Villas on the Lakes: Orta, Maggiore, Como, Garda

by Elizabeth Helman Minchilli, Simon McBride

The jewel–like lakes of northern Italy—Orta, Maggiore, Como, and Garda—have drawn visitors for thousands of years, and their beauty has been the inspiration for countless artists, musicians, writers, and poets. While visitors still flock to experience the magic of the lakes, there are those who have chosen to sink deeper roots, building dreamlike villas along the water’s edge. In 200 color photographs, Villas on the Lakes beautifully reveals some of the most remarkable of these. From crenellated castles to artists’ abodes, the reader will explore private homes dating from the late Renaissance to the 20th century. A splendid book for travelers, Italophiles, and anyone with a love of architecture and interior design. Elizabeth Helman Minchilli, an American now living in Italy, previously collaborated with photographer Simon McBride in Private Rome, Private Tuscany, and Restoring a Home in Italy.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Clara Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking...This is a book that will transport you to the Italian Villa of your dreams..Here you can peek into 12 lovely homes in picture-perfect settings on the lakes of Orta, Como, Maggiore and Garda. The photographs are beautiful and truly serve to bring out the beauty of the lovely old residences on the Italian Lakes. The paintings and carvings the homes are so lovely they almost seem ethereal. The colors are gentle rather than overpowering, and the furnishings, while ornate, are simply inviting and work to make large rooms seem cozy and inviting. There are also some outdoor photos to set the scene by the lakes. This is a book to enjoy right before bedtime, so you can dream of living in a villa on the lake in Italy!