Character Homes for sale Stresa

The Heart of Lake Maggiore: A Brief Overview

From a Simple Fishing Village to an International Luxury and Tourist Destination

With the first documented mention in the year 998 AD, Stresa was a small, remote, and difficult-to-reach fishing village with rocky shores and only a handful of residents. It was not until the 17th century that significant changes occurred when the Italian noble family Borromeo took notice of this place. They began to utilize the natural surroundings of the lake and transform the rocky outcroppings into magnificent garden landscapes. The construction of the "Palazzo Borromeo" on "Isola Bella" began in 1632. Together with "Isola Madre" and "Isola dei Pescatori," these three islands today symbolize the unique landscape panorama and are among the most visited tourist attractions in the town.

Construction of the First Villas

The era as a simple fishing village ended with the construction of the first grand villas. Around 1770, the villa known today as Villa Ducale, also called Villa Bolongaro, was built for the tobacco merchant Giacomo Filippo Bolongaro. It paved the way for numerous estates on Lake Maggiore, which also became preferred meeting places for distinguished personalities and members of the royal family. One of the most prominent buildings of this kind is Villa Pallavicino.

The "Belle Epoque" Era

With the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906, connecting Switzerland and Italy, the town experienced a tourist boom. Guests from all over Europe and many other parts of the world flocked to Lake Maggiore to experience the glamorous lake and alpine panorama. Lavish grand hotels with diverse cultural offerings and glamorous festivities quickly emerged. In the early 20th century, the first "Miss Italia" contests were held in Stresa.

The Community of Stresa Today

Today, the resort town remains one of the most visited tourist communities on Lake Maggiore with regular events. Among the most prominent events are the "Musical Weeks in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore," held in August and September since the 1960s. As part of these weeks, the Midsummer Jazz Concerts are also held, making Stresa a regular destination for jazz enthusiasts for many years. Other popular events include the Literature Prize for Fiction (Premio Stresa, October) for Italian and Swiss literature, awarded since 1976, and the literature festival "Stresa, un aperitivo con...". Additionally, from July to September, there are more festivals in neighboring towns and communities.

Villas in Stresa: Property Prices

Since REALPORTICO is a real estate portal specializing exclusively in historical properties, we cannot provide general data on property price trends. Prices often depend heavily on the value of the land, with the condition of the property playing a lesser role. Prospective buyers should therefore expect also for for properties in need of modernization or renovation a high price level. Particularly, for larger villas with corresponding plots, the lower seven-figure range is the starting point. A villa directly by the lake with a private beach and immediate water access is significantly higher in price than comparable properties inland.

Possible Uses for Historical Villas

Here, you will find an overview of the most common uses for historical villas in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore. Private and commercial uses are often combined.

1. Private residential use
2. Hotel or boutique hotel
3. Apartments for rent or condominiums
4. Vacation apartments
5. Private clinic
6. Corporate headquarters or office space
7. Private art gallery or exhibition venue

Sports and Leisure Activities in Stresa

Nearly all water sports activities that take place on, in, or under the water are popular locally. There are also several golf courses, including the renowned Golfclub Golf Des Iles Borromees. The highest mountain in the region, Monte Mottarone, attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round and offers opportunities for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.

General Numbers and Facts

1. Population: 4,647
2. Immigrants: 10
3. Postal Code: 28838
4. Area Code: 0323
5. Number of Restaurants/Bars: 120
6. Number of Hotels/Hostels: 82
7. Two 5-star luxury hotels:
1. Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
2. Villa Aminta
8. Seven 4-star hotels:
1. Grand Hotel Bristol
2. Astoria
3. La Palma
4. Milan au Lac
5. Regina Palace
6. Speranca au Lac
7. Villa La Camana

Key Distances

An overview of approximate distances in kilometers to the most important cities, locations, and lakes in the area.