Nestled in amongst the rocky slopes of Italy’s famed Lake Como lies Residenza Del Lago Azure, an exclusive gated development featuring 28 private, chalet-style residences.  The properties cascade over an expanse of hillside and are surrounded by elegant grass-green gardens, terraced walkways, and stone-walled enclosures.  Most appealing is the magnificent view, adorned by the vastness of the marine-blue lake in contrast to a palatial backdrop of soaring mountains near, and majestic snow-capped Swiss Alps afar.  It is simply remarkable, such that owning a residence here bestows a singular advantage, unknown elsewhere owing to the exclusivity of the residences, the beauty of the surroundings, and the feeling that life along the Mediterranean also exists far north of it.

Due to the abundance of breathtaking beauty, Lake Como has enticed an array of visitors, from the Roman nobles of antiquity to today’s enigmatic celebrities.  One of the largest and deepest lakes in Italy, it is at once considerable and understated.  The lake is of glacial origin and signifies an ageless tranquility that intermingles with the medieval, Romanesque and modern, as evidenced in the villages that encircle the lake.   Even more, fertile foliage drapes the hillsides in deep green hues providing a luxuriant counterpoint to the pastel tinted stucco of the lakeside villages.

The properties at Residenza Del Lago Azure —both chalets and apartments—are a designed to blend seamlessly into these surroundings and, therefore, reflect an effortless elegance that mirrors their setting:  serene, impressive, and flawless.   The architecture displays a modern aesthetic that fuses with a kind of chic luxury, while traditional elements, such as wood beams and stone, bring balance to the whole.  Though the properties feature luxury kitchens and baths, the term “understated” best describes the overall decor, with a neutral palette and a clean aesthetic that defers, rightly so, to the unobstructed view just beyond the large picture windows.  And don’t forget the comprehensive two-storey gymnasium, communal pool, sun deck, and concierge services—all part and parcel of what comprises these outstanding properties.

Residenza Del Lago Azure lies within the municipality of Bellano, an enchanting lakeside hamlet that is both medieval and typically Italian.  The charm of this town arises from the mazes of narrow alleyways, ancient churches, ornate footbridges straddling small inlets of the lake, and romantic facades mingling with clay-colored roofs.  By the harbor, a tree-lined promenade spans the base of the village, which is wonderfully less populated than the more celebrated towns surrounding the lake.  Add to this tiny cafes, fine cuisine, and boutique shops, not to mention the famed Gorge of Bellano; this town truly is a gem.

To top all this off, no shortage of activities exists around Lake Como.  From water sports and lake cruises, to mountain sports, golf, and nearby skiing, there is always something to do.   For those seeking exploration, the surrounding towns and villages, particularly the altogether romantic and alluring Bellagio, offer everything in the way of dining, shopping, festivals, and cultural treks, and can be reached via ferry.  If distance offers more appeal, Milan is a mere 100 kilometers away and Switzerland less than 40 (Bellagio lies on the train line between the two).

A locale both charming and grand, Lake Como reflects Italy’s renown for a quality of life expressed nowhere else.   Like the lake itself, Residenza Del Lago Azure mirrors that, and more.