most beautiful of settings, where the Alps meet the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, stands Villa la Romanica. It is a romanic and ancient abode where Belle Époque glamour meets profound historical layers.
While the most beautiful villas were often set back from the lake's edge for privacy and prestige, Villa la Romanica commands a peerless view of Stresa and the enchanting Borromeo Gulf. Furnished with a curated mix of antiques and modern design, its heart is a charming inner patio, heritage of its Andalusian origin linked to the 17th-century Spanish occupation of Northern Italy, sustained by pink granite columns, all nestled within a historic terraced garden. This is a cosmopolitan haven, just steps from the village of Baveno.
La Romanica,
from above
Follow the villa from the lake to its terraced gardens. This aerial portrait reveals the rare proximity between the house, its historic grounds, and Lake Maggiore.
A tapestry of European history
The very ground here is steeped in history; Roman legions under Julius Caesar wintered moments from the estate in preparation for spring Gallic campaigns. The villa's oldest section, a charming 16th-century Andalusian patio, recalls the Spanish occupation of Milan - a silent monument to a bygone empire. This palpable sense of history is the foundation upon which the villa's later splendour was built.
The philosopher's garden
The soul of the villa is its magnificent 10,000-square-metre garden, the masterwork of Maurice Blondel (1861-1949), the renowned French thinker who developed the "philosophy of action." A passionate gardener, he designed a world divided into four distinct experiences.
Italian
Garden
Formal lines and classical beauty.
English Rose Garden
Bursting with fragrance and colour.
Orchard
Celebrating the land's bounty.
Japanese Garden
For contemplation and peace.
This unique legacy includes a formal box garden depicting a Lilium to symbolize the Holy Mother and an established arboretum with exotic specimens from Persia, South America, and Australia.
Explore Villa la Romanica
Open a curated gallery of the patio, gardens, interiors, and Lake Maggiore views.
A cosmopolitan lakeside villa
Villa la Romanica stands above Baveno with a peerless view of Stresa and the Borromeo Gulf, combining Belle Epoque refinement, antiques, modern design, and the layered atmosphere of a historic European home.
- Arrive through the terraced garden and discover the villa gradually
- Watch Lake Maggiore shift through the arches and balconies
- Move between formal rooms, garden paths, and shaded outdoor corners
- Castelletto Depandance
Belle Époque sophistication
Later restorations have imbued the villa with a flawless French Belle Époque style. The interiors create an atmosphere of sophisticated parties and intellectual salons, a tradition of hospitality that continues today. The villa regularly hosts international artists and VIPs, including the acclaimed singer Pink, who recently stayed with her family, enthusiastically sharing photos of her time at the villa. It is a home designed for those who appreciate art, culture, and the very finest aspects of European life.
A private address for international guests
The villa continues its tradition of refined hospitality, welcoming artists and international guests who value privacy, beauty, and the rhythm of Lake Maggiore. Pink chose Villa la Romanica for a family stay and shared moments from the house with her audience.
Your lakeside retreat
- Accommodation: nine bedrooms across two structures can host up to 18 guests, with a mix of en-suite and shared bathrooms.
- Living spaces: a magnificent enclosed patio with a fountain offers a perfect setting for al fresco dining, while a large sitting room and terrace provide magnificent views over the garden and lake.
- The grounds: a spectacular swimming pool, built with typical local "beola" stone, directly overlooks the water.
Baveno & Stresa:
the heart of the Dolce Vita
The villa's location is simply unparalleled. A short walk connects you to the charming "Lungo Lago" of Baveno with its pavement cafes, or to the neighbouring town of Stresa, the epitome of lakeside glamour. Enjoy a Negroni at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, reminiscent of the "Grand Budapest Hotel," or visit the famous Gigi Bar for a Campari with a view.
"The most beautiful villas were set back from the lake's edge for prestige. Villa la Romanica commands its peerless view."
A world to explore from your doorstep
The Enchanting Islands
& Lake Orta
Visit the world-renowned botanical gardens of Isola Madre, the Rococo palace on Isola Bella, or the charming Isola Pescatori. Nearby Lago d'Orta is a must, with the island of San Giulio - in whose alleys Nietzsche famously stole a kiss.
Towns Along
the Lake
Follow the lake towards Switzerland to discover Pallanza and Verbania, summer homes to conductors like Toscanini, then continue to Ghiffa and Cannobio to admire villas with breathtaking collections of Camelias.
Luxury Shopping
& Artisan Heritage
Drive to Varallo, home of Loro Piana, where you can find the stemma of the owner's grandparents on a central palazzo and enjoy bargain hunting at the cashmere outlets. Nearby are Italian design icons like Alessi, Lagostina, and Bialetti.
The Alpine
Valleys
Discover Domodossola, a charming old market town, and explore the Val Devero, an incredible Alpine plateau. For the true adventurer, Val Grande is the largest uninhabited nature reserve in Western Europe.
Cycling
Follow in the footsteps of Giro d’Italia heroes. The legendary Mottarone climb, a 1500m ascent with spectacular views, starts right from the villa’s doorstep.
Golf
Golf lovers will find two lovely courses nearby: the Alpino Golf Club and the Iles des Borromees Golf Club.
Walking & Hiking
Some of the most famous walking tracks in the Alps are within easy reach, including Val Devero, Valgrande, the Mottarone, and the Toce river.
Effortless connectivity
Milan lies just 90km away and is remarkably easy to reach. By car, a fast motorway allows you to reach the city in under 45 minutes. Alternatively, the Baveno train station is a mere 300 metres from the villa's gates, with a 45-minute direct train to Milan's Garibaldi station, placing you in the heart of the Brera shopping district. Milan Malpensa Airport is 40 minutes away by car.
Key distances
- Milan by car — under 45 min
- Milan Garibaldi by direct train — 45 min
- Baveno train station — 300 m on foot
- Stresa — 5 min
- Borromean Islands by boat — 10 min
Enquires Villa la Romanica
Available for exclusive weekly stays, Saturday to Saturday. A home designed for those who appreciate art, culture, and the very finest aspects of European life.
Enquire About Villa la Romanica