A Unique Jewel of the Belle Époque on Lake Como: Villa Valentina
Nestled on a truly dreamlike plot of land, Villa Valentina was constructed between 1910 and 1912 by the renowned architect Giacomo Mantegazza for the Prussian Prince Karl Sigismund.
Mantegazza designed an eclectic building that draws on Art Nouveau influences, presenting a freer design with less symmetry in contrast to the typical strictness of 19th-century architecture. The villa was crafted not only for grand representation but also for the comfort and wellbeing of its occupants.
Upon entering through the imposing wrought-iron gate adjacent to the gatehouse, visitors are welcomed by this prestigious estate. Two grand avenues lead to the main villa, which is surrounded by approximately one hectare of park-like grounds. The villa sits in an elevated position, offering magnificent views of Lake Como, Villa La Gaeta, the Grigne mountain range, Varenna, and Bellagio.
Architectural Elegance
The villa spans three floors plus a tower, showcasing architectural features that are simply breathtaking. Numerous intricate details adorn the arched windows, stone columns, capitals, and decorative elements beneath the eaves. The roof, embellished with antique tiles, is crowned by elegant chimneys. The tower serves not merely as a lookout point but as an integral part of the overall architecture, providing stunning vistas of the lake and mountains. Its rounded buttresses seamlessly incorporate the colonnade into the main structure, enhancing the aesthetic unity of the villa.
Entering through a spacious covered terrace, one arrives in the entrance hall. This level features two reception rooms adorned with wall and ceiling frescoes, a conservatory with original windows, a dining room, a large kitchen, and a guest toilet. The first floor comprises four bedrooms and three bathrooms, while the second floor includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a generous storage room, and the staircase leading to the tower, which houses a large billiards room. High windows on all four sides flood the rooms with natural light, offering captivating views of the lake.
An internal staircase descends from the ground floor to the garden level, which leads directly to the park. A spacious room with a vaulted brick ceiling could potentially accommodate an indoor swimming pool. Additionally, there is a wine cellar, a WC, a cloakroom, a laundry room, and a technical room.
Gatehouse and Additional Buildings
The gatehouse, measuring approximately 160 m², includes a living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the ground floor, as well as two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. An ancillary building with a gross area of about 160 m² could be converted into several suites or a spa with a fitness room. Nearby, a large vegetable garden and greenhouse enhance the estate's charm.
A grand underground passage designed by Mantegazza provides access to a generous and flat lakeside plot of approximately 2,000 square metres—an exceptional rarity on Lake Como. Here, there is the possibility to land a helicopter or to construct a swimming pool and a standard tennis court. The spacious boathouse accommodates boats up to 10 m, such as a Riva Aquarama, and can be utilised in winter due to its depth. This area also features a small building with kitchen and bathroom facilities. The boathouse is well-protected by a marina, and a large adjoining dry dock can be used for storing boats and equipment. A vast terrace with panoramic lake views crowns the boathouse, complemented by an elevated sunbathing area and a private beach.
