Overview

Built in the 17th century over the foundations of a former convent, Villa Paradiso is a property of genuine historical distinction, featuring high ceilings, original antiques and fine architectural details throughout, all combined with modern amenities. The main villa spans 600sqm and sleeps guests across six bedrooms, while a separate guesthouse with two self-contained apartments can be taken on optionally for larger groups or those wanting additional privacy.

The villa is located in the village of Baveno, just 600m from the local shops and the lakeside promenade with its views over the Borromeo Islands. Ferries run directly to the islands and across Lake Maggiore, while the train station provides easy connections to Milan for a day trip. The popular resort town of Stresa is just 4km away, and the city of Verbania-Intra is also close at hand.

The Main Villa
The ground floor of the main villa contains a cosy living room opening directly onto the front terrace, a spacious kitchen, and a guest toilet. Dining is a pleasure here, either on the terrace in front of the villa or in the charming internal central patio, which is one of the property's most impressive spaces.
The first floor is large with an interconnecting layout, which gives the floor a pleasingly organic, historic feel. It is home to a studio room with desk and computer leading up via a mezzanine staircase to a twin bedroom; a second twin bedroom overlooking the lake with a shared shower room; a sitting room with TV; and a master bedroom overlooking the lake with a double bed and a bathroom with tub. On this floor there is also a third twin bedroom overlooking the inner patio, accessible either from the patio itself or through the master bathroom, a charming quirk of the original architecture.

The second floor offers two further bedrooms, both opening onto a balcony with exceptional lake views — one double and one twin, sharing a shower room. It is worth noting that on both upper floors the rooms are accessed by passing through one another, which is typical of a property of this age and character, and adds to its authentic feel.

The Guesthouse
The independent guesthouse contains two more one bedroom apartments, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, each with a living area with kitchenette and sofa, a bedroom and a bathroom. These are ideal for additional guests, a family with older children, or a staff or driver.

The Garden & Pool
The terraced gardens are quite extraordinary — spanning one and a half acres and divided into four distinct sections: Italian, English, French and Japanese. Rare peonies, azaleas and camellias grow alongside Japanese maples, cedars, chestnuts and a spectacular camphor tree that anchors the whole space. Descending through the gardens, guests reach the swimming pool and surrounding deck, furnished with sun loungers and relaxation chairs.

*Please note: Swimming pool seasonally opened approximately from mid-May to end September; contact us for the exact dates. There is no air conditioning in this villa, but fans are available.