Villa Aurora

Outstanding late 19th century three floor Villa Aurora in one of the most impressive positions in the lake of Como, offering exceptional levels of style and taste, service and luxury. The villa is a true water front property ending just against the waters of the lake, coupled with breathtaking lake Como view, where you can see the Alps snowy peaks in the distance while all around lies a unique botanical garden replete with rare and centenary trees. On the other side of the lake magnificent Villa’s with their ornate coloured gardens captures the view.
The quietness of the site is so unique being at just ten minutes walk from the shopping centre of Bellagio. Mainly for these reasons Marquis Eugenio Besana decided in 1891 to build here this innovative, at that time, Villa. In 1920 Cav. Ing. Luigi Orlando belonging to one of the most important Italian Industrial dynasties bought the house. Since then the Villa has always been in the property of the Orlando Family and used as private residence.
The four Orlando generations that have lived the house during the last hundred years have all been acuminated by the passion for culture, style and luxury. This has led not only to the impressive and unique botanical garden but also to the creation of many sophisticated collections positioned in the various rooms and lounge, but especially well ordered in a two rooms museum at the second floor.
Marquis Besana, well knowing the beauty of the lake views has superbly positioned large windows throughout the home. Offering memorable accommodation for up to 20 guests, in 7 double rooms, 1 quadruple room and 2 single rooms, all with their own bath, offering plentiful space for residents and visitors. All the interiors are characterised by typical Italian 19th and 20th century furniture and paintings together with many objects coming from all over the world. An impressive refurbish work has been made in the last years thus trying to leave the allure of the glorious 20th century style while combining modern levels of service and luxury.
Directly accessible by car, with a hidden spacious private parking, or through its water entrance for smooth as silk arrivals, departures and sightseeing trips by water taxi. An above the ground swimming pool lies just in front of the lake and the inspiring mountain landscape. Two private boathouses rest on the waterfront, making it easy for exhilarating water sports.
A separate building house, fifty meters from the Villa can easily accommodate six staff personnel of the guest or its visitors.
Located on the lake edge, next to Villa Melzi d’Eril and in front of Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello on the opposite shore, Villa Aurora is just ten minutes walk from the marvellous shopping centre of Bellagio that has earned the nickname “The Pearl of the Lake” and just 30 minutes by car from the renowned Menaggio Golf Club and 50 minutes from Villa D’Este Golf
Club. For ease of travel, the international Milano Malpensa airport, the Milan Linate airport and the Lugano airport are within 90 minutes drive.
On entering the grand terrace whose walls are washed by the waves, guests walk in the two big longue passing through the big windows facing the lake. One of the two longue has a gorgeous marble fireplace while the other has a black flashing long tail piano. Four Twinkling Murano chandeliers hung high from above giving a sophisticated atmosphere. The sofas can easily accommodate the entire guest and their visitors.
On the back of the marble fireplace longue sits the dining room covered with a dark oak boiserie, typical of the Gabriele D’Annunzio romantic early 20th century style. On top of it marvellous red Venetian silk wallpaper runs until reaching the walnut coffered ceiling. The wall is nicely decorated with still life paintings and 18th century ceramic and glass tankards. A huge window lies in front of the table for fourteen facing the right side of the botanical garden while on the back of the table stands a marvellous venetian glass window facing the “salone” that through a huge bow window looks over the long vile of taxodium trees ending in the big boat house.
The salone floor is finely decorated with Genovese marble and on the wall is the same red Venetian silk wallpaper of the dining room. Collections of antique and rare crystals are finely disposed in an 18th century showcase. From the salone departs the great spiral staircase to the first floor. Here a huge oak library attends the guests and its visitors, with its nearly thirty thousand rare and antique books embracing many topics of the human knowledge. The books are visible but usable only on request.
From the oak library the path is set to the four double suites, three of them have their own private bath, two have their own dressing room and one over stands a huge terrace from where you have the full view of the lake. On the same floor a small lounge with chimney and a large wooden bureau is present. Next to it a window walled gymnasium faces directly the lake and the mountainous landscape.
The second floor was used in old times for the staff personnel. In the last years it has been finely restored with 6 suites with their own bath. Three of these face directly the lake and its possible to hear the lake waves washing the beach. On the same floor are finely ordered into two lounges the many collections and objects used by the Orlando in their life during the last century. These remain to testify 20th century stile and luxury. A comfortable TV room stands in between the two rooms facing the tree vile.