The Lake District of Northern Italy is storied for its singular climate that makes possible their legendary gardens and memorable landscapes, many of them with the sparkling lakes as a backdrop…like the storied Villa d’Este resort in Cernobbio on Lake Como. I had been there as a young bride years and years ago, and stated that I would return again “soon” (sound familiar?) Aaaah life, “soon” became many, many years later, to 2024 to be exact.
The Villa’s romantic story has been told over and over…originally built in1568 for a Cardinal, for centuries it became a residence of the aristocracy – counts, marquises, sultans, a Princess of Wales, and a Russian Czarina, Maria Feodorowna…in 1873 it became an elegant and charming five-star resort; one of the most celebrated in the world, nestled within a lush green park of 25 acres.
I’m going to try and capture the magical mood in “postcards,” as I like to call them, to keep you engaged until your “soon” comes. Villa d’Este is bit of a step back in time…quietly elegant, not overdone, with bountiful seasonal arrangements greeting you in the lobby, like simple yellow and white daisies…
comfortable with its simple pebbled lakeside terrace and old trees that provide just enough sun cover.
Secluded spots abound to take in the beauty and the surrounding hillside villas that add muchly to the views as you relax.
But for this gardener, the green spaces, dramatic stone statements…
the Mosaic Garden (see Feature image), elaborate but tempered grotto…
and rills that run down either side of the steep lawn are all aphrodisiacs, as they are for many a bride and groom (checkout the many Instagram posts on weddings at Villa d’Este)!
And I close with this endearing naif watercolor on the menu cover. Ciao for now…I shall return “soon.”
Dear Bettie,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful post cards of this extraordinary resort!
It will be placed on my “soon” list for a visit
I have an extra spring in my step reading your blog; happy happy way to begin my day!
Kind Regards,
Mary V.
Wyoming
“Soon” can’t come soon enough!
My new home!!! *sigh* franki
LOVELY LADY,
‘BEAUTY WILL SAVE THE WORLD!’
YOUR ‘OFFERINGS’ ARE THE PATH TO THAT AWARENESS
TOM
Ahhh, Lake Como….who can resist? Thank you for these beautiful recollections of one of its architectural treasures. Would construction
of such creative detail on that scale be attainable today? We must cherish
these landmarks.
Dear Betty, Thank you so much for your postcard reminders. I shall always remember my first visit to Villa d’Este before the floating pool was installed. We rode on a launch to a large gondola anchored in Lake Como, we sunbathed and swam around the bow always reminded Starboard was “right” on the ship, and Port was always “left” on the ship, but never “left” on the elegant Ville d’Este dining table. In His grip, Bonny
The architecture with beautiful architectural in landscaping with all the backbone greenery and just a touch of color is stunning. This is what it’s all about to be stunning.
AHHHHH…A never disappointing blog feature from Bettie ! And this time it is the
Villa d’ Este that I have always longed to see in detail. Thank You again, Bettie, for another magnificent “vacation” for my eyes.
Enchanting! Our first trip there in 1998 included an outdoor wedding. I suggest everyone arrive that way whenever possible.😉