Villa Splendente | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Civenna

Fourteen guests arrive at Villa Splendente expecting a lakeside retreat. What they discover is something far more rare: a mid-century modernist statement perched above Lake Como, designed by one of Italy’s most celebrated 20th-century architects, commanding 180-degree panoramic views across water and Alpine peaks from its highest living spaces. Seven kilometres from Bellagio’s crowded promenades, this six-bedroom property sits within three acres of private woodland on a Lombardy hillside—far enough to escape the summer tourist surge, close enough to access everything the region offers.

Inside Villa Splendente

Villa Splendente sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms distributed across two distinct floors, each thoughtfully arranged to maximise privacy and view access.

Top Floor: The primary living domain opens immediately at the main entrance, where a sunken lounge and fireplace command the room’s focal point. Large windows frame the lake vista; an original 1960s bar sits ready for aperitivos at dusk. The dining area occupies the same light-filled space, creating an open-plan living zone that breathes with Lake Como’s reflected light throughout the day. The adjoining kitchen eschews period nostalgia for practical luxury—two Smeg ovens, dual sinks, a hob, microwave, dishwasher, and a double refrigerator with ice-maker occupy custom cabinetry. Glass doors open directly onto a garden terrace shaded by mature pines, where morning espresso and evening grilled fish transition between indoor and outdoor life.

Two king-size bedrooms (200x200cm and convertible to twin configuration) occupy the top floor’s private wings. The first features doors opening to a lake-view balcony overlooking the water at sunrise; its en-suite bathroom retains original 1960s tilework, complete with a bath, hand-held shower, separate shower enclosure, bidet, and dual sinks. The second bedroom mirrors this layout with its own en-suite bathroom and the same period finishes.

Middle Floor: Five additional bedrooms and a second bathroom cluster serve the extended party. An open-plan living and dining area with integrated kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, sink, two hotplates) provides independence for small group breakfasts or informal gatherings. A guest WC sits adjacent.

The largest middle-floor bedroom accommodates a king-size bed (convertible to twins) plus a single bed, with a seating area and doors leading to a lake-view balcony. An en-suite bathroom offers bath, hand-held and separate showers, bidet, WC, and a dressing room. An additional chair-bed can be added to this space for a supplementary fee. A second bedroom holds a double bed (140x180cm) with direct balcony access. The third bedroom features a king-size bed (180x200cm, separable into twins) adjacent to a shared 1960s bathroom (bath/shower, bidet, WC). The fourth bedroom contains a king-size bed with doors opening to the gardens, plus a small adjacent room housing a large wheeled television and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds reveal Villa Splendente’s full character. A heated swimming pool (12 metres by 4 metres, depth 1.1 metres) operates June through September, accompanied by a dedicated children’s pool (2 metres by 4 metres, 1-metre depth). Eight sun-loungers and five lounge chairs position themselves across the lawn for uninterrupted lake gazing. A copper soaking bath for two, with an adjacent dressing room, sits in a semi-private corner—the kind of detail that transforms a day from pleasant to memorable.

Three terraced zones organise outdoor entertaining. The upper garden terrace features an al-fresco dining table seating six with a barbecue tucked beneath the pines. The mid-floor shaded balcony holds another dining table for six (additional seating available on request), oriented toward the lake’s southern exposure—perfect for long lunches without the midday heat. Below, a bocce court (25 metres by 2.5 metres) invites friendly competition.

An organic vegetable garden occupies a portion of the grounds, a working feature that connects the property to its agricultural heritage. The sauna, with dressing room, offers Alpine-style recovery after active days. Wi-Fi and heating throughout, air-conditioning in bedrooms on request, a shared tennis court access, and indoor games complete the practical infrastructure.

Location: Bellagio and the Central Lake Como Region

Villa Splendente sits 7 kilometres uphill from Bellagio, Lake Como’s most photographed town, yet inhabited by genuine locals alongside day-trippers. Walk uphill from the villa to reach the small village—a cake shop, gelateria, two or three café-bars, and a supermarket provide daily essentials without requiring a car trip to Bellagio proper.

Bellagio itself rewards exploration despite its reputation. The Salita Serbelloni, a stepped laneway famous in travel photography, connects the piazza to the lakeside promenade in approximately 10 minutes on foot. The historic Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni, with their gardens terraced into the hillside, occupy the waterfront—free to view from outside the gates. Pescallo, a small beach area 2 kilometres along the lake from Bellagio’s centre, hosts sailing schools, kayak rental, and stand-up paddleboard operators. Summer lidos line this stretch; the water reaches swimmable temperatures by June.

Ferry departures from Bellagio’s dock reach Varenna (15 minutes crossing) and Menaggio (25 minutes), both villages worth a half-day excursion. Varenna’s coloured waterfront houses and steep cobbled lanes climb toward the medieval Castello di Vezio (a 45-minute steep walk rewarded with panoramic lake views). Menaggio’s lungomare promenade stretches along the water, lined with cafés and small restaurants; the town’s old quarter behind the front offers authentic northern Italian architecture. The Parco Val Sanagra, accessible inland from Menaggio, contains extensive walking trails through forested valleys.

Villa del Balbianello, an 18th-century lakeside mansion with terraced gardens, sits across the water near Lenno (accessible by taxi-boat from Bellagio, or via 40-minute ferry from Lezzeno). The property’s architectural significance and dramatic setting earned it starring roles in Star Wars and James Bond film productions. The approach by water remains the most cinematic route.

Trattoria del Segrino in the village of Canzo (20 kilometres inland) represents the region’s mountain cuisine tradition; the Parco Lago Segrino immediately adjacent offers a small alpine lake circled by walking trails. The Como Lake area contains dozens of marked cycling routes, from gentle lakeside paths to mountain ascents. Horse-riding operators and boat rental companies provide alternative lake access without ferry schedules.

For broader exploration, browse our villas in Italian Lakes to compare with neighbouring properties in Varenna or Menaggio, or explore our luxury villas across Europe for inspiration. Our Italian Lakes travel guide provides seasonal planning, restaurant recommendations, and activity suggestions beyond Bellagio.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families (three generations): The 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom configuration allows children and grandparents to maintain private sleeping quarters while sharing communal living spaces. The children’s pool, bocce court, and nearby kid-friendly hiking routes (particularly around Parco Val Sanagra) appeal to younger guests. Babysitting, cooking classes, and arranged excursions support adult downtime.

Groups of three couples: The multiple bedrooms with independent en-suites provide privacy; the middle-floor kitchenette and dining area allow one couple to self-cater while others dine out. The bocce court and sauna create natural gathering points for evening socialising.

Corporate team retreats (8-12 participants): The property accommodates working groups; Wi-Fi throughout, multiple dining and lounge zones, and outdoor team activities (bocce, water sports access via Bellagio) support mixed working and recreational days. On-site chef services can be arranged.

Multi-generational celebrations (weddings, anniversaries): The villa’s mid-century architect pedigree and panoramic lake setting create a distinctive backdrop for milestone events. Catering, transfers, and grounds suitable for gatherings up to 12 residents plus day-visitor entertaining.

Practical Information

Capacity: 12 guests sleeping across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. One additional chair-bed available upon request (supplementary fee applies).

Nearest airport: Milano-Malpensa International Airport (90 kilometres away, approximately 90 minutes’ drive via A9 autostrada and SS340). Milano Linate Airport (92 kilometres, similar drive time) offers an alternative. Como-Brunate airfield (25 kilometres, 30 minutes’ drive) accommodates private aviation.

Transfers: Arranged transfers from airports available; typical cost €120–180 depending on vehicle. Self-driving rental cars recommended for flexibility beyond Bellagio’s walkable centre.

Supermarket: A small supermarket operates in the village walking distance uphill from Villa Splendente. Bellagio’s weekly market and larger shops (7 kilometres away) serve more substantial provisioning needs.

Included services: Heating, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning (bedrooms, on request), pool (seasonal, June–September), linen and towels, initial cleaning. Maid service, chef/cook, breakfast, babysitting, yoga classes, cooking classes, and catering available as paid extras arranged in advance.

Check-in: Flexible arrival times accommodate ferry schedules and drive times from Milan airports; coordination required 48 hours before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions About Villa Splendente

How many guests does Villa Splendente sleep?

Villa Splendente sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. One additional chair-bed can be added to the largest middle-floor bedroom upon request, incurring a supplementary fee. Bedroom configurations include two king-size beds (convertible to twin), one king-size bed with single bed, and two additional king-size beds in the middle-floor cluster.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Splendente?

Milano-Malpensa International Airport lies 90 kilometres away, approximately 90 minutes’ drive via the A9 autostrada and SS340 road. Milano Linate Airport (92 kilometres, similar drive time) offers a secondary option. Como-Brunate airfield (25 kilometres, 30 minutes) accommodates private aircraft. Transfers from Milan airports via car service cost approximately €120–180 depending on vehicle size and timing.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Splendente?

June through September offers guaranteed warm, dry weather and open swimming pool facilities. July and August peak summer months bring crowds to Bellagio but remain the warmest season for water activities. May and early June offer spring wildflowers (azaleas, wisteria) in lakeside villages with fewer tourists. September maintains warm water temperatures and clearer skies for hiking before autumn rains arrive. October brings dramatic autumnal forest colour visible from the villa’s woodland grounds, ideal for photographers and hikers, though evening temperatures drop and the pool closes. Winter (December–February) creates snow-capped Alpine views across the lake—dramatic and photogenic, though road access occasionally requires chains during heavy snow. Spring (March–April) features unpredictable weather but dramatically reduced accommodation costs.

Is Villa Splendente suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property features a dedicated children’s pool (2 metres by 4 metres, 1-metre depth) separate from the main swimming pool, positioned for easy parental supervision from the terrace. The bocce court and organic garden engage children with non-screen activities. Bellagio’s beaches 7 kilometres away suit families; Pescallo beach near Bellagio offers shallow water access and lifeguard presence during summer months. Babysitting services can be arranged through the villa; cooking classes provide age-appropriate participation for older children. Nearby hiking trails, particularly the gentle Parco Val Sanagra circuit, suit families with younger walkers. Ferry rides to Varenna and Menaggio provide adventure without vehicle travel.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Splendente?

The rental price includes accommodation, heating, Wi-Fi throughout, air-conditioning in bedrooms (on request), linen and towels, initial cleaning upon arrival, and seasonal pool access (June–September). Maid service, chef/cook services, breakfast provision, babysitting, catering for events, arranged transfers from airports, yoga classes, and cooking classes are available as paid additions, arranged prior to arrival at additional cost. Pool heating, if required outside standard seasonal operation, incurs a supplementary charge.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Splendente?

The small village uphill from Villa Splendente (5-minute walk) contains a cake shop, gelateria, two café-bars, and a supermarket for daily provisioning. Bellagio (7 kilometres, 15-minute drive) holds numerous trattorie and restaurants concentrated around the waterfront promenade and Salita Serbelloni laneway; budget €15–30 per person for casual lunch, €25–50 for evening dining. Trattoria del Segrino in Canzo (20 kilometres inland) specialises in mountain cuisine and serves local game and chestnuts (autumn season particularly). Varenna (15-minute ferry crossing from Bellagio) features waterfront restaurants with fresh fish; the journey itself provides scenic entertainment. Menaggio’s lungomare promenade hosts cafés and casual restaurants suitable for families. Weekly markets in Bellagio (typically Tuesday or Thursday mornings) provide fresh produce, cheese, and regional specialities at lower cost than restaurants.