Borgo Montenero - Apartamento Panna. A spacious, rustic, yet modern, first floor apartment with large private terrace, in a restored 16th century house, with period features, stunning Italian designer furniture, and incredible views across Lake Como from Bellagio to Tremezzo.
The Borgo Montenero apartments, of which there are 4, are situated in the heart of the historic village, or borgo, of Bonzanigo. One of the hamlets that makes up the village of Mezzegra, in the heart of the Tremezzina area of Lake Como. Tremezzina, meaning three halves, is where the three legs of the lake meet. Villages such as Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo are all close by, making Borgo Montenero the perfect base for your Lake Como vacation.
With elements of the building dating back hundreds of years you can be sure that you will be immersed in the culture and history of one of lake Como most historic and important villages that now is a Centro Storico – a highly protected area where development and preservation are given great importance.
When you enter the village of Bonzanigo you enter the past. The cobbled lanes, narrow alleys, and stunning buildings create an atmosphere of old Italy. At the end of one of the lanes, Via Monte Nero, next to the walls of an ancient monastery sits the Borgo Montenero. The building towers up above the stone arches that support it.
Through the main entrance, a heavy wooden with a large iron sliding bolt you enter the hall. The high vaulted ceilings and marble stairs stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
After climbing the marble stairs you then arrive back in the open air, on the large and quite stunning terrace with its views. To the rear you have old borgo houses and the mountain from which the building takes it name, Monte Nero (Black Mountain). Surrounding you, you have stunning stone walls and amazing architectural features. To the front you have the lake in all its glory with panoramic views.
Appartamento Panna
To the right you have appartamento Panna (meaning cream) with its spacious private terrace that is gated with gorgeous wrought iron work.. The terrace runs the length of the apartment and has a gorgeous stone and iron wall to the front, stone tiling, a large wooden table, with chairs and a large parasol. It also has its own sun loungers. At night you can light the terrace and enjoy the night views over a glass or two of Prosecco. From the terrace you have amazing views across the lake.
From your private terrace you enter Panna. Inside you will find the perfect mix of new and old. It combines period features like an exposed stone relief on the wall, the stunning, and original exposed oak beam ceilings, and a large open fireplace.
The interior is both chic and modern, but works in harmony with the original features to create a lovely welcoming space with the friendliness and character of its original features. The walls are whitewashed and there are pale ceramic floor tiles to create a cool and light ambience.
The kitchen area has cream cabinets with a fuchsia splash back to add dash of colour. It is fully equipped including an Italian espresso machine, dishwasher, and everything else you need for preparing a great meal in.
The dining area features an cream dining table for 4, with chocolate leather chairs.
The gorgeous living area centres around the large rustic fireplace and its stack that runs up to the rustic oak ceiling above. It has a large designers guild sofa in fuchsia and a Bedeve sofa in chocolate, that folds out into very generous and comfortable sofa bed. The lounge area has sumptuous, thick rug, a coffee table, large plasma Sat TV and DVD. There is also Internet access.
From the living room you enter the generous bathroom with shower. Tiled in cool Italian ceramics with a chrome detail.
Again from the living space and through large wooden double doors you enter the bedroom with its high vaulted stone walls and ceiling. Polished steel up lighters highlight the dramatic vaulted ceiling, and an original 16th century wall cupboard that recalls the past.
The bedroom has two single beds that can be joined to create a double, and a large designers guild sofa, a lake facing window, dressing table and TV, making it ideal for parties with children/teenagers, or couples requiring privacy, as its almost self contained.
An extra bed can be added.
All of the linen and towels in Panna are top quality Italian designer brands including Bossi.
Back out on the stone terrace, each of the other apartments has its own table and chairs. There are sun loungers too. Appartamento Panna is the only apartment with a private terrace.
At night, when lit, the terrace becomes very romantic with its dramatic lighting and candles on the stone.
From the vaulted entrance Hall, in a room under the stone stairs, there is a dedicated laundry for guests use. It has two washing machines and hanging space.
There is also a DVD library, and book library/exchange for use of all guests. Each apartment is equipped with Internet access via a cable connection to your PC.
Due to its old village location, Borgo Monte Nero does not have allocated parking but there is ample free parking nearby. Due to its ancient origins, vehicular access to the village centre is limited, so for those with a car expect to walk approx 150 metres from the shared parking to the property.
in UK Guardian newspaper 3 september 2009
The guardian newspaper and online said that the Borgo Montenero was the best place to stay on Lake Como
for the full piece see:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/sep/02/lake-como-guide-george-clooney
Allocated parking in a garage can be provided nearby at a cost of 45 euro per week.
Apartamento Panna. Sleeping 5, Combined living space/kitchen/diner with sofa bed, bathroom with shower, twin bedroom with an extra bed that can be added, Private terrace, shared laundry room. Internet. Sat TV.
If you fall in love with this apartment you can purchase it! Its an excellent investment and comes fully furnished - it also enjoys market leading rental yields. Email Bella Como for details- The price is just 280,000 euro
In the nearby village of Cadenabbia, about 3 km away, on the lakefront is a private swimming pool and lido with bar that can be used by Bella Como guests for 3 euro per day. Under 12 years go free. In Tremezzo, about 1.5km away, there is also a gorgeous lakeside public park with fountains and a bar/cafe. Pictures are above.
Out and about:
Walking is both easy and enjoyable around this part of the lake, and with Borgo Montenero a car is not considered essential.
A 5-minute walk into the village will reward you with fresh bread from the bakers, a choice of two general stores, and a green grocer who sells local produce that has just been picked or pulled. 2 minutes further on and you are by the lake. The piazza also has a the villages focal point, wonderful family run café that is open most days from dawn till late – it’s an authentic Italian café where locals meet on the way to work for a brioche and espresso, or after work for a relaxing glass of Prosecco.
There is also a good selection of restaurants within walking distance including “Risorgimento” which has to be one of the finest eateries on the lake. Mezzegra is in the centre of the recently opened “greenways”, these give you clear routes (denoted by beautiful green granite slabs and steel markers) for some of the best walks around the lake.
Close by there is also a lovely children’s park, and an excellent tennis court that can be booked with the local commune.
Down by the lake there is a gorgeous public park that has just been refurbished, with large greens, stone fountain, and children’s play area, and a little further on an extensive waterside frontage with some very nice walks.
Mezzegra has regular bus services from the village piazza and within walking distance you can catch the ferry from either Tremezzo or Lenno from where you can travel in minutes to Bellagio, Tremezzo, Menaggio, or Varenna.
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