Villa Brusati | 8-Bedroom Villa with Spa in Lake Como

Fourteen guests arrive at Villa Brusati on the shores of Lake Lugano, where the Italian Lakes meet Swiss borders, and the view silences conversation before anyone has unpacked. A sprawling three-storey residence commanding waterfront positioning, this property transforms a lakeside holiday into something altogether more substantial—a private compound where eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, and genuine sprawl across 550 square metres of living space mean nobody queues for the shower and nobody eats dinner standing up.

Inside Villa Brusati

Villa Brusati sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main residence spans 450 square metres across three distinct levels, with an additional side villa adding 100 square metres and a separate guest house contributing another 60 square metres of flexible accommodation.

Ground Floor: The hub of the property is a generously proportioned living room with dual aspects to the terrace—sofas grouped around a working fireplace, a grand piano for evening entertainment, and a bar trolley for the kinds of conversations that stretch into night. A second sitting room provides quieter refuge, while the kitchen commands genuine respect: fully fitted with commercial-grade oven, gas hob, substantial fridge-freezer, dedicated kettle and espresso machine. A dining area within seats 18 people. Doors open directly to the terrace and outdoor fireplace. A guest WC completes this floor.

Upper Floor: Two double bedrooms here come with private ensuite bathrooms—one featuring a traditional bath, the other equipped with a shower. A further three double bedrooms occupy this level, supported by two additional bathrooms with mixed bath and shower configurations. These rooms receive southern light across the morning and hold views toward the lake through positioned windows.

Lower Floor: A television room with access to a private terrace provides media space without imposing on the main gathering areas. An equipped outdoor gym allows morning routines undisturbed, while the laundry room handles the practical realities of accommodating large groups.

Side Villa (100m²): A separate kitchen with dining capability, a living room with integrated sofa bed and television, two additional double bedrooms, a covered terrace with lounge and dining furniture, a bathroom with shower, and a bathroom with bath. This annexe functions as a semi-independent residence, ideal for hosting extended family or allowing adult children their own space.

Side House (60m²): A flexible bedroom space with multiple extra beds (by arrangement) and a full bathroom with bath. This structure accommodates overflow guests or additional staff.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Four thousand square metres of grounds surround the main buildings. Wraparound terraces tier down the property, each with lake sightlines and positioned furniture—outdoor sofas configured for extended lounging, a substantial table for al-fresco dining, and sun loungers in sufficient quantity that nobody shares. Covered porticos provide shade for midday heat. The lake frontage allows direct water access; kayaks are included for those interested in paddling toward Gandria or exploring coves along the Lugano shoreline.

A small outdoor gym repeats the fitness capability, while table football provides evening entertainment. Parking and a garage serve practical requirements. The entire property receives southern exposure with unobstructed water views—a constant backdrop to morning coffee and evening aperitivos.

Location: Como and the Surrounding Area

Villa Brusati positions itself on Lake Lugano’s Italian shore, 8 kilometres south of the Swiss city of Lugano and just 3 kilometres from the 17th-century village of Gandria. This location uniquely straddles two countries and distinct regional identities within a single drive.

Porlezza lies 8 kilometres north, a working lakeside town rather than a tourist resort—supermarkets, small shops, traditional restaurants tucked into narrow streets, and a public beach suitable for swimming and water sports. Horse riding centres operate from Porlezza’s surrounding countryside, offering half-day and full-day riding experiences through Lombardy’s hills.

Lugano itself (8km by road) operates as the primary cultural destination: the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo dominates the waterfront piazza, surrounded by galleries, museums, and café-lined squares where Italian meets Swiss architecture. Evening boat cruises depart from Lugano’s dock, offering dinner experiences on the water with views back toward the mountains. The Swiss Smuggler Museum in Gandria speaks to the region’s historical complexity—this border zone has stories embedded in its geography.

Valsolda Nature Reserve—Lombardy’s largest protected area—sits a 10-minute drive inland. Mountains and dense woodland offer hiking routes ranging from 90-minute walks to full-day expeditions. The village of Valsolda itself preserves 19th-century architecture and operates several small wineries focusing on regional varietals; visiting these independently or through arranged tastings connects directly to local agriculture.

Lake Como extends 20 kilometres north. The village of Menaggio (20km by car) serves as the jumping point for boat trips to Bellagio—an activity that takes 45 minutes each direction and allows full days exploring Como’s eastern villages. The Villa Carlotta near Tremezzo (25km) showcases 17th-century architecture surrounded by botanical gardens open to visitors. Como’s western shore hosts upscale shopping and Michelin-recognized restaurants.

For broader regional context, explore our luxury villas in Como and our complete Italian Lakes collection. For destination inspiration beyond the villa, our Italian Lakes travel guide provides seasonal planning and hidden village recommendations.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families of 12-16 people benefit from the bedroom distribution and multiple living areas—three separate sitting rooms mean groups naturally divide by activity without feeling separated. Multigenerational holidays (grandparents, parents, adult children) use the side villa as semi-independent space while remaining within the compound.

Professional groups or corporate retreats find the meeting infrastructure (large dining for 18, multiple rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, outdoor spaces for breaks) functional without feeling institutional. Friend groups of 10-14 people maximize the sleeping capacity while maintaining flexibility around meal times and activities.

Families with children benefit from the contained grounds, kayak access, nearby family beaches at Porlezza, and child-friendly excursion options. The kitchen scale and dining provision suit households where multiple cooks operate simultaneously without territorial conflict.

Practical Information

Capacity: Villa Brusati accommodates 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main villa serves 10 guests in 5 bedrooms; the complete property (main villa plus side villa plus side house) accommodates the full 16.

Nearest Airport: Milan Malpensa (130km, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes by car) handles international connections. Milan Linate (140km, approximately 2 hours 20 minutes) offers an alternative. Lugano Airport in Agno, Switzerland (18km, approximately 30 minutes) operates seasonal connections and private charter services.

Nearest Supermarket: Porlezza (8km north) hosts a full-service supermarket; Lugano offers additional shopping 8km south.

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi throughout. Fireplaces (wood-burning, functional). Television with Netflix access. Fitness equipment in both main villa and outdoor gym. Iron and ironing board. Linen and towels. Maid service available by arrangement. Pre-stocked fridge service available by arrangement. Kayaks for lake access. Parking and garage access.

Child Amenities: Baby bath, potty, children’s books, children’s videos/DVDs, board games. Kid-friendly excursions can be arranged. Water excursions and boat trips are easily accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Brusati

How many guests does Villa Brusati sleep?

Villa Brusati sleeps 16 guests total across 8 double bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main villa accommodates 10 guests in 5 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. The side villa adds 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, while the side house provides flexible multi-bed accommodation. All bedrooms feature double beds; additional single beds are available on request in the side house.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Brusati in Como?

Lugano Airport in Agno, Switzerland sits 18 kilometres away—approximately 30 minutes by car—and operates scheduled and charter services, particularly useful for European connections. Milan Malpensa International Airport (130km, 2 hours 15 minutes) and Milan Linate (140km, 2 hours 20 minutes) serve intercontinental travellers. Drive times to the villa are straightforward via motorway, though transfer services can be arranged for larger groups.

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

May through September delivers warm weather, calm water, and fully operational boat services. July and August draw peak crowds; June and September offer comparable weather with fewer tourists. April and October provide shoulder-season mildness—still suitable for lake activities but requiring layers for evening. Winter (November-March) brings lower prices and atmospheric quality but restricts water-based activities and reduces restaurant availability in smaller villages. Spring bulbs (March-April) transform the gardens and nearby nature reserves; autumn (September-October) brings clearer light and harvesting in local vineyards.

Is Villa Brusati suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property includes baby bath, potty, children’s books, and children’s videos—practical amenities for younger guests. Porlezza’s public beach (8km away) offers supervised swimming areas. Kayaking from the villa’s direct lake access provides activity scaled to different ages. The Valsolda Nature Reserve (10 minutes inland) hosts family-friendly walking routes through woodland. Multiple living spaces mean children can engage in quieter play while adults use other areas. The kitchen scale supports varied meal preparation for dietary requirements across age groups.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Brusati?

Standard inclusions: Wi-Fi throughout, all utilities (electricity, water, heating), linen and towels, use of all furniture and appliances, parking and garage access, kayaks, board games, and access to all terraces and outdoor spaces. Optional add-ons available at additional cost include maid service, pre-stocked fridge provision (customizable), and concierge-arranged activities (boat hire, restaurant reservations, car rental). Check specific terms at booking as some inclusions vary seasonally.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Brusati?

Porlezza (8km north) hosts traditional pizzerias, trattorias serving lake fish (particularly valued for perch and whitefish), and casual dining spots. A supermarket in Porlezza serves grocery shopping and basic provisions. Gandria (3km) operates several restaurants with lake-view seating. Lugano (8km) offers everything from casual lakeside cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants concentrated near the cathedral piazza and waterfront. The village of Menaggio (20km north on Lake Como’s shore) provides additional fine dining and resort-level shopping. Local specialties include lake fish preparations, polenta dishes influenced by Alpine proximity, and regional wines from small producers around Valsolda.