Famous Lake-front Villa By Lake Como

On the route of the ancient Strada Regina by Lake Como, we find this renowned lake-facing villa, in the middle of a 19th-century park. This famous historical lakefront villa, which hosted Beccaria and Manzoni among various illustrious characters, is currently for sale in one of the most scenic locations in Italy, Lake Como. This luxurious property is infused with historic reminders, making it a truly unique property.

This famous villa stands in a privileged position, on the most famous lake in Italy, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Lake Como is a natural wonder, nestled between majestic mountains and lush landscapes, a magical and romantic place that has inspired poets and artists over the centuries.

The villa, once owned by Giulio Beccaria, son of the famous Cesare Beccaria, author of the treatise "On Crimes and Punishments", was a place loved and frequented by men of letters and men of culture. Among its illustrious guests was also Alessandro Manzoni, nephew of Giulio, who often stayed here.

Subsequently, the villa passed into the hands of Rachele, daughter of Cesare Cantù, a historian, scholar and patriot. Here, a literary salon known as the "Accademia dei Pedanti" came to life, attracting writers, critics and artists. During the summer, the participants gathered in an enchanting artificial cave inside the park. Even with the subsequent change of ownership, when writer Emilio De Marchi became the owner, the villa continued to be a place of inspiration. In fact, it provided the ideal setting for the famous novel "Col fuoco non si scherza", published in 1901.

The site where the villa stands originally had a small promontory, known locally as "la Puncia", due to its position overlooking the lake. This dialectal term was also used to name the villa itself, testifying to its unique connection with its enchanting surroundings.

This famous villa has three floors and is barely visible from the road, but looks majestic from the lakeside. It was built on a large semi-circular terrace overlooking the lake. It consists of a single building with three openings on the facade. The villa has a fascinating history: a first part of the building dates back to the mid 1700s, but the construction works were interrupted due to the uncertainties of the Napoleonic period. Subsequently, in the early 19th century, the villa was completed and took on its present appearance. Inside, there are seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, with large internal spaces decorated with frescoes dating back to the early 1800s. A little further on is the jetty, the guardian's house, alongside a stream characterized by an old Roman bridge, and the dock.

From the lake, only a part of the extraordinary garden of the famous villa can be admired, which is revealed through a suggestive view. Here, the twelve plane trees commissioned by the architect Giuseppe Balzaretti, during the reorganization of the property in the mid-19th century, stand majestic and regal. The nineteenth-century park is spread over two main levels and is dominated by a majestic cedar of Lebanon, which stands imposingly on the surrounding landscape. Next to it, an olive grove helps to capture the attention of visitors, offering an unparalleled view of the Comacina Island and the pristine beauty of Lake Como. As you enter the park, the valley of the olive trees leads your gaze towards a stream, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A cave is hidden among the vegetation, where Rachele Cantù, used to gather the nineteenth-century "Accademia dei Pedanti", evoked the mystical beauty of nature and of Pan, the god of the woods.

After walking along the avenue of cypresses, you reach a small clearing where the funeral monument of the spouses Giulio and Antonia Beccaria stands imposingly. This majestic monument was erected in 1858 and has a trabeated temple structure with six columns, surmounted by a hemispherical dome under which there is a statue of a young woman in a praying position, created by the sculptor Bassano Danielli. But the real route that connects this place so full of suggestions is the Strada Regina, linked to the memory of Alessandro Manzoni, which between one ravine and another, allows you to glimpse the magnificent garden of the Villa. This garden houses late medieval inscriptions, a painting of St. Lucia set in a niche and the bed of the stream, which contribute to creating an enchanting atmosphere. Inside the property there is also an ancient 17th-century dock.

This villa has witnessed a rich history that has unfolded over the centuries, and the three distinct names - La Puncia, Villa Beccaria and Villa Rachele - underline the wealth of meaning and charm that pervades these walls. In addition to being a magnificent residence, the Villa represents a real treasure trove of culture, literature and art, thanks to the illustrious personalities who have crossed its threshold over time. Today, this historic residence is ready to welcome new custodians and admirers who will be able to appreciate its value and beauty.