Zoca De Oli

Although the stylish towns adorning Lake Como’s shores are renowned for their uber-relaxed atmosphere, anyone seeking an escape providing a little more detachment from even this gentle pace of life will find Zoca De Oli absolutely perfect. Quite literally off the beaten track, this four-bedroomed lakeside retreat is only accessible by boat, giving an exceptional feeling of secluded exclusivity for up to seven guests - in truly stunning surroundings.

Famed local author Guiseppe Guin has made this exquisite nineteenth-century stone quarryman’s home a place to diverge from everyday life, with many of his novels and short stories set in the towns on Como’s perimeter. It’s easy to see how spending time at Zoca De Oli provides artistic inspiration, with the kind of blissful peace craved by writers and creators of all hues enhanced by an astonishing lakeside backdrop. Dreamy sunsets give way to a kaleidoscope of colour on the water, the lights from hillside towns on the western shore creating a mesmeric reflection, while nature provides an atmospheric soundtrack, waves gently striking the rocks by the pontoon.

Beautifully upholstered sofas and chairs share the living space with gorgeous antique furniture, a skilfully carved writer’s desk perhaps the standout piece. On the wall behind the bureau, locally quarried stone and chestnut timber have been used to create a fantastic bookcase that rises to the vaulted ceiling, with a dining table that invites you to enjoy meals with the same astonishing views as its outdoor equivalent. Floor-to-ceiling windows and portes-fenêtres arc round to reveal a panorama that’s a story all in itself. The view encompasses spectacular hills studded with charming towns and marinas on the opposite side of the lake, the emerald water itself, then the villa’s humble and effortlessly striking garden at the edge of a laurel forest.

The house’s sympathetic restoration and inventive use of stone and timber isn’t confined to the library, with the villa’s three bathrooms and its kitchen fusing fabulous design with these outstanding local materials. One of the bathrooms forms part of the master suite on the upper floor, where you’ll enjoy a truly blissful night of sleep in a sumptuous double bed, with a picture book vista to greet you as you wake. Another double bedroom can be found at the opposite side of the villa, with more carefully chosen furniture and antique ornamentation – not to mention a magical woodland view from the window. A further single bedroom is available on the ground floor, ideal for a teenager or single member of a visiting group.

There’s a cosy, self-contained apartment tucked away at the back with a double sofa bed too, accessible from the garden. Alongside the bathroom door is a wall bedecked with mirrors – of course mirrors open up a room visually, but these ornately framed looking glasses are also ideally positioned to reflect the inevitably smiling, relaxed faces of guests during their stay at this enchanting home.

The manicured lawn of Zoca De Oli’s garden has a brilliantly designed dining table as its centrepiece – crafted from local timber and stone of course - with a barbecue area that lends itself to sunset dinners and relaxed al fresco lunches alike.  Hardwood sun loungers sit at the water’s edge, a paradisiacal spot for sunbathers to immerse themselves in a uniquely enchanting atmosphere. As the sun shimmers on the surface of Lake Como’s crystalline waters, your view extending across to the sophisticated hillside town of Carate Urio, the splendid tranquillity at this beguiling retreat makes this very special corner of Italy feel as though it’s all yours.

If you can bear to leave Zoca De Oli during your stay, transfers to Faggeto Lario – where parking is provided – and other towns can be easily arranged. The transfer between your villa and Faggeto Lario only takes around five minutes, with the town of Como at the lake’s southernmost point reachable by car in under half an hour – with delectable scenery to admire along the way.

There is a superb network of ferries and private boats, so if there’s a particular town or landmark around the lake you’d like to explore – don’t be afraid to ask! You can even take a ride on various types of vessel, with the chance to hire one yourself and take to the waves in style. Many companies offer cruises around Lake Como, with romantic, beautifully lit evening boating tours that are not to be missed.