We have been back to Lake Como. For Jim’s first visit we thought it a good idea to stay at the very lovely Hotel Villa Cipressi. Cipressi means cypress trees and the garden is full of them, along with the most heavenly wisteria which was in full bloom in parts of the garden.
The Villa was built between 1400 and 1800. It was originally the property of the noble Serponti family, but had several owners until 1980 when it was purchased through a public voluntary subscription by the people and friends of Varenna for public use. Owned by public corporations, mainly by the Municipality of Varenna, it is managed as a hotel – lucky us!
The century old tiered gardens lead steeply to the lake. The mild climate and abundant rain combined with the fact that the garden is protected from the north wind, means that the garden is rich in exotic botanic species. The gardens are open to the public for a small fee if you are not staying at the hotel.
We travelled to Lake Como with Liz and Lawrie and we had lovely rooms overlooking the lake. Ours had a view through the cypress trees. The hotel has a restaurant and a very pretty breakfast room which you arrive at via a very convoluted path into what appears to be another building.
The outdoor terrace is particularly inviting with a seating area covered by a trellis overgrown with divine smelling wisteria. Spring is an excellent time to visit to take advantage of this. Late April is perfect, the weather is usually warm, but not hot and the tourists have not yet arrived in droves.
The staff members were helpful, especially the ever cheerful Davide, who had some excellent suggestions for us and very kindly booked our lunch visit to Villa d’Este, which will be the subject of the next post.
We spotted the duck family when we having lunch by the lake. We saw them again the next day, but there were only 8 ducklings. They are easy prey for the scores of hawks or eagles circling the lake.
Hotel Villa Cipressi – Via IV Novembre 22, Varenna ph 39 0341 830113 www.hotelvillacipressi.it
This is like a dream Debra.
You and Jim are very lucky to be able to visit those magical places.
Fantastic photos!
Mirella
By: mirellamccracken on April 29, 2010
at 5:59 pm
What about a photo of your room, was it ok
By: Roz on April 30, 2010
at 3:34 am
I didn’t take a photo of the room, but it was lovely. It was reasonably big and the bathroom was well appointed and fairly recently renovated. Deb
By: bagnidilucca on April 30, 2010
at 4:23 am
Hi from Bali Deb,
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! Loved the wisteria..and the bumblebee’s legs..all of it!
What a beautiful part of the world.
Warmest thoughts,
Colette x
By: Colette Hunt on May 5, 2010
at 11:08 am
Ciao Colette,
Lake Como is the most heavenly place. I would go back to Villa Cipressi in a heartbeat and spend another day at Villa Balbianello.
Deb
By: bagnidilucca on May 5, 2010
at 11:54 am
queste foto sono stupende ,vedere i luoghi direttamente lo è ancora di più ; ma volete conoscere anche qualcosa della montagna pistoiese contattatemi io sono nata a popiglio il primo paese pistoiese dopo la provincia di lucca ciao carla cecilia
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at 8:52 am
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