A B&B in a WWF-protected botanical garden beside Lake Maggiore. Wander and explore, take a dip in the lake. This place invites you to unwind
3 rooms
Rooms sleep 2
Children welcome
Your enquiry details
2 Guests 03 Dec 24 - 03 Dec 24
Direct with the owner
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€150 - €350 per night
The Experience
Are you in a Fitzgerald novel, a guest at some expat’s ridiculously lush estate? From the vast botanical garden on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where islands hover on the glistening water and the Alps stand protectively in the distance, you will feel at total peace with the world. The changing light mischievously catches rare species of plant, flower and tree in moods you would not think possible, in supernatural shades. What luck that GianLuca decided to convert the stables in the grounds of his elegant 1900s villa into a large and stylish B&B. Now the WWF-protected acres of rare plants and trees, which he still tends and adds to so passionately, are yours to explore; with lonely benches, pebble beaches and shady patches inviting you to unwind; we defy you to read a book without being distracted by the beauty – or to not swim in the cool waters of the lake the moment you see their enticing ripples. While GianLuca is away, his staff are on hand for breakfasts and conversation. Lunch in the nearby village of Cerro or picnic in the grounds, it’s so big you can stay here all day and not see another soul.
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Essentials
- Swimming pool
- EV charger
- Hot tub
- Garden
- Open fire / woodburner
- Breakfast included
- Breakfast available
- Meals available
- Vegetarian meals
- Oven
- Parking on premises
- Free parking nearby
- Accessible by public transport
- WiFi
- Television
- Spa
- Central heating
- Limited mobility
- Wheelchair access
- Mobile reception
- Hob
- Bar
- Barbecue
- Licensed premises
- Paid parking nearby
- Air conditioning
- Relaxation areas
- Washing machine
- Tennis court
- Microwave oven
- No smoking
- Credit cards
- Working farm
- Owner has pets
- Dishwasher
- Pets welcome
Family friendly
- Baby monitor
- Books and toys
- Children welcome
- Babies welcome
- Stair gates
- High chair
- Fire guard
- Cot available
Nearby
- Pub/bar within 3 miles
- Restaurant within 3 miles
- Shop within 3 miles
Activities
- Bikes available
- Food courses
- Kayaking
- Other courses
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Wild swimming
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Accommodation
Pricing
- Nightly price
- from €150
- Surcharges
- Whole house €3,000 per week.
- 2 Doubles
- €150
- 1 Suite for 2
- From €300
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Information
Booking information
- Closed
- 15 October - 15 April.
- No smoking
- Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
- Owner has pets
- Animals living on the property
- Meals
- Restaurants 1-3km.
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Reviews
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Simply stunning! Amazing lakeside gardens looking across the water into the Alps, a beautfully converted 'fattoria' (farm building) which made for a spacious and comfortable B&B, and a very short walk to the village where the 'kiosk' on the 'beach' served one of the best evening meals we've ever eaten in Italy! Next morning we were on the lake ferry across to the western shore and on into Switzerland - perfect for an en-route break or to explore the western lakes. Definitely 'special', indeed very special.
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This is a lovely place, very well appointed with lovely gardens - but the best thing is the delightful Giulia who prepares a wonderful breakfast and is always smilingly helpful.
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This is an unbelievable place. A barn converted into a lovely B&B in the extensive grounds of a luxury villa on Lake Maggiore. Make sure you walk around the beautiful botanical gardens of the property. They are a sight to behold. Special thanks to Giulia who did everything to make our stay comfortable, despite the unexpected torrential rain that accompanied our brief visit!
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This place is wonderful! A charming house which is tastefully furnished and surrounded by a huge botanic garden. You feel like being in paradise from the moment you arrive. The service is also fantastic! This was our second visit and we will surely come back soon.
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Location
The neighbourhood
Local points of interest from GianLuca Sarto
- Isola Bella, named from Isabella, countess Borromeo, originally a barren rock. Vitaliano Borromeo in 1600 built a princely palace and ten terraces of Italian garden.
- Isola Madre, an impressive botanical garden, English style, home of the largest Kashmir Cypress in Europe. Gianfranco Giustina, master gardener of the Borromeo Islands, was awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by RHS in 2014.
- Villa Taranto gardens were established 1931-1940 by Scotsman Neil McEacharn. Opened to the public since 1952. Strolling through 7km of paths, you will see 20K plant varieties.
- Villa Panza, a FAI property, is a noble home since mid-18th century with gardens "in the English style". Hosts part of the world-famous contemporary Panza art collection, alongside with the Guggenheim museums. Entrance tickets free with Polidora.
- Villa Della Porta Bozzolo is a FAI property. An aristocratic residence since 1800 with an impressive Italian garden. Entrance tickets free with Polidora.
- Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is a 14th century Roman Catholic monastery perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore.
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We have stayed in quite a few very nice Sawday’s properties but La Polidora is the best. Amazing property of about 17 acres incl. 1 km of lakefront shore (with a beautiful beach/swimming area), the owner’s beautiful villa, a range of unusual plants and trees (the deciduous cypress trees growing in the water by the shore are a highlight and look like something out of Star Wars) and comfortable guesthouse with just three rooms. The owners were most friendly and welcoming and Sylvia who ran the guesthouse was excellent and most helpful. We were delighted to spend 5 nights there and will return.