Discover a unique residential experience in this exquisite property situated in the sun-drenched, serene upper region of the impressive 10,000-square-meter private park of Villa Maria.
The captivating Art Nouveau greenhouse holds a special place in the literature surrounding the treasures and secrets of Lake Como. Its stunning iron and glass design is inspired by the award-winning model from the 1900 Paris Exposition. Constructed in 1901, the greenhouse underwent extensive renovations from 1985 to 1990, transforming it into a living space while meticulously adhering to heritage conservation regulations. The surrounding lush vegetation provides excellent wind protection.
The living area is distributed across one level, complemented by a basement and a utility room. A highlight of the home is the grand reception room featuring over 8-meter-high windows and beautifully frescoed walls. From here, you can access the dining room and living room, which lead into a spacious billiard room complete with a corridor and bathroom. The corridor, adorned with a vaulted ceiling, connects to the generous kitchen and four bedrooms. Two master bedrooms share a large bathroom with a shower and whirlpool, while the other two bedrooms each have their own bathrooms, making them ideal for guests. The current owners have renovated the property using high-quality materials, furnishing it with carefully selected antique rugs, furniture, artworks, statues, and lamps that enhance the architectural character.
The main façade faces south, allowing ample light even during the winter months. The private park features four generous parking spaces, two of which are sheltered under an elegant glass-roofed pavilion, seamlessly integrated into the surroundings. Within the park, bordered by hedges and seven antique vases on pedestals, lies a beautiful oval fountain with a central vase and antique trophies, from which water flows from the mouth of a bronze crocodile.
Villa Maria – Historical Elegance in a Picturesque Park
The park at Villa Maria, shared by the owners, spans over three hectares and directly borders the lake. Amidst the numerous pathways lined with centuries-old trees, you will find a 20-meter swimming pool, a tennis court, and a bocce court. The villa was commissioned by American Martin Clerc and built between 1889 and 1892, later completed by his heiress Josephine May. Designed by the renowned engineer Giacomo Mantegazza from Menaggio, the villa showcases Lombard Mannerism style and features a large park with ancient trees. Notable Italian sculptor Ludovico Pogliaghi was responsible for the interior and park decorations. In the late 1930s, the estate was acquired by the Schmidt family from Switzerland and subsequently divided into prestigious apartments. The villa boasts a central body with three-arched loggias on two floors and an impressive greenhouse, whose delicate iron and glass structure shines in the Art Nouveau style. In the past, it hosted exhibitions of botanical species discovered by Martin Clerc during his travels.
Location
Griante is perched on a plateau approximately 50 meters above the lake level, directly opposite Bellagio and framed by the stunning Grigne mountains. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the natural beauty surrounding the area. Griante has hosted many prominent figures from around the world over the years. The most beautiful arias from La Traviata were composed by Giuseppe Verdi in Villa Ricordi, now known as Villa Margherita. Stendhal's masterpiece "Chartreuse de Parme" primarily takes place in Griante, and the poet Longfellow dedicated wonderful poems to the town. Other notable visitors include Pope Pius XI, Queen Victoria of England, Wilhelm II, Prince Umberto of Savoy, Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, and Nicholas II of Russia. Beyond Griante, numerous picturesque panoramic hikes can be found in the surrounding hills and mountains, including the route to the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie di San Martino, visible from the property. The Menaggio Golf Club is just a short drive away, while Lugano can be reached in under 30 minutes. St. Moritz is approximately 1.5 hours away.
