In the quiet town of Cernobbio, this bright apartment is just a few steps from the sparkling shore of Lake Como. Walk just two minutes to reach the lakeside, where the town’s cafés and bars offer alfresco views across the water to deep green mountains and you can follow rambling walking routes out of the town. Perhaps hop on the ferry to Bellagio, Menaggio or Varenna – the jetty is just a five-minute walk away.

In the apartment itself, you’ll find clean white walls and long French windows brightening up each room. Dine by the window in the kitchen and throw open the doors to create a Juliet-style balcony looking out over the leafy street below. The old stonework of the building is on display behind the dove-grey sofa and the kitchen units have everything you need for self-catering. That’s if you’re not too busy hitting every trattoria and gelateria in Cernobbio.

Home truths:
*The living area is dominated by the kitchen and dining with a small sofa
*Two additional guests can be accommodated on the sofa bed in the living room
*Your host can provide a cot for infants, just ask
*There is no parking with this apartment, but there is secure bike storage if you want to cycle