Character properties for sale Stresa

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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.

Borromean Islands: Isola Bella in the evening
Evening mood on Lake Maggiore
View to Isola Bella

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

As of June 2023, Sources: itstat.it, stresatourismo.it
  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.

Cities and Locations:
  1. Swiss Border: 16
  2. Verbania: 13
  3. Luino: 23
  4. Lugano (Switzerland): 40
  5. Monza: 70
  6. Varese: 50
  7. Milan: 85
  8. Intra: 31
  9. Novara: 90
  10. Turin: 130
Lakes:
  1. Lake Mergozzo (Lago di Mergozzo): 19
  2. Lake Orta (Lago d'Orta): 25
  3. Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore (Switzerland): 45
  4. Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano): 40
  5. Lake Varese (Lago di Varese): 50 km
  6. Lake Como (Lago di Como): 55
  7. Lake Ghirla (Lago di Ghirla): 57
  8. Lake Monate (Lago di Monate): 75
  9. Lake Ganna (Lago di Ganna): 76

Real Estate Agencies in Stresa

Stresa Luxury Real Estate

Real Estate Agency in Stresa Francesco Papurello

Personal Buying Advice

We advise you on additional villas and off market luxury estate in Stresa and the surrounding area. Our team speaks English, French, and Italian.

Additional Properties for Sale Nearby

Discover interesting properties in the neighborhood on Lake Maggiore, where more historical villas are for sale.


Search Results: Villas and Estates

Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Outstanding Lake Maggiore Period Mansion in Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Nestled in Stresa amidst lush greenery, this exclusive estate from the late 18th century has been meticulously preserved by prominent families over the years, maintaining its original charm and elegance. The elegant period property features a sprawling 12,000 square meter parkland, showcasing nature's vibrant colors that transform with the seasons. At t...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Neo-Baroque Lake Maggiore Mansion in Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Looking for a noble property in sought after location at Lake Maggiore? Explore a historic residence in neo-baroque style overlooking Lake Maggiore near the center of Stresa in the village of Binda, The historic property with large garden area extends over three above-ground floors and a basement, offering a total covered area of 630 square meters. Insi...
  • GBP 2,331,560

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Neo-Romanesque prestigious villa with private garden in Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Villa Daisy, an impressive late 19th-century residence on the outskirts of Stresa, is an example of the neo-romantic style with late medieval influences that has characterized the grand and luxurious estates around the Northern Italian lakes. Among the most common features are playful and richly decorated facades, arches, columns, battlements, towers, a...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Part of a historic villa with pool and lake view in Stresa Binda
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
The 20th-century villa was renovated in 2016 and still exudes historical character. With a total area of 350 square meters spread over three floors, there is ample space available, and a stunning panoramic view of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands is also included.The architecture reflects the typical style of smaller historic villas in Northern I...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Period house in Stresa overlooking Borromean Islands
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Characteristic historic house in a tranquil location of Stresa. One highlight is certainly the enchanting view of the Borromean Islands and Lake Maggiore. The bourgeois villa is located in the Carciano district of Stresa and embodies a high-class residential property from the turn of the century. The house has been renovated, blending elegant and simple...
  • GBP 666,160

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Castle Apartment for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Villa apartment in Stresa with private beach
Castle Apartment for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Condominium on the second floor of a local character villa above Via Sempione Sud in Stresa. The villa is located in a quiet area and is surrounded by a private park. Upon entering the apartment, you enter the hallway from which you reach the living room with a hidden kitchen area. The dishwasher and washing machine are brand new and have only been used...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Borromean Islands: Villa on Isola dei Pescatori
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
In the well-known Borromean Islands group on Lake Maggiore, we are selling a historic villa on Isola dei Pescatori. Only the interior finishing needs to be completed. All materials for bathrooms, floors, and the entire interior design can be freely chosen. The villa spans four floors, all of which are already equipped with an elevator. All rooms are equ...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
A Private Luxury Retreat: Villa in the Hills of Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Lake view villa for sale in Stresa with pool.: Privacy, 5,000 m² of garden, 690 m² of living space and proximity to the golf course "Iles Borromèes" are the main features of this fully renovated Art Nouveau villa: in the hills of Stresa, which could become your personal luxury home. Here you can relax in absolute privacy, with all amenities as well as ...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Exclusive Liberty Villa in Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Next to the center of Stresa is a historic lake view villa for sale: , a luxury liberty mansion from 1875 spanning across an area of 800 square meters. It comprises four floors along with an outbuilding suitable for the caretaker or guests. Luxury villa with charm: The villa has on the first floor a double living room with original fireplace and a large...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate

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Character properties for sale Stresa
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