Palazzo Novara | 4-Bedroom Chateau in Vacciago di Ameno (NO)

Eight guests, four en-suite bedrooms, one 17th-century palazzo that commands Lake Orta from the hillside village of Vacciago di Ameno (NO). Palazzo Novara stands as a fully restored luxury château rental in the Italian Lakes region, where 2012 renovations preserved original baroque bones while installing every modern convenience—fireplaces with marble surrounds, coffered ceilings that soar overhead, and museum-quality wall art that changes the character of each room.

Inside Palazzo Novara

Palazzo Novara sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct living levels. The ground floor functions as the villa’s social hub: a wood-panelled study with working desk and computer, a formal dining room with seating for eight, a fully equipped modern kitchen featuring dual refrigeration, professional-grade oven, microwave and espresso machine, plus a guest toilet. French doors from the dining area open directly onto the internal courtyard garden—the spot where breakfast happens on mornings when Lake Orta stretches flat and silver below.

Ascend to the first floor and discover a double bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom, a second double bedroom equally appointed, and a generous living area anchored by a fireplace and loaded with deep sofas and a flat-screen television. This floor feels designed for afternoon tea and conversation, with tall windows framing the lake beyond.

The second floor holds two more double bedrooms, each with private shower bathrooms. A music room—genuinely set up for playing, not just decorating—overlooks the water, and the laundry facilities handle weekly linen without sending anything outside the property. From the top floor, views telescope across Lake Orta toward the Island of San Giulio and the distant Alpine profile of Monte Rosa. Every bedroom includes satellite television and an audio system; every bathroom is tiled in travertine and stocked with premium toiletries.

The Spa and Pool

The spa occupies its own wing with separate entrance from the garden and direct internal access from the house. At its heart sits a heated indoor swimming pool measuring 12 metres by 2.5 metres, fitted with hydromassage jets and chromotherapy lighting that shifts colour with the mood. The waterfall cascades at one end; a Turkish steam bath occupies an adjacent chamber. Two walk-in showers and a separate WC complete the spa. Year-round heating means the water stays at swimming temperature even during Milan’s coldest winters—though a supplementary heating fee applies during peak winter months.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The property encloses itself within high perimeter walls that slice away noise and curious eyes, creating an almost monastic sense of privacy unusual at this elevation. The internal courtyard garden sits dappled in morning shade, with dining furniture for eight and a coffee table positioned for pre-dinner aperitifs. Four sun-loungers line the pool terrace, where the slope of the landscape means your line of sight travels directly over Lake Orta’s surface toward San Giulio Island, where a single vine-covered restaurant catches sunset light like a stage set.

This is not a sprawling grounds property—rather, it’s a series of intimate outdoor rooms, each sized for specific purposes. The columned garden section works for candlelit dinners. The courtyard works for breakfast with fresh espresso. The pool terrace works for afternoon swimming and reading. The design logic suggests someone lived here, rather than someone merely owned it.

Location: Vacciago di Ameno (NO) and the Surrounding Area

Vacciago di Ameno perches on the hillside 3 kilometres above Orta San Giulio, the principal town on Lake Orta’s western shore. For centuries, Milan’s aristocracy maintained second homes here, building 16th and 17th-century villas that still line the steep streets. Today it functions as a quieter alternative to the busier Como and Maggiore lakes—smaller, more intimate, less obvious to international tourists.

Orta San Giulio itself, 3km downhill, operates as a labyrinth of medieval lanes lined with restaurants ranging from casual trattorias to Michelin-starred establishments. The Sacro Monte of Orta, perched 360 metres above sea level on the hill above town, comprises 21 chapels built between the 15th and 17th centuries and decorated with Renaissance frescoes—it holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Walking the site takes two hours and delivers views across the entire lake basin. The Calderara Foundation in town houses several hundred pieces of contemporary art collected by the Calderara family and opens most afternoons.

San Giulio Island, reachable by boat (5-minute ferry from the town dock), holds a single restaurant with vine-covered terraces where dinner at sunset feels like a private event. Lake Orta measures 13 kilometres long and 2.2 kilometres at its widest point—intimate enough to feel knowable, large enough for genuine boating and water sports.

The surrounding region offers specific activities: three golf courses operate within 15km (the closest, Golf Club Orta, sits 8km away); cycling paths trace the lakeside and climb into the foothills toward the Mottarone plateau; horseback riding facilities work out of Pella, 12km south. In spring, every street and garden explodes with flowering wisteria and cherry blossoms. In autumn—September through October—the beech and larch forests shift through yellow and orange before dropping their leaves, and the light turns crystalline.

Milan lies 90 minutes by car to the south; Como, one of Italy’s most dramatic alpine lakes, sits 70 minutes southwest. Both make compelling day-trip destinations. Explore our villas in Italian Lakes for other properties in this region, or browse our full collection of luxury rentals in Vacciago di Ameno (NO). Our Italian Lakes travel guide provides detailed seasonal planning and activity recommendations. For broader context, see our luxury villas across Europe.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups benefit from the four separate en-suite bedrooms and split-level layout, which allows teenagers independent space while keeping grandparents close. The indoor pool means children swim safely year-round, regardless of weather.

Professional teams working remotely find the study equipped with desk, computer, printer and scanner, plus reliable Wi-Fi throughout. The living areas divide naturally into zones for separate conversations.

Couples seeking privacy appreciate the high walls and the fact that no neighbours overlook the terraces. The spa’s Turkish bath and heated pool offer couple-only evenings after other guests retire.

Groups celebrating milestones use the formal dining room for dinners, the music room for evening entertainment, and the courtyard garden for candlelit aperitifs. The maid service and available chef eliminate kitchen labour.

Practical Information

Capacity: 8 guests maximum across 4 double bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom.

Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa International Airport, 95 kilometres away, approximately 90 minutes by car. Car hire is standard; transfers can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas.

Nearest supermarket: Conad supermarket in Orta San Giulio, 3 kilometres downhill, stocks international ingredients alongside local specialities. An open-air market operates Thursdays and Saturdays in Orta San Giulio’s central piazza, selling fresh vegetables, cheeses and breads from regional producers.

Included in rental: Wi-Fi throughout, all utilities, pool heating (supplementary charge applies during winter months exceeding baseline consumption), linen and towels changed weekly, weekly cleaning service, household staff available for extended stays. Maid service is included; chef, butler and driver transfers are available at additional cost.

Check-in: Flexible arrival times can be arranged in advance. Standard check-in is 3pm; early arrivals accommodated subject to prior arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Palazzo Novara

How many guests does Palazzo Novara sleep?

Palazzo Novara sleeps 8 guests maximum, distributed across 4 double bedrooms. Each bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom with shower, satellite television and audio system. No sofa beds or additional sleeping arrangements are available, so occupancy is fixed at 8 guests.

What is the nearest airport to Palazzo Novara in Vacciago di Ameno (NO)?

Milan Malpensa International Airport lies 95 kilometres away, approximately 90 minutes’ drive south via the A4 and A8 motorways. Milan Linate Airport (65km, approximately 60 minutes) offers an alternative for European connections. Car hire from either airport is recommended; Excellence Luxury Villas can arrange private driver transfers at additional cost.

What is the best time of year to rent Palazzo Novara?

April through October offers the most favourable weather and access to water sports and outdoor activities. May and September provide ideal balancing acts—warm but not hot, with fewer tourists than July and August. April brings wisteria in full bloom throughout the region. September and early October deliver crystalline autumn light and cooler evenings perfect for fireplace evenings. Winter months (November–March) are quieter and cooler; the indoor pool and spa become primary amenities. The villa operates year-round; winter pool heating incurs a supplementary charge.

Is Palazzo Novara suitable for families with children?

Yes. The year-round heated indoor pool (12m × 2.5m) provides safe supervised swimming regardless of season or weather. The courtyard garden offers contained outdoor play space. Orta San Giulio, 3 kilometres away, has shallow-water family beaches at its northern edge near the Lido complex. The Sacro Monte’s walking trails work for older children (ages 8+). However, the villa contains water features (pool, spa) that require parental supervision; there are no specific child safety gates.

What is included in the rental price at Palazzo Novara?

The following are included: Wi-Fi and internet throughout the property, all utilities (electricity, gas, water), weekly linen and towel changes, weekly cleaning service, maid service during occupation, and pool heating to baseline temperature. Satellite television, audio systems and all kitchen appliances (oven, refrigeration, microwave, espresso machine) are included. Additional heating costs apply if winter pool heating exceeds standard baseline. Chef, butler and driver transfer services are available at additional cost and must be arranged in advance.

What restaurants and shops are near Palazzo Novara?

Orta San Giulio’s town centre, 3 kilometres downhill, contains over 20 restaurants ranging from casual pizzerias to Michelin-rated establishments. Villa Crespi (2 Michelin stars) occupies a palazzo in the town centre; Al Sorriso in nearby Soriso (13 kilometres away) also holds 2 stars. Casual alternatives include Olina restaurant (lake-view terrace, 2km away) and numerous trattorias along the waterfront. The Thursday and Saturday market in Orta San Giulio’s piazza sells fresh produce, cheeses and regional breads. Conad supermarket (3km) stocks international groceries. The Calderara Foundation’s café serves espresso and light lunch. For detailed dining and activity guidance, consult our Italian Lakes travel guide.