Between the two southern branches of Lake Como, this terracotta-roofed villa is set around an ivy-dappled courtyard. A huge, free-form swimming pool takes pride of place in the grounds and wandering across perfectly manicured lawns (or taking the golf buggy) sees you at tennis courts, a football pitch and secret seating areas. We absolutely love the loggia-style eating area, beneath wooden rafters with an old water pump and wood-burning fireplace. Or, choose to dine beneath the ivy on the veranda. Did we mention there’s a heliport?

Inside, you’ll find the classic Italian dark-wood furniture and rooms livened up with Moroccan rugs and maritime paraphernalia on the walls. There are several sofa-filled snugs to hide away in, and one huge lounge with pretty 17th-century-style windows for the whole group to socialise in. One spot we found particularly intriguing was the booth-like dining set around the old hearth with its cauldron still intact.

In terms of location, you’re a half-hour drive from the beautiful town of Bellagio on Lake Como, and twenty minutes from Lecco where boats leave to cross the lake.

Home truths:
*There is air conditioning, but only in the bedrooms
*The swimming pool is available between April and October
*This home consists of two separate buildings
*You host can provide a high chair and cot for infants, just ask
*Private parking is available both covered and uncovered with this home