Villa Ortense

Movie stars showed the world what staying in an Italian lake villa represents class, a dream-like life, absolute beauty away from summer crowds, tranquillity and pure Hollywood poetry. The lake district of Italy is where to rediscover the pleasure of living the upscale travel standards. Life on the lake summarises elements: peace, a romantic contrast between clear water and snowy Alpine peaks, a thermal range during the year that does not reach the extremes. The villa features a unique architecture in Italy, with its intertwined arches, rich and refined adornments made of stucco and moulded plaster, reminding Moorish architecture found in Baghdad, in Sevilla, or Cairo. An immaculate, manicured garden with sun loungers, furnished alfresco areas and an aromatic plants zone to enjoy the fresh and clean air. The interiors include spacious salons on the ground floor, a lounge bar, a Michelin starred restaurant for our guests only, a massage room and spacious bedrooms with breathtaking vistas. Activities at the lake include renting a boat for a water tour in the afternoon, an excellent Italian sparkling wine, gentle hiking around the lake, and the skilful hiker. The mountains offer great trails for the skilful hiker. Otherwise, hop on a helicopter ride over the Alps. In the surrounding area, there are many opportunities for high-end shopping. The property is within walking distance from the lake and nestled at the edge of the nearby village, five minutes from the shores of a stunning bathing lake.

The villa features a unique Moorish style, customised for the commissioner by a talented architect of the area in 1879. The Moorish style shows many influences from the Maghreb, Arabic and Iraq art and decorations so that the architecture of this building was studied by Cairo university. Some of the peculiarities are the refined plaster stuccoes scattered everywhere, the Florentine mosaics in the hall, which are also found in the floors of some rooms, otherwise made of original terracotta or quality old wooden boards. The rooms and salons are vaulted and frescoed; every inch of the villa’s surface is decorated to such an extent that experienced staff can still discover details they hadn’t noticed before. There is extensive use of marble on the external columns and bathrooms, with marbles of different kinds and origins, the same type used in northern Italy’s most significant architectural works, such as the Milan cathedral. The furnishing is impeccably juxtaposed and suits the style of the building without clashing. The numerous internal and external architectural details create complex plays of light, resulting in a unique example, reasonably distinct from the art of the time. Eclectic yet very welcoming and peaceful, this is an opulent retreat full of history and lavish comforts, with an elegant aura and an exotic vibe, showcasing a unique example of Moorish architecture in northern Italy.

Facilities

• 4 Dining formal rooms
• 1 Massage room
• Music diffusion system (g. floor)
• Michelin starred chef brigade
• 3000 m2 of private land
• Helipad, 600m from the property
• External lounge bar
• Garden of scents

Outdoor

This property features a manicured park and a garden of scents and vegetables. It is nestled on a 3000 square metres parcel in a small peninsula protruding in the lake’s freshwater. Set few metres from the shores of this Piedmont lake and at the feet of the local Sacro Monte (sacred mountain), it comes with furnished alfresco areas, a covered patio, sun loungers and protected parking space. Under its current owners has evolved into an international 5-star retreat, preserving the Moorish architecture style and decoration and installing top-of-the-line appliances along with top-notch service.

• Helipad, 600 metres from the property
• Possibility to organise an imperial table for all guests
• 5 Beehives producing local honey
• Outside seats for up to 50 guests
• External lounge bar
• Garden of scents
• 4 Sunbeds
• Covered patio

Location

Activities at the lake include renting a boat for a water tour in the afternoon, an excellent Italian sparkling wine, gentle hiking around the lake, and the skilful hiker. The mountains offer great trails for the skilful hiker. Otherwise, hop on a helicopter ride over the Alps. In the surrounding area, there are many opportunities for high-end shopping. The property is within walking distance from the lake and nestled at the edge of the nearby village.

The Piedmont region has a unique energy that comes from mixing its royal history with its contemporary role in industry, economy and arts. And, as well as the restaurants, shopping, and nearby nature, people’s perceptions are also mesmerized of what a culturally rich area this is in terms of museums, architecture, and art, especially contemporary. Several close-by restaurants and trattorias serve organic, local cuisine. We recommend the traditional and original San Giulio and, for those who prefer a chic atmosphere, the enchanting Locanda Orta. Sneak to Gaja (upon reservation, the local concierge can help with this) for a tasting of some of the best wines Italy has to offer. The closest bar for social activities is Regina Bianca Lounge Bar in Orta San Giulio.

• Orta San Giulio and its “Sacromonte” (500 metres – 5′ on foot)
• Lake Maggiore (25 km – 35′)
• Turin (128 km – 100′)
• Milan (85 km – 80′)