Lakes Northern Italy - Character Properties for sale

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Find a historic dream property in the popular lake region

The northern Italian lakes, which extend across the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige in northern Italy as well as the Swiss canton of Ticino, are known for their sophisticated lake and Alpine panorama. Aristocrats, artists, industrialists and intellectuals from all over the world have valued the region as an inspiring retreat since the middle of the 19th century. The result was a fascinating landscape with glamorous lakeside promenades, magnificent villas and extensive gardens, the fascination of which continues to this day: The lakes are not only among the most important tourist destinations in Italy - for personalities from the worlds of politics, business, art and entertainment in particular, a lakeside residence is a symbol of luxury, elegance and an exclusive ambience.

Lake Como

Lake Como and its high density of magnificent villas and gardens, which are particularly numerous in the middle of the lake, are associated with a typically Italian place of longing.

The lake is generally divided into three sections: Western shore, southern shore (also known as the "central part") and the eastern shore. In terms of both the number of historic villas and tourism, the western shore with the city of Como and the southern shore with the world-famous vacation resort of Bellagio form the center of the lake. The east bank is less sophisticated overall, but has a few garden gems such as Villa Cipressi.

The eponymous city of Como is still the most important center for silk processing in the whole of Europe.

Tip: When viewing properties on Lake Como, you should also take the opportunity to explore its often hidden places that are invisible from the road. Various providers offer you the opportunity to discover magical corners in nostalgic boats.

Lake Maggiore

The Lake Maggiore is bordered by Italy and Switzerland. The western shore, especially with the Borromean Islands and the prominent location of Stresa with its splendid Grand Hotels, forms an equally sophisticated environment. Here, visitors and potential buyers can discover magnificent palaces and botanical gardens. Investors and property developers can explore an exclusive selection of famous villas in unique locations, such as the Industrialist Villa Poss or the Villa Gianfranco Ferrè, which, however, require special attention and economic usage concepts.

Lake Garda

On the shores of the largest of the Upper Italian Lakes, numerous castles, palaces, and historic villas can primarily be found in historical cities such as Garda, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, Gardone Riviera, or Sirmione. Notable historical buildings include Villa Feltrinelli, Palazzo Bettoni, and Scaliger Castle in Sirmione.

The Lake Garda continues to be a cherished region for leisure activities with a large following. Particularly in the northern part, sailing and windsurfing are popular, while the surrounding areas offer extensive outdoor activities. This makes Lake Garda an internationally sought-after region for vacation or second homes.

Living by the lake in northern Italy: How much is a lakeside villa?

Prestigious image, mild and Mediterranean-subtropical climate, high quality of life, and a unique landscape make lakefront properties in Northern Italy particularly sought after, both among affluent locals and international buyers.

Naturally, prices for historical properties in the Upper Italian Lakes vary depending on location, size, or historical value, but they undergo only minor fluctuations. The structural condition often plays a secondary role, so potential buyers should not expect significant discounts even for properties in need of renovation and restoration.

Regarding villas, purchase prices typically start at around 1 million euros for smaller estates. Exceptional prestige villas with very large plots can easily be worth higher double-digit million amounts.


Search results villas in Northern Italy

Manor House for sale Pombia, Piemont,  Italy
Medieval manor estate with magnificent architectural details and garden
Manor House for sale Pombia, Piemont, Italy
The perfectly preserved manor complex, which was restored in 2017, consists of two property units: A large house on the 1st and 2nd floors with approximately 350 sqm A 3-room apartment on the 2nd floor with approximately 120 sqm Numerous storage rooms and cellars The property is surrounded by a large lawn area of approximately 6000 sqm and features a b...

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Castle Apartment for sale Torno, Lombardy,  Italy
Luxury Waterfront Apartment in Villa Taverna, Torno
Castle Apartment for sale Torno, Lombardy, Italy
This elegant apartment is part of the condominium of the magnificent Villa Taverna in Torno, one of the most beautiful and renowned historical villas on the southern shore of Lake Como. Villa Taverna is situated directly on the eastern shore and enjoys stunning sunsets over Lake Como towards the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este. A panoramic path from the villa ...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Cannero Riviera, Piemont,  Italy
Lake view period villa in Cannero Riviera, Lago Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale Cannero Riviera, Piemont, Italy
In the heart of the medieval village of Oggiogno, a hamlet above Cannero Riviera, stands a 19th-century villa with a swimming pool and an unrivaled view of the lake. This property seamlessly blends historical charm with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Enclosed by a large garden featuring fruit trees, vegetable patches, and vineyards, th...

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Historic Villa for sale Belgirate, Piemont,  Italy
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Lake Maggiore mansion with large garden and extensive features
Historic Villa for sale Belgirate, Piemont, Italy
Spacious Turn-of-the-Century Estate with Extensive Amenities, Garden, and Lake View. The villa’s living areas are spread over three floors. The ground floor features the living and dining spaces, which offer a view of the magnificent park through large windows. The living room opens onto a covered terrace with a view of the lake. Additionally, there is ...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale Griante, Lombardy,  Italy
Exclusive Lake Como Property: Unique Greenhouse in Griante
Historic Villa for sale Griante, Lombardy, Italy
Dive into the ultimate living experience on Lake Como: This charming and elegant property is situated in the splendid park of Villa Maria and is distinguished by its fascinating style. The property is frequently mentioned in books and articles on the treasures and beauties of Lake Como. A part of the villa is a grand greenhouse with an elegant Art Nouve...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Outstanding Lake Maggiore Period Mansion in Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Nestled in Stresa amidst lush greenery, this exclusive estate from the late 18th century has been meticulously preserved by prominent families over the years, maintaining its original charm and elegance. The elegant period property features a sprawling 12,000 square meter parkland, showcasing nature's vibrant colors that transform with the seasons. At t...

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Castle Apartment for sale Verbania, Piemont,  Italy
Exclusive apartment in newly refurbished mansion in Verbania
Castle Apartment for sale Verbania, Piemont, Italy
The apartment currently under construction is located in a historic villa in Torchiedo, a district of Verbania on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore. This charming villa, dating back to the late 18th century, had been abandoned and neglected for many years. Now, this gem is being restored to its former glory and undergoing a comprehensive renovatio...

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Historic Villa for sale Belgirate, Piemont,  Italy
Stately villa with annexe, pool, garden, jetty and private beach
Historic Villa for sale Belgirate, Piemont, Italy
This majestic villa is located in a prime location in Stresa, a renowned tourist destination on Lake Maggiore. The residence is surrounded by a well-maintained garden with ancient trees, green lawns, and an elegant driveway. The expansive garden offers numerous spots for relaxation, ideal for walks, outdoor games, or simply enjoying the breathtaking vie...

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Historic Villa for sale 28040 Lesa, Piemont,  Italy
Exclusive Belle Epoque residence on Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale 28040 Lesa, Piemont, Italy
This villa stands out as one of the most notable residences from the Belle Époque, a style that began to flourish in Italy during the second half of the 19th century. Location and Renovation: Positioned prominently along the lakeside promenade, this private residence has been meticulously restored to blend historical luxury with modern amenities. KEY FE...

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Historic Villa for sale Lisanza, Lombardy,  Italy
Historic villa in Lisanza on the shores of Lake Maggiore, large garden
Historic Villa for sale Lisanza, Lombardy, Italy
Historic Villa with Ample Comfort and Space on the Lakeshore in a Prime Residential Area of Lisanza. A property within walking distance of restaurants, beaches, and all necessary services and infrastructure. Experience the charm of a historic building that was renovated and made earthquake-resistant in the early 2000s. The villa spans four floors, all c...

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Castle Apartment for sale 28050 Vignone, Piemont,  Italy
Verbania: Spacious apartment with lake view, tower bedroom, garden
Castle Apartment for sale 28050 Vignone, Piemont, Italy
Apartment with lake view, natural brightness and sunlight at an attractive price: This spacious attic apartment in an Art Nouveau villa in Vignone is just a few minutes drive from the center of Verbania. The spacious living area consists of an open kitchen, a living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. One bedroom is located in the tower of the villa. ...

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Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Neo-Baroque Lake Maggiore Mansion in Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Looking for a noble property in sought after location at Lake Maggiore? Explore a historic residence in neo-baroque style overlooking Lake Maggiore near the center of Stresa in the village of Binda, The historic property with large garden area extends over three above-ground floors and a basement, offering a total covered area of 630 square meters. Insi...
  • USD 2 957 360

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale Gignese, Piemont,  Italy
Lake view Villa in Gignese in private location
Historic Villa for sale Gignese, Piemont, Italy
This villa above Lake Maggiore offers a quiet and private living experience with ample space, green areas, historical charm, and lake views. Key Features : Location: Gignese Year Built: 1893 Acquired by Current Owners: 1962 Major Renovation: 1974Bedrooms: 6 (4 on the 1st floor, 2 on the 2nd floor)Bathrooms: 3 (2 with showers)Stunning Lake Views from the...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale Cernobbio, Lombardy,  Italy
Villa with Terrace and Lake View in Prime Location in Cernobbio
Historic Villa for sale Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy
Situated on the hillside in a prestigious residential area of Cernobbio and within walking distance to all amenities, this spacious family residence was built around 1900 and underwent complete refurbishments in 1995 and 2016. A characterful Lake Como home, offering approximately 490 sqm of living space, spans 3 floors and is bathed in abundant natural ...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale 28823 Ghiffa, Piemont,  Italy
Art deco villa on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Ghiffa
Historic Villa for sale 28823 Ghiffa, Piemont, Italy
In the hamlet of Frino, in the municipality of Ghiffa, stands this 1930s villa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The house extends over four floors and currently has nine apartments, common areas, a commercial kitchen and an outbuilding with an area of 100 square meters. In recent years, renovation works have been carried out in different phases. The most...

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Castle Apartment for sale Luino, Lombardy,  Italy
Lake Maggiore: Three-room apartment in Liberty villa in Luino
Castle Apartment for sale Luino, Lombardy, Italy
Beautiful, cozy penthouse on the top floor of an Art Nouveau villa from 1900 in the heart of Luino. With an area of 115 m², this attic apartment on the second floor without an elevator offers spacious and bright rooms thanks to the Velux windows and white exposed beams. The villa is lovingly furnished and consists of a spacious living/dining room with a...

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Historic Villa for sale 28823 Ghiffa, Piemont,  Italy
Period Villa with panoramic view in Ghiffa
Historic Villa for sale 28823 Ghiffa, Piemont, Italy
In a dominant position with breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore awaits you this historic villa in Ghiffa, a spacious property dating from the second half of the 19th century. The villa was completely renovated in 2016 and is in very good condition. The property extends over three levels and offers an exquisite interior. Ground floor:: Large entrance hal...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale Bee, Piemont,  Italy
Period villa with lake view and garden for restoration
Historic Villa for sale Bee, Piemont, Italy
Original Art Nouveau villa in the historic center of Bee with a stunning panoramic location. The house has its origins in the 15th century and was remodeled in the prevailing Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, the villa has not undergone significant renovations, so it presents itself today in a largely original condition...

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Historic Villa for sale Bee, Piemont,  Italy
Historic lake view villa in Bee, Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale Bee, Piemont, Italy
Historic villa with garden and spectacular panoramic lake views in Bee - one of the finest options for purchasing a home or business property on Lake Maggiore. The authentically renovated villa from 1823 consists of two separate buildings connected by a covered courtyard. On the ground floor of the main building, there is an entrance hall, a large livin...

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Historic Villa for sale Verbania, Piemont,  Italy
Lake Maggiore Period Mansion in Verbania with Lakeview
Historic Villa for sale Verbania, Piemont, Italy
From this hill in a sunny southern position you not only enjoy the best view of the lake, the former aristocratic hunting lodge: in Verbania: on Lake Maggiore: also impresses with its diverse architectural details: frescoes, columns, wall paintings, coffered ceilings and noble sculptures surround the house and garden. Originally built in the late 18th c...

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