Borgo Montenero - Apartamento Argento. A gorgeous, romantic, second floor apartment with large private balcony, 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 Monte Nero 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 Monte Nero. 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.
A little further on and up some more stone steps you will reach apartamento Argento.
Once inside you will be amazed at the quality of this very special apartment. It combines period features like an exposed stone relief on the wall, a large exposed oak beam, and an open fireplace, with cool and modern furniture. The walls are whitewashed and there are pale ceramic floor tiles to create a cool and light ambience.
The kitchen area has chic cabinets in silver, glass and glossed Bordeaux, a breakfast bar with modern stools and an Italian espresso machine. It has a dishwasher, and everything else you need for preparing a great meal in.
The dining area features an all glass dining table for 4, with white leather chairs, and low glass ceiling lamp for an intimate feel. It also has French doors leading to the large panoramic balcony.
The balcony, which is accessed from not only the living and dining area but also the bedroom spans the entire apartment and has been restored with stone tiles and beautiful iron railings. The views are breathtaking – a wide view from Bellagio, to Tremezzo, and across to Lenno. Nothing short of stunning.
The living area has a large sofa that converts into a queen size bed, two designer lounge chairs, a generous opaque glass wardrobe, an open fireplace, and a large sets of French doors, once again to the panoramic balcony. It also has a further two windows allowing light to fill the room. There is also Internet access, and a flat TV with integrated DVD player.
From the living room you enter the hallway that leads to the generous bathroom with shower. It also has a designer sink in green glass. Tiled in cool Italian ceramics with a chrome detail.
Again from the hall and through large wooden double doors you enter the romantic and very sexy bedroom. It has a cosy yet chic feel. The right hand wall has been restored to reveal a 300-year-old stonewall that contrasts with the modern wenge furniture and the gorgeous iron bedstead.
At the end of the bed there are French doors opening out onto the large balcony. From the bed it is possible to take in the view across the lake.
For your comfort there is a large remote control ceiling fan. All of the linen and towels in Argento are top quality Italian designer brands including Bossi.
Back out on the stone terrace downstairs, each apartment has its own table and chairs. There are sun loungers too. The terrace is a haven of peace and tranquillity, and is a restful place. During the day it is a gorgeous suntrap, with its own Fontana from which you can drink the water off the mountains.
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.
Allocated parking in a garage can be provided nearby at a cost of 45 euro per week.
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
Apartamento Argento. Sleeps 4. Combined living space/kitchen/diner with sofa bed and panoramic balcony, bathroom with shower, bedroom with double bed, shared sun terrace, shared laundry room. Internet. Sat TV.
If you fall in love with this apartment you can purchase it! Its an excellent investment and come fully furnished - it also enjoys market leading rental yields. Email Bella Como for details - The price is just 255,000 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 lake side 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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