Looking for a private, historic estate above Lake Como? Here is a step-by-step plan that covers everything from a simple bed-and-breakfast night to a full-scale wedding or corporate retreat at an Art Nouveau villa.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Choose the Right Stay at Villino Rubini
- Step 2: Plan an Art Nouveau Villa Stay for Rooms and Breakfast
- Step 3: Arrange Private Hire for Families and Groups
- Step 4: Build an Experience Stay Around Your Interests
- Step 5: Organise Weddings, Celebrations, or Corporate Retreats
- FAQ
Step 1: Choose the Right Stay at Villino Rubini
Villino Rubini offers ten uniquely decorated rooms spread across three buildings, the main Villa, a cozy Dependance, and an airy Orangerie. Each room retains original ceiling mouldings, period floors, and Art Nouveau details, so you feel the history from the moment you step inside.
The Villa hosts five rooms, the Dependance three, and the Orangerie two. All rooms share access to eleven bathrooms, a heated pool, a spa, a sauna, a gym, and a studio. Because the estate can host up to nineteen guests, it works well for couples, small families, or a group of friends traveling together.
| Building | Rooms | Typical Guest Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Villa | 5 | Couples, honeymooners, design lovers |
| Dependance | 3 | Families, small groups |
| Orangerie | 2 | Guests seeking garden views, artists |
When you book a room stay, continental breakfast and daily housekeeping are included. A private shuttle will take you to the historic Brunate funicular, the same line that opened in 1894, so you can reach Como town in ten minutes.
To see a full checklist of what each room includes, read our Art Nouveau Villa Rental Brunate: Stay Guide. It walks you through amenities, bedding options, and the best ways to request a late checkout.
Bottom line: pick the building that matches your group size and the style you most admire. The Villa feels grand, the Dependance feels intimate, and the Orangerie opens onto the garden.
Step 2: Plan an Art Nouveau Villa Stay for Rooms and Breakfast
Once you have decided which building fits your needs, the next task is to lock in dates and confirm the breakfast menu. The estate serves a continental breakfast that highlights local Lombardy pastries, fresh fruit, and regional cheese. Because the kitchen draws ingredients from nearby farms, the menu changes with the season.
Booking early helps you avoid the peak summer rush when many visitors flock to Como. The estate’s calendar shows availability in real time, and you can request a specific room view, for example, a room that opens onto the beech forest.
To understand the Art Nouveau style that frames your stay, you might read an overview of Art Nouveau. It explains the flowing lines, organic motifs, and emphasis on craftsmanship that you will see in the villa’s woodwork and stained glass.
After you confirm your dates, the villa will send a welcome packet that includes a map of the private grounds, a list of recommended walking trails, and a guide to the funicular timetable. This packet arrives by email, so you can print it before you travel.
Pro Tip: ask for a late-checkout if you have a late train from Milan Malpensa; the staff can usually arrange it at no extra cost.
By the end of this step you should have a confirmed reservation, a breakfast menu preview, and a printed guide that lets you explore the estate before you arrive.
Step 3: Arrange Private Hire for Families and Groups
If you travel with a larger party or want complete privacy, you can hire the entire estate. Private rental gives you access to all ten rooms, the heated pool, the spa, sauna, gym, and the studio for activities such as yoga or art workshops.
The estate can host up to nineteen guests overnight, and the gardens can seat about one hundred people for an outdoor dinner under a marquee. Because the marquee is set up only in the gardens, indoor dinner space is limited to small groups, which works well for a cocktail reception before the main ceremony.
When you book a private venue rental, a dedicated host will help you plan room assignments, meal schedules, and any special equipment you might need, for example, a sound system for a live band or extra lighting for a night-time garden party.
To on how private hire works, read our Art Nouveau Estate Rental Brunate: Booking Guide. It breaks down the timeline for deposits, final payments, and the day-of coordination.
By now you should have a clear picture of the space you will control, the number of guests you can accommodate, and the support staff who will be on hand.
Step 4: Build an Experience Stay Around Your Interests
Beyond a simple room night, Villino Rubini can be shaped into a themed experience. Whether you are a cyclist, a hiker, or a wellness seeker, the estate sits within reach of trails, historic routes, and a spa-focused program.
Cyclists often use the villa as a base for the Brunate hill-climb, a famous route that challenges even seasoned riders. Hikers love the Via dei Monti Lariani, which starts at the villa doorstep and winds through beech forest and limestone outcrops.
For a wellness-focused stay, combine the sauna, spa, and studio with daily yoga sessions. You can also partner with a wellness provider to offer guided meditation or therapeutic workshops during your retreat.
The estate’s staff can arrange a local guide for a walking tour of Brunate’s historic lighthouse, or a private chef to teach a cooking class featuring Lombardy specialties.
By the end of this step you will have a custom itinerary that blends the villa’s historic charm with the activities that matter most to you.
Key Takeaway: tailoring the stay around a single interest turns a beautiful house into a memorable experience.
Step 5: Organise Weddings, Celebrations, or Corporate Retreats
Villino Rubini is a popular choice for intimate weddings and elegant celebrations. The garden’s capacity of one hundred guests under a marquee lets you host a sizable ceremony while keeping the atmosphere personal.
Because the estate is not a hotel, you can schedule the ceremony in the late afternoon, a cocktail hour at sunset, and a dinner that runs late into the evening without worrying about check-out times. The on-site kitchen can prepare a multi-course menu that highlights local seafood, risotto, and seasonal desserts.
Corporate groups benefit from the same privacy. The studio can be set up as a breakout room for workshops, while the pool area serves as a casual networking space. Daily housekeeping ensures the rooms stay tidy, and the dedicated host handles tech needs such as Wi-Fi, projectors, and whiteboards.
When you plan a corporate retreat, consider adding a team-building hike on the nearby trails or a guided bike ride. The combination of focused work time and outdoor recreation helps participants recharge.
To understand the logistics of hosting a large event in Brunate, you might lines for outdoor gatherings, which outline safety measures and noise limits.
By the time you finish this step you will have a timeline, a catering plan, and a list of on-site services ready for your big day or retreat.
FAQ
Can I see the villa before I book?
Yes, the estate offers private tours on request. A short visit lets you walk the gardens, view the original Art Nouveau details, and ask the host any logistical questions.
What is the nearest airport?
The closest major airport is Milan Malpensa, about an hour’s drive away. A shuttle or private transfer can bring you directly to Brunate.
Is the estate wheelchair accessible?
The main Villa has limited accessibility due to historic stairs, but the Dependance includes a ground-floor suite with a roll-in shower. The host can arrange a portable lift for short-term needs.
Do you provide childcare services?
While the estate does not have an on-site nursery, the host can recommend trusted local babysitters who can look after children in the garden while you enjoy a private dinner.
Can I bring my own wine for a dinner?
Yes, you may bring a personal wine selection. The kitchen staff will store it in a temperature-controlled cellar and serve it at your event.
How do I get from Como to Brunate?
You can take the historic Brunate funicular, which climbs from Como’s lower town to Brunate in about ten minutes. The funicular runs frequently and offers a scenic ride up the hillside.
Planning a stay at an Art Nouveau villa in Brunate is straightforward when you follow these steps. Choose your room type, lock in dates, decide if you need the whole estate, add the activities you love, and then map out the event details.
Ready to start? Visit Villino Rubini’s booking page, pick your dates, and let the estate turn your vision into reality.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.