CASA IL GROTTO

Description:
During the best, blossoming period of the great Roman Empire, the Imperial fleet was divided into 5 admiralships. One of which had its headquarters in Como, with the special task of protecting the trade routes between the Po valley and the area North from the Alpes. Lake Como, waterway between North and South, has since then not really lost its significance. Its green, mostly steep borders have, over the last 2000 years, been used by armies, mercenaries, trade-persons, the clergy and lots of travelers with their own, individual reasons. The shape of Lake Como, with its particular branches, it not all that different from a fjord in the high North. And just like those fjords, Lake Como has enormous depths; at Argegno, scientists have established a depth of about 400m., thus making Lake Como the deepest lake of Europe.

The two most important cities are situated on the Southern branches of the lake, and since many ages ago there was already a harbor in the town of Como, thus making it of strategic importance. The ancient city parts of Como, from origin a Celtic development, still is partly surrounded by imposing city walls.
Around the city, many villa’s still bear witness of the fact that only the aristocrats and very rich could afford a home or second home here. But this is not only the case just close to Como; all along the lake, there are imposing villas, and then of course the small towns and villages with their picturesque churches, narrow, winding streets and lovely gardens.

Our remote ancestors from the Cro Magnon times already appreciated the mild and sunny climate, even during the winter months, of Lake Como. And during the summer months, you don’t have to suffocate from the heath because the mountain breezes always make a stay here agreeable. The flora here is luscious, with camellia’s, azalea’s, rhododendrons and stately, flowering trees such as the magnolia and the mimosa.
And you can visit specially beautiful gardens, such as those of the Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, world-famous for its splendor.

Driving (by car) from the Western bank of the lake and the village of San Siro, you will find at about 1 km. upwards-distance this comfortable little villa, Casa Il Grotto. When we came here for the first time we were agreeably surprised by the electronic gate, the glass-built loggia, the lovely, rather big mimosa trees growing next to the entrance, the beautiful view and the fact that the property is completely surrounded/fenced off, therefore safe for children and guaranteeing your privacy. The house lies at about 400 m. (when walking) from the lake and the village of Molvedo. The garden is well-kept, about 1000 m², mainly consisting of lawns with shrubs and some trees and a small swimming pool for the children (above the ground). The furnishing is comfortable, with warm colorings. The bedrooms are not too big, but offer nice views on the lake and the surrounding mountains. The covered loggia is ideal for meals and relaxation. There is also a terrace where you will find relaxation a wonderful business!

The village of San Siro is small but inviting, with a pizzeria and the remains of a castle with arcades, dating from the year 1000. Watersport facilities at the lake, and quite a lot of walking routes start here.

Our conclusion: This accommodation is very suitable for a family with (young) children and has all modern comforts without luxurious – and breakable! - objects d’art and antiques.

Facilities:
Fenced garden, electronic gate, parking inside the property, children’s swimming pool, TV, WiFi Internet, oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, coffee maker, toaster.

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
As a matter of course, all water sports, a.o. sailing and surfing (boats for rent in a.o. Santa Maria). In Menaggio, at about 6 km. distance, there is a sports complex with swimming pool and tennis courts.
Quite some golf courses in the neighborhood. Lots of excursions, e.g. to the city of Como, where you can visit the cathedral and the Piazza S. Fedele, bordered by 400 years old buildings. There is a funicular which takes you to Brunate for a specially breathtaking view. We can recommend a visit to the old village of Cernobbio, with very old houses and small, winding alleys, where the movie “A Month by the Lake” was shot. And whilst you are there, you might want to pay a visit to the Villa d’Este, one of the most beautiful hotels of Europe, if not thé hotel to top them all. In Torrigia, there is the Villa Passalacqua, an 18th century villa where the composer Vincenzo Bellini once lived. Then there is Bellagio, the Pearl of the Lake, one of the most beautiful little cities around the lakes, with lovely alleys, spectacular views and majestic villas from glorious but very past times. In Menaggio there are ferry services to several cities around the lake and the islands. The church of Santo Stefano in Menaggio has some nice paintings and frescoes. Just above the little river of Senagra there are the ruins of the Castello di Menaggio. Shopping tip: The factory outlets between the Lago Maggiore and the Lago di Como and Foxtown, just across the Swiss border. Please ask for particulars at the local tourist information offices.

Distances: (approx. kms.)
San Siro with a pizzeria, 1 km and the grocery lies at about 2 km. distance, Como 30 km (with all kinds of shops and all services), Menaggio (also with all kinds of shops and services) 6 km.

Lay-out (8 pers., 180 m2):
Ground floor: Entrance via the glass loggia, which offers a nice view on the blue waters of the lake, with table and chairs accommodating 8 persons, living with fully equipped kitchen and dining table accommodating 12, as well as access to the terrace. Store room and a staircase to a lower level, with the taverna.
Taverna: Sitting area, with Sky TV, video and DVD and French windows to the garden. Moreover, a twin bedroom (these beds cannot be put together) and a bathroom with bath and hand shower.
Mezzanine floor: The so-called green room with 1 double and one extra single bed.No lakeview.
First floor: Yellow room with French bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, blue room with two beds (cannot be put together). This room shares a bathroom with the green bedroom. This bathroom is situated in the corridor, and has a Jacuzzi.

Particulars:

Minimal rental period 7 nights, from Saturday till Saturday. During the low season, other periods might be possible

Included in the rental price: Costs for water, gas, electricity, heating and the usage of bed-, bath- and kitchen linens on a basis of a weekly change (bath linen twice a week). Cleaning service 3 times per week: 2 hrs on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, as well as the final cleaning

Not included in the rental price: Local taxes, use of baby bed € 100,00 per week, extra bed € 150,00 per week

Upon arrival, a deposit of € 800,00 and the local taxes are applicable (in cash)

Check-in on the day of arrival between 04.00 – 07.00 p.m. Check-out on the day of departure between 08.00 - 10.00 a.m. Upon request and approval of the owner a late arrival is possible between 07.00 and 9.00 p.m. for an extra fee of € 50,00

Pets are welcome, provided permission has been asked and granted beforehand. Extra costs € 60,00 per week

A car is necessary

Public transport: busstop in San Siro

Extra services: First shopping, to be at your disposal upon arrival. Please ask for particulars