Palazzo Durini

On the shores of Lake Como, Palazzo Durini is a unique 16th century palazzo recently restored by the French star-decorator Jacques Garcia. The former home of Cardinal Durini, patron of the Arts, it is an authentic place of delights covered in magnificent Baroque frescoes. Six sophisticated bedrooms invite you to indulge in extreme luxury and extravagance. Relax by the heated indoor pool or enjoy the outdoor swimming pool facing the lake. At Palazzo Durini only the very best is enough to make your stay unforgettable.

Palazzo Durini is an exceptional and historical palazzo with breath-taking Lake Como views, built in one of the most scenic points of the lake. Its facade, with simple and sober lines, punctuated by grey ornamental carvings, is directly reflected in the water of the lake. Indeed the villa has private lake access. From the Strada Regina a stretch of water filled with blue iris leads to the main house through gravelled paths, flanked by hedges, trees and cypresses. All around the 2,75 acres grounds stand statues and fountains. The palatial interior is spread over 6,460 sq. ft, and three floors, completely renovated by French decorator Jacques Garcia. The main entrance leads to the magnificent lobby decorated with original frescoes, surrounded by a dining room, a library, a winter garden and three salons. All these rooms have marble floors and original frescoes on the walls and ceilings.

Adjacent are the service rooms: the kitchen and a covered terrace with working fireplace for outdoor dining. On the first floor, overlooking the central salon, the lake view gallery leads to the studio, the master suite and the guest suite. A further marble staircase leads to the second floor accommodations, comprising four luxurious bedrooms en suite with their marble bathrooms. All the rooms are beautifully furnished with antiques. The villa comes fully staffed with chef to cook all meals (groceries extra), butler to assist and serve, housekeepers and English-speaking Concierge to assist you in planning activities. On request and at extra charge it is possible to rent an independent house on the estate with 4 bedrooms for up to 8 guests, perfect for staff. Please note that this house is furnished in a different style than the main villa, not up to par to it.

HISTORY-

The Villa was built by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio at the end of the16th century, after the drawings of Pellegrino Tibaldi. It was significantly enlarged and embellished by Cardinal Durini in the 18th century. Papal nuncio, a lover of arts and letters, patron and collector, Durini made the Villa what it is today, enlarging the house and garden, erecting statues and fountains, and opening new avenues between hedges and pergolas. In the late 18th century the Villa hosted a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one another relentlessly. The lounges housed theatre performances, concerts and literary discussions. In the lobby, Cardinal Durini installed its rich library, known to all scholars of the time.

FEATURES & AMENITIES -

• Air Conditioning / Heating
• Boathouse
• Central Heating
• Elevator
• Gym Equipment
• Internet Access (Wireless Broadband)
• Lake View
• Massage Services (Extra Charge)
• Music Sound System
• Safe (In Room)
• Security
• Swimming Pool (Heated Indoor)
• Swimming Pool (Indoor)
• TV
• Cook to prepare all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Groceries are payable extra.
• English-speaking Concierge.
• Maid service, daily for up to 4 hours.
• Initial supply of bed linen and towels and mid-week change.