Vacation home high above Lake Como with a spectacular panoramic view

Mountain Retreat with Stunning Views of Lake Como
Perched at 1,200 meters in the peaceful hamlet of San Bartolomeo, this charming three-story stone house offers breathtaking views over the northern part of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect base for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

A scenic 25-minute drive on a narrow, partly bumpy mountain road leads to the lake and the nearest shops. Within walking distance, you’ll find two cozy restaurants and bars with magnificent panoramic views.

The House
Rustic and full of character, the privately owned stone house is lovingly maintained by an English-speaking host.

Ground floor: small kitchen, fireplace, and dining area

First floor: spacious living and dining room plus full bathroom (shower, toilet, bidet)

Second floor: half bath (toilet, bidet, washbasin)

Each of the two upper floors has a double bed, an additional single bed, and its own balcony. A narrow spiral staircase leads to the top floor, where you’ll enjoy the most spectacular view of Lake Como. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house.

Guests have exclusive use of the entire property, including a lovely, shaded garden furnished with deck chairs, a grill, parasol, and a rustic seating area—the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure.

Please note: There is no dishwasher and no washing machine. The access road is winding, partly steep, and narrow—unsuitable for nervous drivers.

Bed linens and towels are provided.

Nature All Around
The house is surrounded by untouched nature, where you may spot bats, small geckos, butterflies, and even fireflies on summer nights. There are bats living under the roof of the house. The simple but well-equipped kitchen includes everything you need: a 4-burner gas stove with oven, kettle, coffee maker, blender, and sandwich maker.

The Area
San Bartolomeo lies beneath Monte Berlinghera (1,950 m) and offers a refreshing mountain breeze in summer. The view stretches across Lake Como to Monte Legnone (2,600 m) on the opposite shore. The drive up from Gera Lario is lined with chestnut and pine trees—a true alpine escape.

Down by the lake, you’ll find plenty of public swimming spots, restaurants, and bars. The region is well known for kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, sailing, and canoeing. A 40-hp motorboat can be rented without a license, and the area is also perfect for paragliding.

In Gera Lario, you can rent SUPs, surfboards, kayaks, and sailboats. Paddle into the Lago di Mezzola Nature Reserve, explore the picturesque mountain village of Chiavenna (about an hour away), or take a drive across the Splügen Pass or Maloja Pass into Switzerland and the Engadine Lakes region near St. Moritz.

To the south lie the romantic lakeside towns of Varenna, Bellano, and Bellagio, easily reached by boat or hydrofoil. The historic city of Como, with its cathedral, scenic funicular, and charming old town, is about 1.5 hours away. Many famous villas and gardens around the lake have appeared in films, including Star Wars and James Bond.

Day trips to Lecco (rock climbing at “Grignetta”), Milan (shopping, cathedral, and The Last Supper), or Bergamo (old town and Italy’s largest shopping mall) are all possible within two hours’ drive.

Insider Tips
Visit the Maritime Museum in Musso near Dongo

Enjoy summer music festivals and local markets around Lake Como

Explore the Chestnut Trail and the picturesque village of Soglio on the way to Switzerland

Don’t miss Mili Weber House in St. Moritz

Arrival and Transport
Only well-trained cyclists should attempt the ascent from the lake with luggage—a car or motorcycle is essential.

The airports of Milan and Bergamo are about two hours away. Train travel via Milan, Lugano, or St. Moritz is possible, followed by local public transport to Lake Como and then a rental car. Rentals are available at the airports and in several towns around the lake.

Local Tax
The municipality of Sorico charges a tourist tax of €1 per adult per day, payable in cash to the host. This fee is additional to the rental price and cleaning costs.