The villa
The origins
The history of Villa Carminati Resta begins in 1787, when Teresa Carminati asks for permission to build a residence for her own use in the vineyard of the suppressed Confraternity of S. Giorgio in Borgo Vico – land already known from notarial deeds of 1583 under the name of Vignolo.
The authorship of the project is attributed to the architect Felice Soave thanks to the writings of Giovanni Battista Giovio (“Como and the Lario”, 1795), descendant of a noble family from Como dedicated to literary and political studies.
The construction of Villa Carminati triggers a virtuous series of measures, both public and private, for the restoration of neighboring properties, thanks to which the area is redeveloped, creating in this way a more ordered and homogeneous architectural profile.
Starting from Villa Carminati, the sequence of neoclassical villas of Borgo Vico lapped by the lake opens up. Over time the building passed property, first to the Resta-Pallavicino marquises and then to Giovanni Scacchi.
After the Second World War, he carried out important restoration works on the villa and transformation of the service buildings that overlooked the street, using the building as offices for his silk factory. The lakeside garden is instead recovered and maintained in its original appearance, with Italian-style flower beds.
This is how the villa acquires its present appearance, which has now been restored with respect for its historicity.
The location
Villa Carminati Resta is nestled on the shores of Lake Como, at the beginning of the pedestrian walkway that leads to Villa Olmo in just a few minutes.
Located on the western side of the lake, where most of the past noble residences were built, the villa is a short walk from the Aero Club, the departure and landing point for seaplanes, offering a privileged view of the beautiful landscape. The garden offers guests a direct access to the lake side.
The historic old town, with its ancient Roman walls, is also within walking distance.
The architecture
Villa Carminati Resta consists of different areas that define the interior and the outdoor spaces.
The main historical building on two floors and the tower suite lays between the frontlake garden and the entry courtyard.
The service buildings originally configured in stables for horses, barn and a coach house have been transformed into more informal interior spaces such as the loft and the bioclimatic greenhouse, and areas for hospitality.
All the elements are inscribed in the original neoclassical project, harmoniusly orchestrated in proportions, and are now enhanced by a restoration which was respectful of the historical value but balanced with a conetmporary sensibility.
The lakefront garden
The lakefront garden has been restored in the respect of the original neoclassical project, gently framing the facade just like in the Eighteenth century. Between the columns and wisteria, these enchanting waters show themselves at first glance.
A direct access to the pedestrian path on the lakeside allows guests to enter the Villa directly by the lake.
The courtyard
The courtyard is a generously sized, comfortable space. With its evocative lighting, similar to that of the garden, it provides the backdrop for unique moments
The greenhouse
With its starry sky and transparent walls made of glass, the greenhouse is an extraordinary space where special moments can be put on stage. Once the doors opened, the indoor and outdoor spaces merge one into another, becoming a unique airy area.
The loft
The loft originates from the restoration, during the Fifties, of the service buildings of the property, such as the horses stables, the barn and the coaches shed. Here too the medieval bordering wall of St. George’s Curch is visible.
Now completely restored, it offers a high standard of internal acoustic and thermal comfort and can, with its nearly 180 sqm, host informal events or after-dinner parties with numerous guests.
Many openings both to the courtyard and the front-lake garden constantly grant the access to the exterior and the view if the lake.
The fully-equipped bar counter allows a professional service.
