Wednesday, July 6, 2011

VILLA CAMILLA




As we passed though the quaint little villages that frame the shores of Lake Como, the car was filled with restless anticipation.  Our long-awaited trip was finally here. Destination- a beautiful, 19th century Italian Villa on the shores of Lake Como.  It wasn't my first trip to Lake Como, I had been there at 18 with my family, staying in a charming pensione during the biggest heatwave that Italy had seen in 100 years. Our digs this time were much grander and the entire family would all be arriving for a week to celebrate my father's birthday.  Brothers, sisters, husbands, wives and a gaggle of kids aged 3-18 would descend upon the lovely Villa Camilla for a blissful weeklong holiday. 




The Villa Camilla was built in the second half of the 19th century as a summer resort for the Marquis of Rozzano. The romantic park like setting has been kept in tack and features stunning meadows and ancient sequoias, cedars, oaks and palms. There is an ancient cobblestone pathway that leads through rose gardens and takes you to the pool and tennis court areas. The eight bedroom home was the perfect setting for our family celebration, with lots of room for the kids to play and a beautiful pool and tennis court.





Cobblestone pathway that leads to the gardens
I loved the large terrace off the living room where breakfast and dinner was served. During the morning, a pretty red striped awning kept the sun at bay. A chef prepared local specialties like risotto with fried perch fresh from the lake. Fantastic food and an unforgettable setting!




 A family portrait-three generations!
Ciao for now!

14 comments:

Ann said...

Oh that is one grand and lovely place... thanks for sharing the pics ♥

Enjoy!

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

It looks heavenly! Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I think I could cheerfully eat my meals on that terrace for the rest of my life with a view like that!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

What a dream - and it even came with a chef, heaven!
Love the photo of the children running across the lawn, lovely.

The enchanted home said...

This is one of the prettiest posts I have seen in awhile! I am bookmarking it, such a feast for every sense! What a beautiful idea to celebrate your dads birthday.....to gather the entire family and that setting is a total knock your socks off dream!

quintessence said...

A dream come true vacation!! Lake Como is one of my favorite places ever!! And it looks like you had good weather as well - which is always so unpredictable there!! What a spectacular Villa - everything you could want!!

The French Tangerine said...

Spectacular! Seriously beautiful! Soak it all in... it doesn't get any better!
Jan

Dumbwit Tellher said...

What a incredible trip and celebration in your father's honor. The scenery is stunning but the family photo is what is really great. A beautiful family and three generations to be proud of. Enjoy each second and happy birthday to your dad.

Ciao!

Stylebeat/Marisa said...

How fantastic! Enjoy!
x

Hamptontoes said...

Amazing! Thanks for sharing this special experience will all of us. I look forward to visiting Lake Como in the future. My brother has been twice and raves about it...for all the reasons you've shown! Safe travels!

Vannessa@Luxuria said...

Just found your gorgeous blog all the way from sunny Spain! What stunning photos you have; absolutely glorious.
Well keep your eyes open for Mr Clooney. You know he lives in that "neck of the woods!"
I look forward to reading more about your adventures in Italy.

Jamie Herzlinger said...

So elegant! You are very blessed to have so much family! Savour every moment!
Enjoy!
Jamie Herzlinger

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Love all the photos! What a magnificent place. I love the last photo of the kids running up the grassy hill. Just gorgeous!!

Casa Très Chic said...

OMG! Is this Heaven?
Wonderful pics, like adream.
Hugs
Tereza

earthlink.net said...

hey olga and bob--this is top shelf-did you try taking up a collection when the bill came?you have to be a majic maker to get all these folks together at the same tim!!thanks for sharing,love berte and tom