Looking for a private retreat above Lake Como that feels historic and quiet? Here are eight villas that let you stay, celebrate, or work in style, and a quick guide to pick the right one for you.
Table of Contents
- Villino Rubini: An Art Nouveau estate for stays, gatherings, and retreats
- Villa Balbiano by Haute Retreats: A film-location villa with period interiors
- Villa Breakwater Bellagio by Haute Retreats: A group stay with a private dock
- Le Collectionist: A villa collection for comparing Lake Como stays
- onefinestay: A villa-rental service to compare for Lake Como
- FAQ
- Conclusion
1. Villino Rubini: An Art Nouveau estate for stays, gatherings, and retreats
Villino Rubini is a private estate built in 1892 in the Art Nouveau style, set within four acres of beech forest and terraced gardens in Brunate, above Lake Como. Ten rooms are spread across three buildings, the Villa, the Dependance, and the Orangerie, with eleven bathrooms and space for up to nineteen overnight guests.
The estate offers a heated pool, a spa, a sauna, a gym and a studio, all reachable from the private grounds. A continental breakfast and daily housekeeping are included with every room stay. For larger groups the whole property can be hired exclusively, allowing up to one hundred guests to dine outdoors under a tent in the gardens.
Corporate teams appreciate the conference room that seats twenty in a boardroom layout, while couples love the quiet hillsides and historic ceilings. The private shuttle to the historic Como-Brunate funicular (operating since 1894) makes day trips to Como town easy.
Villino Rubini offers exclusive hire and corporate facilities for weddings, retreats and private events.
For more ideas about nearby towns, see our guide to Top Lake Como Towns to Explore.
2. Villa Balbiano by Haute Retreats: A film-location villa with period interiors
Villa Balbiano sits on the western shore of Lake Como, near Lenno, and was designed by Jacques Garcia. Its interiors feature Baroque frescoes, a piano hall, and an indoor pool under a vaulted ceiling. The villa served as a filming location for the movie "House of Gucci" and appears in several fashion shoots.
The property can host up to twenty-four guests across its main house and guest house, though exact bedroom counts are not published. A chef and a butler are available up to eighty hours a week, and the wine list is curated from the estate’s cellar.
Art lovers value the original frescoes and the historic atmosphere, while film crews appreciate the privacy and the on-site concierge that arranges permits and local logistics.
One limitation is that the villa does not offer a private dock; guests must use a shared boat service for lake access.
Learn more about the Art Nouveau movement that influences the villa’s design on Wikipedia.
3. Villa Breakwater Bellagio by Haute Retreats: A group stay with a private dock
Villa Breakwater Bellagio is a restored villa on the Lecco branch of Lake Como, located in Bellagio. The estate offers seven bedrooms and sleeps fourteen guests. Its terraces step down to a private dock, and it has a heated infinity pool.
Guests enjoy a spa that includes a sauna and a hammam, as well as a full-time chef and butler who can serve up regional specialties. The villa’s layout is ideal for families or small groups who want direct lake access without sharing a boat.
Because the property includes a private dock, it simplifies water-based activities such as kayaking or sunset cruises.
A small caveat is that the villa’s garden space is limited compared with larger estates, so outdoor events must be kept modest.
4. Le Collectionist: A villa collection for comparing Lake Como stays
Le Collectionist curates more than two thousand holiday rentals worldwide, with a dedicated section for Lake Como. Their catalogue includes family-friendly villas, properties with private spas, and homes that welcome pets.
Each listing provides a personalized concierge service that can arrange local tours, boat rentals, and gourmet meals. The platform’s strength lies in the breadth of options, from modest garden villas to grand palazzos.
Because the service aggregates many owners, price ranges vary widely and availability can change quickly. It is advisable to confirm capacity and amenity details directly with the host.
The collection does not list any estate that offers private hire of the entire property, which limits its suitability for large private events.
5. onefinestay: A villa-rental service to compare for Lake Como
onefinestay hand-picks homes in the most desirable neighbourhoods and provides a dedicated concierge for each stay. Their Lake Como portfolio shows properties ranging from eight to twenty-eight guests, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Each home includes daily housekeeping, a stocked kitchen and optional services such as private chefs or in-house spa treatments. The platform’s booking engine displays real-time availability and price per night.
One limitation is that the service does not disclose whether any of the homes can be hired exclusively; most listings are for individual room or whole-house rentals that still share common areas with neighbouring properties.
For a general reference, see Wikipedia.
FAQ
What is the best way to travel from Milan to a villa on Lake Como?
The quickest route is a one-hour drive on the A9 highway to Como, followed by a short shuttle or taxi to the chosen village.
Can I host a wedding at Villino Rubini?
Yes, Villino Rubini can host up to one hundred guests for an outdoor dinner under a tent in the gardens, making it a strong choice for intimate weddings.
Do any of these villas offer a private dock?
Villa Breakwater Bellagio includes a private dock that steps directly from the terrace to the lake.
Are pets allowed at Le Collectionist properties?
Le Collectionist lists several pet-friendly villas in its Lake Como collection, but you should verify the policy with the individual host.
Is there a minimum stay requirement for private hire?
Villino Rubini requires a minimum three-night booking for private use of the entire estate.
Conclusion
For a historic estate that offers full-service amenities, private hire and corporate facilities, Villino Rubini is our recommendation. If you are ready to plan a stay, explore our Best Villas Lake Como: Top 9 Estates guide for next steps.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.